What is system integration?
System integration is the process of linking together different IT systems, services, software applications and hardware to enable them to work functionally together as one cohesive infrastructure to improve the productivity and the quality of their operations.
The decision not to integrate IT systems may be driven by a combination of factors, including a lack of understanding of the benefits, technical and resource constraints or the complexity of the integration process.
System integration is likely to become the make or break initiative for companies. With companies adopting new applications, adding additional off-the-shelf business applications and managing & maintaining home grown applications - many companies find they lack the technical skills or time to integrate the disparate systems.
9 Pain Points Companies Without Integrated Systems Face:
- Inefficient processes - without integration, processes are likely to be manual, time-consuming, repetitive processes and prone to errors leading to reduced efficiency and productivity
- Data inconsistencies - with multiple systems in place, data may not be consistent or up-to-date, leading to errors and poor decision-making - negatively impacting the business
- Duplicate data entry - teams may need to enter data multiple times in different systems, leading to errors and a waste of time and resources required to reconcile data from disparate systems
- Lack of real-time visibility - without integration, teams may not have access to real-time data, making it difficult to make informed decisions
- Difficulty in scaling - as the business grows, the lack of integration can make it difficult to scale systems and automate processes effectively. This can lead to difficulty in sharing data and information across departments and teams
- Inability to drive innovation - without integration, it may be difficult to drive innovation and take advantage of new technologies
- Inefficient communication - teams may struggle to communicate and collaborate effectively without integrated systems in place
- Increased costs - the lack of integration can increase costs, including IT support costs, manual labor costs, and costs associated with fixing errors and data inconsistencies
- Poor customer experience - without integrated systems, customer experiences may suffer due to slow response times, errors and poor data quality - impacting the overall reputation of the business.
It is understandable to feel overwhelmed or stressed when thinking about system integration, especially if it involves complex and critical systems. However, it is important to remember that system integration is a common and necessary process in today's digital landscape.
Here are a few tips to help alleviate stress when it comes to system integration:
- Plan ahead - start by creating a clear plan that outlines the goals and objectives of the integration project, as well as the resources needed and timelines. This will help ensure that the project stays on track and that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities
- Communicate effectively - good communication is essential for successful system integration. Make sure that everyone involved in the project is aware of what is happening, and provide regular updates on progress and any changes to the plan
- Test thoroughly - before deploying any integrated system, it is important to test thoroughly to identify and resolve any issues. This will help ensure that the system works as intended and that there are no unexpected problems after deployment
- Seek help when needed - system integration can be complex, and it is okay to seek help when needed. Consider working with an experienced system integrator or consulting with experts in the field to ensure that the project is completed successfully
Remember that system integration is a common process that many organizations go through. By planning ahead, communicating effectively, testing thoroughly, and seeking help when needed, you can help ensure a successful integration project and reduce stress along the way.
Not sure where to start with integrating your systems - no problem we have done this many times before for very satisfied clients. Give us a shout at Poeta Digital - it will be the best thing you have done today.
