In the digitalized business landscape, systems integration plays a fundamental role in increasing the operational efficiency of companies. Transcending the mere connectivity of heterogeneous systems, optimizing processes and improving the management and use of data, is a strategic necessity for companies that aim to prosper in the current competitive scenario.
The synergy created by systems integration optimizes the various elements of a company’s IT infrastructure, triggering improvements in efficiency and productivity. By unifying data and processes, organizations enjoy a comprehensive view of their operations, enabling faster and more assertive strategic decision-making.
However, It is still natural for doubts to arise on the subject, so we have prepared this article to help you. Check it out!
What is systems integration?
Systems integration is the process of connecting and unifying disparate digital solutions, enabling different systems to work together, eliminating information silos and optimizing workflow.
This practice is essential for companies that want a unified view of their data and operations, enabling better decision-making, greater operational efficiency and increased competitiveness in the market.
Through systems integration, it is possible to connect a CRM solution to a marketing automation platform, for example. With the automatic transfer of data between sales and marketing, this interconnection facilitates collaboration between teams, providing a unified view of customers and improving the effectiveness of commercial strategies.
In other words, systems integration can be a strategic tool for companies to succeed in the digital age. By connecting and unifying their systems, companies are able to optimize their processes, increase their productivity and stand out from the competition.
The advantages of systems integration
Considering the characteristics described above, it is interesting to note some advantages of systems integration. Therefore, we detail the most relevant ones below.
1. Reduction of redundancies and costs
Systems integration eliminates redundancies, ensuring data consistency and avoiding rework. This reduces costs and increases data reliability, providing a solid basis for decision-making.
Example: A retail company can integrate its sales system with its inventory system to avoid duplication of information and ensure that product data is constantly updated.
2. Process automation and increased productivity
By automating processes, systems integration reduces the need for manual intervention, increasing productivity and freeing up human resources for more strategic activities.
Example: A factory can integrate its production system with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to automate the process of purchasing orders and receiving materials.
3. Access to accurate real-time data and insights for better decisions
Integration enables access to accurate data in real time, providing information to make faster and more assertive decisions..
Example: A financial institution can integrate its CRM system with its data analytics system to gain a complete view of its customers and identify cross-selling and up-selling opportunities.
4. Rapid adaptation to market changes and greater competitiveness
Systems integration increases the company's flexibility and allows it to adapt quickly to changes in the market., proporcionando uma vantagem competitiva.
Example: Uma empresa de telecomunicações pode integrar seu sistema de atendimento ao cliente com seu sistema de marketing para oferecer uma experiência personalizada aos seus clientes e aumentar a fidelidade.
Conheça os diferentes tipos de integração de sistemas
A integração de sistemas é um processo essencial para otimizar as operações e aumentar a competitividade das empresas. No entanto, escolher o tipo de integração ideal pode ser um desafio.
Below, we will introduce the three main types of systems integration: electronic data exchange, database integration, and API.
Electronic data exchange
This approach is more complex, as it requires specialized software to translate data between different systems. In general, the solution allows a platform to capture information from multiple tools and export it to a unified system, ensuring standardization and a seamless workflow.
This type of integration is ideal for companies that need to exchange large volumes of structured data with business partners, such as suppliers, carriers and financial institutions.
Database integration
Another option is database integration, in which the company shares a single database between different systems, using a data extraction platform. However, it is essential to maintain information security as a constant concern, in order to avoid leaks and updates that may generate inconsistencies in the data.
Companies that wish to integrate their internal systems that are already stored in different databases obtain many advantages when using this type of systems integration.
API
This is a solution widely adopted by companies. Modern, efficient and easy to use, the API works as a bridge that connects systems, transmitting data in an encrypted, secure and agile way.
It is an ideal alternative for companies that want to integrate their systems with other systems, such as third-party applications, e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
But after all, how do you integrate systems in your company?
Successfully implementing systems integration requires a structured and thoughtful approach. Consider the following implementation steps.
Previous analysis
- Understand the functionality, data structure, and communication requirements of your systems.
- Identify the systems that will be integrated and the information that will be shared.
Careful planning
- Determine the types of integration that are most appropriate for your systems.
- Develop a detailed integration plan, including timeline, budget, and required resources.
Carry out gradual implementation
- Implement integration gradually to minimize impacts on your operational processes.
- Start with less critical integrations and progress to more complex systems as your team gains experience.
Monitor continuously
- Continuously monitor integration to ensure systems operate efficiently and without interruption.
- Identify and correct problems promptly to avoid negative impacts on your business.
The importance of the right solutions
In the current market, there are several solutions to facilitate the integration of systems in companies. One of the most prominent platforms in this scenario is OUTSystems, which, despite not being an integration tool in itself, stands out for speeding up the development of applications integrated with demanding systems, including SAP through Low Code. The platform offers advanced mobile capabilities and enables flexible deployment choices, both in the cloud and on-premise.
It is essential to highlight that, to ensure efficient integration, it is necessary to have a good integration architecture. OUTSystems can be used in this context, allowing integration with legacy systems, such as SAP, through native components or UiPath RPA.
Furthermore, as an integration management platform, it is important to mention Red Hat, which is recognized as the largest open source platform in this segment. Red Hat offers robust solutions for integration, highlighting best practices, such as the use of microservices.
Another relevant point to be addressed is the profile of the professionals involved in integration projects. To ensure the success of these projects, it is essential to have specialists in solution architecture, integration, integrative development, systems analyst, among others.
As we can see, systems integration is an investment that can bring many benefits to your company. By following the steps in this guide and choosing the right solutions, you will be able to carry out the integration effectively and achieve success.
And you, what did you think of our content? If you want to better understand how to promote this integration in your company, also check out our article on how to simplify and organize this process!
