What is Systems Integration and what are the Main approaches to Successful Systems Integration?

What is System Integration?

System integration is the process that allows for the connection of different computer systems and devices so that they can share data and operate cohesively. In other words, system integration is the linking of separate parts into a cohesive system. This can be done in a variety of ways, but typically it is done by integrating the different systems’ software and databases

One common example of system integration is the linking of an organisation’s email system with its customer relationship management (CRM) system. This allows employees to quickly and easily access customer information from their email inboxes. It also allows for a more seamless customer experience, as data can be shared between the two systems more easily.

If you’re considering system integration for your organisation, it’s important to partner with a reputable and experienced provider. We have over 10 years of experience helping organisations successfully implement system integration projects so we can help you assess your needs and objectives, select / develop the right systems and software, and manage the project from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our system integration services.

Methods and approaches to systems integration

Here are the main approaches to successful systems integration. When it comes to system integration, there are several different methods and approaches that can be used to achieve success. Some of the most common approaches include the following:

1. Integrating systems software

One of the most common ways to integrate different systems is by integrating their software. This can be done by installing the same software on all of the systems that need to be integrated, or by using software that can connect to multiple systems. Either way, this approach allows for the sharing of data between the different systems.
2. Integrating systems databases

Another common way to integrate systems is by integrating their databases. This can be done by setting up a shared database that all of the systems can access, or by using a database management system that can connect to multiple databases. Either way, this approach allows for the sharing of data between the different systems.

3. Integrating systems hardware

Another way to integrate different systems is by integrating their hardware. This can be done by using the same type of hardware for all of the systems that need to be integrated, or by using special adapters that allow different types of hardware to be connected. Either way, this approach allows for the sharing of data between the different systems.

4. Integrating systems processes

One final way to integrate different systems is by integrating their processes. This can be done by designing processes that work with multiple systems, or by redesigning existing processes to work with multiple systems. Either way, this approach allows for the sharing of data between the different systems.

Benefits of system integration

System integration can offer a number of benefits to organisations, including:

1.Improved efficiency

One of the main benefits of system integration is that it can improve efficiency by allowing different systems to share data and work together more seamlessly. This can lead to faster and more accurate decision-making, as well as improved communication between employees.

2. Reduced costs

Another benefit of system integration is that it can help to reduce costs. This is because integrating different systems can often eliminate the need for duplicate software, hardware, and other resources. In addition, system integration can also automate tasks that would otherwise need to be done manually, which can further reduce costs.

3. Increased competitiveness

Finally, system integration can also help to increase an organisation’s competitiveness. This is because integrating different systems can give organisations a competitive edge by allowing them to make better use of their resources and information. In addition, system integration can also allow organisations to develop new products and services more quickly and easily.

System integration can be a complex and costly process, but it can offer significant benefits to organisations that implement it properly. By integrating different systems, organisations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness. If you’re considering system integration for your organisation, it’s important to partner with a reputable and experienced provider. We have over 10 years of experience helping organisations successfully implement system integration projects so we are well-placed to help your business too – contact Leeds Software Development.

4 Types of System Integration methods

As mentioned, there are four main types of system integration methods:

1. Integration by installation

The first type of system integration method is integration by installation. This involves installing the same software on all of the systems that need to be integrated. This is the most common type of system integration, and it allows for the sharing of data between the different systems.

2. Integration by database

The second type of system integration method is integration by database. This involves setting up a shared database that all of the systems can access. This is a less common type of system integration, but it can be useful for organisations that have a lot of data that needs to be shared between different systems.

3. Integration by hardware

The third type of system integration method is integration by hardware. This involves using the same type of hardware for all of the systems that need to be integrated. This is less common than integration by software, but it can be useful for organisations that need to share data between different types of hardware.

4. Integration by process

The fourth type of system integration method is integration by process. This involves designing processes that work with multiple systems, or redesigning existing processes to work with multiple systems. This is the least common type of system integration, but it can be useful for organisations that need to share data between different types of processes.

5 System Integration Tools

There are a number of different system integration tools available, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common system integration tools are:

1. ETL tools

ETL (extract, transform, load) tools are designed to extract data from one system, transform it into a format that can be used by another system, and then load it into the second system. ETL tools are very powerful and can be used to integrate a wide variety of different systems.

2. Message brokers

Message brokers are designed to send messages between different systems. Message brokers can be used to integrate a wide variety of different systems.

3. API management tools

API (Application Programming Interface) management tools are designed to manage the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow different systems to communicate with each other. API management tools are very important for system integration, as they allow different systems to share data and functionality.

4. Data integration platforms

Data integration platforms are designed to provide a single platform for integrating different systems. Data integration platforms can be used to integrate a wide variety of different systems.

5. Business process management platforms

Business process management (BPM) platforms are designed to provide a single platform for managing the business processes that span systems. BPM platforms can be used to integrate a wide variety of different systems.
We can help you with selecting and using the right systems integration approach and tools for your particular context and we can also leverage our bespoke systems integration and data transformation software development skills to assist you – contact Leeds Software Development today to learn more.