In every business, as the company expands, many tools, both software and hardware, are used as a solution system. These systems are not alike. Hence these disjoint systems can’t share data and work with each other. Hence there is a need for system integrators that acts as a bridge between two disjoint systems.
For example, let’s consider human communication patterns – Suppose two people speak two different languages, and there’s a need for an intermediate who understands both languages and translates to the other person.
Such a mediator is called a system integrator in an integration system. To understand every solution’s language, input data and processing level and communicate data to the other computer solution, a system integration process is necessary.
When is a system integration needed?
Joining two different infrastructure and making an IT system work, system integration gives us the following advantages:
- The entry point is single, and hence it is easy to increase productivity and efficiency
- Workflow is improved due to centralized control
- Data in the system is more accurate due to complete integration
- Required insights can be obtained fast, so decision-making is also faster.
- System integration is also cost-efficient
Types of System Integrations for different Business Models
1. Legacy system integration
Here, modern applications are integrated with existing applications. A power plant’s hardware system designed a decade ago may communicate with a computer that runs on a recently updated version of Windows is a good example of Legacy system integration.
2. EAI
Different systems that are working under a single environment are integrated. For example, when a new employee joins a firm, their details are collected for the payroll in the HR department, in one’s own department, and other related company information, as well as some real-world examples.
3. Third-party system integration
Without disturbing the existing functionalities, a new module is expanded to the current system as an added option. When an app like Uber, which gives car rides, has tracking facilities, it uses google maps which is possible only through a third-party system integration system.
4. Business to Business integration
Integration between various businesses, customers, suppliers and partners happens in the Business to Business integration model. A raw material manufacturer who has a dependency on another manufacturer or vendor to run the business shows B2B integration.
Types of System Connection
API
APIs establish connections between web services and applications and transfer data in a standard way. Most web services provide external APIs so that other products can be integrated easily.
Middleware
Middleware is hidden software that helps in authentication, management of data, APIs etc. API middleware can be considered as an example.
Webhooks
Webhooks send HTTP callbacks from one system to another as a symbol of a transaction happening between these systems. A notification after an online banking transaction is done, a real-time messaging example for webhooks
VAN
Electronic Data Interchange is where business information in the paper is replaced by standard electronic format. There are various mediums to do these exchanges. It can be made through VAN or as a direct exchange.
The key steps in an integration system are planning and feasibility analysis, architecture modeling, implementation and maintenance. In order to gain a return on investment soon, enterprise and service systems must be using a reliable and efficient system integrator that follows the above order.
