Methods, Types, Pros and Cons of System Integration

The Role of System Integration

Businesses that aim to enable data sharing between their existing software have to consider different types of system integration methods. Every system is programmed with different coding, you can implement the best integration technologies, however without human expertise, it won’t bring you many benefits.

Instead of implementing the integration project on your own, you can approach a system integrator that will provide you with bridge scattered computer subsystems and ensures they function in accordance with one another. System integrators are usually responsible for planning, regulating, testing, and maintaining computer operations.

The purposes of system integration are to decrease labor time and costs, increase productivity, simplify data transfer between departments, and process raw data.

Main System Integration Methods

System integration is essential for ensuring that all parts of a system work seamlessly together to achieve the intended functionality. There are several main system integration methods, each with its own advantages and challenges:

Point-to-point integration

Point-to-point integration is constrained in the range of functions it can perform collectively, despite the systems operating as a unified whole. Generally, these integration forms address individual business functions sequentially and are well-suited for a one-to-one relationship, where one system connects directly to another.

As the number of systems involved increases, the multitude of connections escalates rapidly, rendering point-to-point systems integration challenging to manage effectively. The complexity grows exponentially with each added system, making this integration method less scalable and more prone to operational difficulties.

Vertical integration

While this integration is relatively simple and involves a limited number of systems, it tends to be inflexible. Introducing new functionality necessitates the addition of a distinct ‘silo,’ leading to long-term management challenges.

Vertical integration involves the integration of subsystems or components at different levels of the technology stack. Each sub-system links to others based on their close functional relationships, resulting in a ‘silo’ structure. The hierarchy descends from basic to progressively complex functions.

Star integration

In star integration, all subsystems are connected to a central hub or component, which acts as a mediator for communication and data flow. The greater the number of interconnected subsystems, the more points on the star, resulting in a corresponding increase in the connecting lines.

More often than not, the actual depiction of the system integration resembles a tangled mass of connections, earning the nickname “spaghetti integration.” In essence, what initially appears as a well-organized IT infrastructure can quickly devolve into a convoluted and challenging-to-map system when an organization adopts star integration.

While this method offers enhanced functionality compared to individual point-to-point connections, the management of these integrations becomes notably demanding.

Horizontal integration

Horizontal integration involves the combination of subsystems or components at the same level of the system architecture. This method reduces the number of direct connections between subsystems, with the intermediary layer commonly known as an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).

In this method, if there are five subsystems, only five connections are required, and the same principle applies with ten subsystems. The primary advantage lies in the minimized number of connections needed for system functionality, leading to savings in time, effort, and costs during system development.

Common data format integration

Common data format integration focuses on standardizing the data format used by different subsystems to facilitate smooth communication within a system. Unlike other integration methods that involve physical connections or centralized hubs, common data format integration aims to establish a uniform language for data exchange.

In terms of common data format integration, interoperability is a key advantage, ensuring that data can be easily shared and understood across various subsystems with different functionalities. By adopting a standardized data format, the need for complex data transformations during integration is minimized.

To further support the seamless transfer and integration of data, you can implement technologies like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Managed File Transfer (MFT), and application connectors – they enhance the reliability and efficiency of data movement across different parts of the integrated system.

Main Ways to Connect System Integration

To fully satisfy their business requirements, some companies implement more than one type of software. Here is a list of well-known system integration methodologies.

• Enterprise resource planning or ERP is an application that can access every aspect of your core company functions.
• Customer relationship management or CRM has sales records and all the customer information merged into one.
• Middleware is the software layer that combines applications, services, distributed systems, and devices. It can be accessed via APIs. An API gateway is a type of middleware between a collection of services and systems using them. Also, it handles various tasks like data management, messaging, API management, or authentication.
• Application programming interfaces offer a clear way to connect two systems. Being between applications and web services enables the transmission of functionality and data in a standardized format. Most online service providers (e.g. social media or travel platforms) develop external APIs so that clients can easily link to their products.
• Electronic data interchange or EDI enables the exchange of business data in a standard electronic format instead of paper documents.
• Point-to-point connection integration connects one system to another for them to function together. Many cloud-based applications offer this method as productized integration modules for most IT systems.

Steps to take to implement system integration

If the company wants to gain full transparency of its business operations, return its investments and conduct effective integration, there are a few steps to take.

Planning

The integration process starts with a strategy. Evaluate your current software, and its tech specifications, and describe integration requirements and all possible risks that may occur.

Architecture modeling

This phase establishes the integration model, methods, and the process itself. It includes creating a custom architecture to meet integration requirements and designing and planning how systems will communicate with other extensive systems.

Implementation

The implementation stage means developing and launching the integration system. Once the integration is complete, the systems are verified and tested for bugs and errors. If any are detected they are fixed.

Maintenance

To make sure that everything is functioning flawlessly, modules don’t lose any data during transmission and seamlessly interact with each other, and the integrated system is being tested and maintained.

Types of System Integrations

There are different types of system integration processes available. Each of them has a different purpose. We’ve highlighted a few of them, so let’s proceed.

Webhooks

Webhooks are event-based, which requires programming modules within each subsystem that are triggered by third-party services. Management is only alerted when a specific event occurs, or change is made. It enables access to real-time data at any time. And since information is updated whenever an event happens, you don’t need to schedule data collection times within the integrator.

Application programming interface

There are a couple of API subcategories (public, private, and partners) that utilize application integration. By establishing these interconnections using common code language, systems transmit data seamlessly throughout solutions. The API method can handle most data variations and it is available for almost every integration project.

ISC

By living on a server to connect with local management tools, Integration Services Components allow the system integrator to access data without importing large files ISC’s functionality can connect and integrate systems if the business has access to data within the web service.

Orchestration

This method consolidates repeated processes to enhance production and information flow. Orchestrations manage several solutions and allow users to manage all involved systems simultaneously.

Data format integration

This type of integration can be implemented by creating a new data language. It helps eliminate the need to have more than one adapter within a system for every subsystem. The advantage of this type of integration is that all subsystems operate independently and communicate seamlessly.

What Pros and Cons Can Arise When Using These Integration Systems?

Now let’s talk about the advantages of system integration methods.

Enhanced productivity

One of the benefits of system integration methods is the functionality they offer: efficient daily operations, internal and external communication, communication with subcontractors, placing purchase orders, and satisfying customer requests in the most productive and efficient way.

Automation

It takes a lot of time and effort to manage the supply chain manually. An integration system can automate this process and cut down on the likelihood of human errors and time spent on data formatting. This allows employees to spend more time on core business operations.

Data management

Without a system integrator, companies can spend an extended amount of time running analyses on solutions manually instead of relying on software that has to enhance operational functions within a company. An integrated information system lets users examine software through a common data format, giving management a more precise perspective of the overall performance.

Cost efficiency

Among other pros of system integration methods is the elimination of the need for repetitive tasks. Thus the core operations are not only performed more efficiently using the same resources. It saves you from spending unnecessary costs.

Customer satisfaction

Working with numerous systems and programs takes lots of time. As system integration allows you to reduce the time you spend on providing services, it leads to better client satisfaction.

There are also some challenges and cons of system integration methods. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• Given the number of system integration tools available on the market, choosing one can be a challenge for some organizations.
• The process of integrating different systems is time-consuming and requires expertise.

And also:

High expense

System integration is a costly affair for many businesses as it requires a large investment. However, it will you lots of benefits and an opportunity to save money on maintenance.

Security

As system integration handles a great amount of data, there is a risk of leakage of vital information. Thus, comprehensive security measures must be put in place during software development.

Complex upgrading

When it comes to upgrading the system, it can be a challenge for software development engineers. This process is complex as integration doesn’t turn several programs into one instead they still need to be upgraded separately.

Check how to take advantage of our data science services

Final Thoughts

There are different system integration types and methods types available on the market. Each of them aims to satisfy unique business needs: to improve data sharing, upgrade internal communication, etc. Contact our experts to choose the best-fit approach with our it system integration services.