5 Questions To Ask About Software Integrations

Software integrations enable you to seamlessly connect multiple related (but independently run) applications to expedite your business processes.

The most popular methods of software integration include APIs (application programming interface), which connect computer programs, and iPaaS (integration platform as a service), which connect on-site and cloud-based applications.

One of the biggest challenges software buyers face involves identifying and selecting the best integrations for their specific needs. Poorly chosen integrations can result in data loss, security breaches, and system downtime, ultimately resulting in costly organizational losses.

Asking a few critical questions can help you determine the best software integrations for your company’s resource planning systems and realize the benefits of an optimally integrated system, such as seamless data flow, reduced error/downtime, and optimized data accessibility.

Cybersecurity remains a priority in the modern digital world. Since integrated systems include multiple applications, a single account breach could jeopardize your entire organizational network. It's essential to check that your software provider’s integrations fulfill the latest security standards.

According to industry reports, cybercrime might cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 [1]. Malicious parties have become increasingly resourceful and sophisticated in their cyberattacks, resulting in more system breaches.

Some practical ways of optimizing integration security include using SSL encryption to safeguard valuable data and applying continuous testing software that frequently assesses integration functionality. Continuous integration testing protects code integrity [2] by performing checks multiple times per day.

Software companies may select the most suitable SSL certificates according to the number of domains covered, the reputation of the certificate authority, and additional security elements included with the certification. It's important to check the details of your integration's SSL certification to ensure they fulfill quality standards.

You can optimize continuous integration testing by implementing a detailed strategy that combines manual and automatic processes throughout delivery. Modularizing tests can help you organize and streamline integration management by zooming in to individual functionality and rearranging them based on different workflows.

Real-time integration processes may bring complex challenges for legacy organizational structures unprepared for their dynamic functionalities. It's essential to assess your current system infrastructures to decide if real-time features are necessary for improving your operations.

A system that runs with poor data quality might require additional time and resources to support a real-time environment.

Your system might need real-time software integration for operations that rely on constantly updated accurate information, such as eCommerce customer service management and managing organizational critical data (aka crown jewel data).

The cost of software integrations varies depending on functions and capabilities. Basic integrations may offer simple plug-ins that support social media management, while advanced add-ons may include specialized industry-specific APIs that fulfill a specific purpose, such as scheduling and submitting K-1s for real estate investors.

Typically, the cost of software integration increases according to the complexity of the integration and the number of functions it provides.

Developing software integration solutions from scratch can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so many organizations turn to pre-built solutions that they can easily apply to their existing infrastructure at a more affordable rate.

Industry studies show that 65% of organizations will focus on software integrations by 2024 [3] as a part of their strategic investments.

Software integrations that offer responsive user support facilitate a smooth and productive process right from the onboarding stage. Software developers may provide technical assistance, including instant messaging, chatbots, and conventional user ticketing.

Integrations that offer real-time support can significantly reduce your system downtime while offering accurate solutions with immediate and contextual/personalized responses.

While complete software integration could increase your organization's productivity, the cost and effort of integrating every program your business uses might prove problematic and counterintuitive from a business perspective.

For best results, consider the ROI and priorities of each software and platform.

Focusing on your most frequently used software will minimize integration costs while streamlining and expediting a bulk of your business operations.

Additionally, it could prove advantageous to check if vendors have built-in integrations that make it faster and easier to unify under an infrastructure. Creating separate bespoke integrations for incompatible software may incur significant expenses and result in system delays and disruptions.

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