Companies often outgrow their software as their business expands. This is not a bad thing, it just means that your current IT company is not equipped to handle the scale of your business. Your IT management must have the tools and experience necessary to match your business’s needs in order to maximize profit and success.
System integration is a term with many different meanings. Simply put, it can assist a business in doing more while simultaneously doing less.
In this blog, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of system integration to help you decide what system will work best for your company’s needs.
What is System Integration?
Businesses that want to create an efficient and streamlined operation are always looking to improve their operations. System integration is one of the most popular choices, which is why SMBs are putting a spotlight on this process.
System integration solutions consist of combining different programs or applications into one coherent whole. Such amalgamation allows companies to create a single database that encompasses all essential functionality needed for your business to excel.
This integration of several disparate systems in one environment boosts productivity for any organization. The integration combines several systems and softwares with only one program.
System integration is a cost-effective alternative to custom software development. It works well for smaller-scaled businesses. A software system integration combines multiple software applications from different vendors into a single program.
System integration has many benefits for SMBs. However, it also has some disadvantages. Therefore, businesses should carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding which system to use.
Advantages of System Integration
System integration is becoming one of the best solutions for any SMB. It reduces the workload and brings all of the essential applications to one place. Here are some of the top reasons why many SMBs are choosing to integrate their applications.
System Integration Saves Time:
System integration brings different programs together to function smoothly without interfering or demanding identical actions from the users. IT system integration is an excellent alternative to custom software development for companies without the time or budget to hire developers.
System Integration Saves Cost:
Integration serves as a perfect alternative to custom software development. If a small business finds it difficult to hire developers, it can opt for system integration services.
System integration eliminates the need for hiring different developers for different projects. Businesses can save a lot of money by opting for IT system integration.
An integration project is usually less expensive than a custom software project. The developer can reuse existing codes and automated test tools, which help to reduce the number of bugs and errors.
System Integration Decreases Errors:
Integrated systems are much more efficient than using non integrative systems. This is because they can automate manual operations, which gives employees more time to work on higher-value projects.
Integrated systems also decrease the risk of human error. Companies using integrated systems are less likely to face system crashes and data loss, thus reducing the probability of errors.
System Integration Increases Productivity:
System Integration makes it possible to access programs and files from all your devices. You no longer need to use a variety of different programs. Your employees no longer have to waste time transitioning between multiple applications. The ease of use helps to maximize productivity in the workplace.
What are the Disadvantages of System Integration?
As much as we like to think that system integration services are a perfect solution for any business, there are a few drawbacks.
Security Issues:
The integrated system has separate databases, applications, maintenance, operating systems, and a particular set of security rules. Even though you might consider all these programs to be a part of one single-system, they are actually quite different.
So, if your computer develops a glitch or a virus infects it in a standalone system, it’s limited only to your system. If all the programs on your computer are integrated, any glitches or viruses can affect everything.
Upgrades Take a Long Time:
If your business uses several integrated systems, upgrading can be a lengthy process. You have to wait while each module updates. You also have to maintain separate patches for programs, upgrade them separately and test them individually. The more space they take up, the more time and work it takes to upgrade.
Initial Costs Can be High:
The amount of money needed to integrate and upgrade the company’s systems depends on several factors. These include the size and complexity of the business, the number of programs needing to be integrated, and the support requirements for each program. Companies also need to consider the costs of switching programs after integration.
The initial cost of the IT system integration services can be considerably higher than your average working monthly costs.
Choosing the Right System Integration Partner
Even though system integration has some disadvantages, the right partner will help you to avoid issues at all costs.
Many SMBs lack the capabilities in-house to integrate complex applications. As a result, SMBs must rely on third parties who provide system integration services.
When working with an IT consulting company for system integration, make sure that your system integration expert is following these crucial steps:
- Taking the time to understand the critical needs of your integration
- Evaluate the deployment approaches for different types of applications
- Develop an integration strategy based on the application portfolio
- Develop a set of best practices for integration
- Evaluate integration partners for security, security integration, and integration support
Make sure to ask questions about their integration practices, security protocols, and concerns to educate yourself on the process.
At Layer One Networks, we help our clients integrate their IT systems securely and seamlessly. We have customized packages tailored to fit your business needs and budget. If you have any questions about system integration, please feel free to reach out to our team today at (361)-653-6800.