IT Business Insider - Home

Secrets to Successful Software Integration (continued)

Increased Connections, Enhanced Performance
Integrating software can improve business performance in several ways. Probably the clearest benefit of software integration is the reduction of manual processes -- from the time savings in reducing the amount of data entry to the minimization of human errors.

Equally important, says Pat Backen, a software engineer at SPS Commerce, is the ability to leverage separate application strengths. "Every application has its plusses and minuses, but with integration methods, companies can fully capitalize on the strengths of each application while minimizing the downside.''
Business intelligence also increases when integrating data from separate data sources and applications. An overall view of the business can be developed to allow for better data mining and reporting; the resulting synthesis can be used to improve performance by delivering actionable information that was not available from either independent system before integration.

However, some of the most striking results SPS witnessed as a result of its own systems integration have been in increased levels of customer satisfaction. "Manual data entry had the potential to be a clog in the pipeline," Backen says. "By automating this process, we have greatly reduced the time it takes for our customers to be up and running. This is a win-win-win: happy customers, happy salespeople, happy management."

The bottom line: Before undertaking a systems integration project, address the crucial components: the enabling technology; the underlying architecture, the tools and the governance. Make sure there is a policy covering the scope and priority of requests about the data to be shared among the different business units. Last but not least, train employees to make the most of the integrated data. That's the ultimate key to improved results.

<< Previous Page

Next Feature IT Survival Skills >>