Integration Tips
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9 MIN READ
Let’s start with a solid base of what is data integration:
Data integration connects disparate applications together, allowing for consistent automated movement and delivery of data to create business processes across a wide range of applications.
Data integration plays an important role in the world of ecommerce because it provides users with real-time outlook of business performance and transforms data into valuable, usable information by combining it from different sources.
Overall, data integration benefits your business, but it isn’t the only ingredient for success. It’s also important to adopt a strategy and approach. Let’s discuss the 5 approaches of data integration, as well as the ins and outs of each approach.
Contrary to my initial beliefs, there’s not just one approach to data integration (or automated movement of data between applications). In fact, there are several approaches to data integration. Each one is unique and meets different businesses’ needs. In this blog, we will take a look at 5 common data integration approaches:
We compare each integration method by including pros and cons for each to understand how each approach is useful in its own way.
Manual data entry is plain and simple. The manual data entry approach involves a person sitting at a keyboard and manually transcribing information from a form or document. The pros and cons of this approach include:
Plug and play integration is like an app. Either a stand-alone download that you can manually configure or an extension of an application you already use into other common applications. You cannot change parameters or mold it to fit your exact needs, it is not flexible. In general, these solutions are one-size-fits-all and are low end in their functionality. The pros and cons of this approach include:
The Do It Yourself solution involves hardcoded integrations. Every change or new integration would have to be manually hardcoded for each project every time. Making this solution structurally rigid. Pros and cons of this approach include:
Manual file download and upload is similar to the idea of Dropbox — it's almost like a digital version of manual data entry. An individual is responsible for the manual downloading and uploading of files between applications to feign an automatic transfer of data. Pros and cons of this approach include:
Like VL by eHouse’s integration platform, iPaaS solutions have the unique ability to modify and clone real-time integrations as your business evolves without having to hit ‘pause’ on normal operations. If a new channel, trading partner, or application is added to the integration system, these integrations can also be duplicated from existing workflows, meaning less time and money to get new connections up and running.
iPaaS solutions like VL by eHouse tend to serve businesses with complexity and a growing number of transactions and/or sales volumes.
iPaaS solutions are how the biggest names in eCommerce are able to keep up with their own growth while meeting complex objectives like creating a great customer experience from start to finish.
In contrast to the DIY approach, iPaaS integration promotes agility, flexibility, and efficiency. Plus, the iPaaS integration approach is well-suited for businesses that are growing but do not have their own internal IT team to maintain hardcoded integrations. This solution is the cream of the crop for growing SMB to enterprise-level businesses with some complexity in their channel mix, applications, trading partners, and/or sales/transaction volumes.
Here is an overview of this approach:
Just like everything else in the modern world of commerce, integration strategies are changing tremendously! Traditionally, integration strategies have been a technical function from point A to point B, sort of like an extension cord. Now, people are starting to see the value of the use of data holistically within their organization. Data integration has become more strategic as more companies are moving data through a variety of applications and putting it to various targeted uses to achieve goals. A strategy and the right integration approach go hand in hand when considering the right data integration approach for your business. Just like before you start your car, you need to know your route and your ultimate destination.
Data integration is complex and technical. No matter your expertise level, there are common challenges involved in a strategic data integration strategy. Even when companies know that data integration is the missing puzzle piece of their business, they can often be hindered by several challenges:
Not knowing where to start in terms of what data can be automated. This is why it is essential to keep strategy top of mind. At VL by eHouse, we understand how confusing data integration at the iPaaS level can be. This is why we work with you to optimize your strategies and workflows. Global multi channel brands have trusted our 30+ years of data movement expertise.
Depending on the approach you select, it can be difficult to sustain your current data integration method when there are changes and pivots on business demands. VL by eHouse knows this all too well, but our platform is capable of moving data seamlessly through its infrastructure no matter the volume or velocity of data transactions. The velocity and intersection between data generation and data movement are where our strategic planning and consultative element shine.
Once the integration is implemented, don’t get too comfortable —the race is not over yet! With VL by eHouse, our team stays on top of managing your Integration Connectors. In the long run, having iPaaS integration benefits your business as you will never fall behind industry standards. We take our own advice and stay on the cutting edge of all things commerce to predict what our customers will need next.
Although strategic data integration can be a complex and overwhelming project, the benefits still outweigh the few bumps in the road. These pain points can be managed with a bit of foresight.
With the help of VL by eHouse, we can make it simple to manage multiple trading partners, marketplaces, and applications without either your team or ours breaking a sweat. Most importantly, you can grow your business without worrying about accessibility or loss of critical information. Additionally, robust data integration helps streamline your operations, including:
Data integration connects different applications together into a unified view.
Your approach to automating your data movement is a strategic initiative that can either foster growth or constrain your business over time.
The advantages of using data integration are endless along with the right strategic approach.
Ultimately, an iPaaS approach such as VL by eHouse emerges as the optimal solution for burgeoning businesses seeking flexibility, agility, scalability, and increased profitability. The key to successful data integration lies in crafting a clear strategy tailored to one’s goals before diving into any implementation.
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