4 Types of System Integration: Their Advantages and Drawbacks

Businesses looking to implement data sharing between their current systems should think about the many forms of system integration and how they may be optimized.

System Integration is the process of sharing data between various subsystems automatically using the software. Because each system uses different programming languages, an integrator functions as a go-between, behind the scenes translating data from one program to another.

Without this solution, employees would have to manually enter the information, which is more susceptible to mistakes and costs the business additional time and resources.

Many types of software integration employ various infrastructures to fulfill a company’s demands. Some solutions transmit data between distinct subsystems, while others construct a secure database via an interconnected network. As a result, businesses must understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system integration approach in order to choose which one best fits their needs.

Pros and Cons of System Integration

Many benefits and drawbacks come with implementing an integration system, including the following:

Benefits

• Increased Productivity – The most significant advantage of data integration is how it improves operational efficiency and productivity. From contacting vendors and placing purchase orders to delivering customer demands, internal and external communication is critical to a company’s success. Managing the supply chain manually entails a great deal of time and effort from a large staff. An integration solution, on the other hand, reduces human errors and data formatting time by using automated translation and transfer. Employees may spend their time more productively elsewhere in the business by utilizing this tool.
• Data Management that Is Optimized – Businesses use software to improve operational activities. However, the company spends a lot of time conducting analyses on each solution individually since there is no system integrator. Users can cross-examine all programs through a common data format, giving management a better view of their overall performance, thanks to an integrated information system.
• Reduced Costs – By integrating data generation into the production process, a system may reduce labor expenses by automatically handling data generation that would otherwise require additional work.
• Better Customer Experience – The need to navigate through multiple procedures is reduced by an integrated information system, which eliminates the necessity to go through many hoops.

Cons

• Increased Security Risks – All business data must be integrated into the system because it is handled by the overall structure. Hackers may obtain access to critical knowledge if security measures are not implemented during software construction.
• Complex Systems – Although a system integrator combines all of the applications, they must be upgraded separately. This may take time and several IT professionals to complete.
• High Initial Setup Cost – Although companies may save money on maintenance through integration, they must invest in each program, which might become costly.

System Integration Methods: What They Are, and How to Use Them

Another consideration for managers is the many types of system integration processes accessible, as each of them has a distinct goal. The four primary sorts of system integration approaches are:

1. API

The Application Programming Interface (API) is the most popular integration technique. While there are numerous API subsets, such as public, private, and partners, they all serve to connect applications.

Interconnections may be established using common code language to transmit information without interruption throughout solutions.

Advantages

• Flexibility – The API procedure can deal with almost any data variation by utilizing product code language.
• Smooth Operations – The connections between the systems allow providers to handle individual connections without affecting third-party software.
• High Availability – The API is widely used as an integration approach, with support for almost every integration project.

Drawbacks

• Supplier Dependability – Suppliers are in charge of establishing an API, ensuring that the collaborating firm relies on their timetable for data access.
• Code Intensive – APIs that are code-oriented tend to be more useful, but generating the coding is time-consuming and overwhelming.

2. Webhooks

Webhooks, often referred to as HTTP callbacks, are a type of connection that does not require code. Webhooks are event-based, unlike regular web connections, which means that they need programming modules within each subsystem that are activated by third-party services. Management is only alerted when a specific event takes place (or an adjustment is made to the data).

Advantages

• Asynchronous – Webhooks are not dependent on each other, which allows companies to operate at their own speed.
• Event-Driven – Only when an event occurs are users notified, so they do not have to continuously monitor the system.

Drawbacks

• Complex Setups – Configuring webhooks can be difficult since they require the installation of special software within each system.
• Notifications – Users must have a way to receive notifications when an event has occurred, which may not always be possible.
• Limited Data Control – APIs are preferable since they allow users to change or create data without causing the program to react, but they also require a system to recognize an event in order for data to be transferred. The systems need to be notified of a situation before software will react.

3. ISC

The typical data that is sent to ISC from the local management tool is a file. However, components of Integration Services (ISC) are not code-based; instead, they live on a server and connect with local management software. This allows system integrators to access data without having to import large files.

Advantages

• Increased Functionality – ISC may connect and integrate systems as long as the company has cloud access to data within the web service.

Disadvantages

• Extensive Database Knowledge Needed – Users must have a thorough understanding of local servers and databases in order to set-up ISCs correctly.
• Requires Access to a Specific Program or System. – Because many organizations do not have backend access to applications, it is difficult for the ISC system to connect.

4. Orchestration

Orchestration systems are the most automated integrators available, handling the coordination of activities across a number of solutions. This technique tries to combine repeating procedures to increase production and information flow. Users can connect with any service to get data by automating numerous software and procedures together.

Advantages

• Automating Everything – All platforms are now fully automated, allowing for easier data sharing and enhanced operational transparency.
• Manage Several Solutions – Users can now use Orchestrations to simultaneously manage all connected systems.

Disadvantages

• Code-Intensive Setup – This approach, like APIs, necessitates a thorough understanding of computer programming.
• Work-Intensive – Due to the integration of systems’ schedules, orchestrating is incredibly complicated, necessitating the employment of extra folks and time to control each step.

There are several techniques for integrating systems to meet the varied demands of any organization. There is a method available to integrate either internal or external communication and data sharing, as needed. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system integration will help determine which is the best fit for a particular business.