Cross-team collaboration has multiple benefits for every business, including a shared vision between everyone in the business, mutual respect and a more efficient workforce with no duplication of work or project disruptions.

Your business probably has teams who collaborate well, but what about your IT systems?

In the same way that collaboration across departments is crucial for a business to operate effectively, having separate IT systems linking up, sharing information and working as one helps all your data and business information run like clockwork.

This is achieved through System Integration.

It’s important to note at this stage that shared Excel spreadsheets DO NOT count as system integration. Running a business through spreadsheets can result in multiple problems for your business.

What Is System Integration?

IT system integration is the process of bringing separate IT systems, applications and software together so they can “talk to each other”. By linking up these systems, they can share data and information with one another, creating one point of data entry and improving productivity.

For example, you might have standalone accounting software in your business which doesn’t link up with any of your other systems. System integration joins your systems and data with your accounting software so accounting functions (such as invoicing and purchasing) are carried out automatically. This prevents the repetition of work throughout the business and simplifies your accountancy processes.

This can also apply to applications such as a CRM (customer relationship management system), a marketing platform (such as Mailchimp, Pure 360, or Salesforce), or your ERP (enterprise resource planning system).

Why is System Integration Important for Departmental Collaboration?

The process of IT system integration is essential for cross-department collaboration because it enables different teams from across your business to work together efficiently and harmoniously. The outcome is the ability for your teams to communicate and share information seamlessly, even when working remotely.

They will always have access to the most up-to-date information, and streamlined communication creates a unified and efficient working environment that promotes effective teamwork built around your wider business objectives.

On a director and board level, you don’t have to go into several separate systems to retrieve business data for your reports; and it’s always presented to you in a standardised format. With just one click, you can create customised business reports from real-time data across your entire organisation.

So, you can build all your monthly presentation reports in a matter of minutes.

What Tools Are Used for System Integration?

There are a number of powerful integration tools and services which allow you to perform a variety of integration projects on the cloud and on-premise. BizTalk, Azure, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and MuleSoft are among several different platforms.

BizTalk:

BizTalk Server is an integration platform developed by Microsoft that enables you to connect software systems, applications and data sources within a business. It allows for easy information and data sharing between these programs, as well as external sources. It can also automate repetitive tasks and help your business work more efficiently by connecting different parts of your systems. BizTalk is especially useful for large companies that need to handle lots of data and work with other companies.

Microsoft Azure:

Microsoft Azure is a cloud-based integration platform that allows you to connect third-party apps, processes and APIs across both your on-premise and cloud environments. Integrations through Azure let you simplify complex tasks, automate processes and enable you to build efficient workflows. It’s a powerful tool that lets you streamline your operations and collaborate effectively in the cloud.

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS):

SQL Server integration works as a powerful data warehouse that can instantly bring together data from your organisation into one easy-to-understand interface. This allows you to combine and manage data from various sources, automate data processing tasks, gain valuable insights, improve decision-making and ensure data consistency across your applications.

It's a valuable solution if you’re looking to centralise your data and optimise data-related processes for better efficiency and collaboration.

MuleSoft:

MuleSoft is a widely-used integration tool for connecting SaaS (software as a service) applications and enterprise systems in the cloud and on-premise through APIs (application programming interfaces). It simplifies integration tasks and speeds up project delivery. Because of its user-friendliness and how it simplifies the integration process, it’s a popular choice for businesses looking to modernise their technology and improve their decision-making through data analysis.

Need a System Integrator?

PSP has Microsoft Gold accreditation in application integration and development. We have experience working across multiple tools, platforms and technologies, as well as all the major coding languages.

Our team of developers is supported by our business analysts, who work closely with you to analyse your business systems, look for areas for improvement and outline all your requirements.

If you’re looking for your next digital partner, let’s talk. Email letstalk@psp-it.co.uk or phone 01775 722377