All businesses can benefit from system integration, yet few know what it means. Systems integration is when multiple separate systems are merged together or function on one central system. For example, a central database to store employee data, a calendar to monitor dates, and a payroll system all in one place.
Benefits are numerous, some of which we’ll explain below. However, the main advantage of integrating your systems is reducing error, increasing accuracy, and less manual work.
If you’re still unsure what all this is, don’t worry! We’ll define and discuss exactly what systems integration is and why you should consider integrating your systems together as a business owner.
What is systems integration?
A basic example of systems integration is Apple’s calendar app. If you enter an event into the calendar, it syncs to other Apple devices such as your iPad or MacBook. This synchronisation is convenient, saving you time and reducing errors – for example, preventing incorrect data from being entered across multiple devices.
Now let’s take it further with a more complex example of systems integration. Using smart devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa, you can set up commands that will occure when triggered. For instance, when you ask Alexa to remind you to pick up shopping after work, you could set up a command to text your partner to do the same. As you can see from one simple command, multiple events can result.
In a business context, however, systems integration may look a bit different. Instead of voice commands, perhaps you have a bespoke piece of software that acts as a central hub or database for your business. This may allow you to access records of pay, time spent working overtime, employee commitments for the next month, and the current rota of work. Having this all in one place increases workplace efficiency, simplifying procedures that would usually take much longer and be more complicated.
Benefits of systems integration
We’ve already mentioned some benefits – here are some other benefits of systems integration:
- Less risk of error or duplicated data
- Tasks can be automated
- Combining data together in one central database allows you to access the bigger picture
- Fewer mistakes
- Improved workplace efficiency
Now we’ll get onto illustrating the power of systems integration for a small or midsized business owner …
Less risk of error or duplicate data
When you integrate your existing systems, there is only one copy of a file, document, or event. This results in consistency across all devices and software, lowering the risk significantly of error or duplicated data.
Furthermore, if something goes wrong, for instance the data was input incorrectly, this can be corrected once instead of having to edit dozens of files, documents, and systems.
Tasks can be automated
When you integrate systems, you can automate tasks. Take our example of Amazon’s Alexa – similar systems and commands can be set up in a workplace environment whether by voice control if the technology is available to you, or on a computer.
Automating tasks reduces human error so long as these are set up correctly. This saves time and boosts workplace and business efficiency.
Combining data in one database allows you to see the bigger picture
When we combine data in one central database or piece of software, it allows us to view it from a broader perspective. Instead of ratcheting through multiple websites, documents, or calendars, we can view this on one screen with ease.
This allows you to make smarter decisions while simultaneously saving work hours. Time that can be spent on more important tasks.
Fewer mistakes
System integration usually means fewer mistakes because the human error component has been removed. Usually mistakes occur when data is duplicated across devices or pieces of software. If the data is in one place and directly transferred from the very beginning, then data will be consistent.
This reduces human input and work hours either from the design stage or later on if the data needs to be modified.
Improved workplace efficiency
Finally, integrating systems improves work efficiency. As everything is in one place and accessible from one software system, less time is spent messing around and more time working efficiently.
Why go the systems integration route?
As a business owner, if you’re looking to increase the efficiency of your business, reduce mistakes, and lessen work hours, you should look at integrating systems. This is especially true if your line of business is particularly computer work heavy, using multiple pieces of software such as logging dates, recording names and other personal data.
There are many ways to begin system integration. Give our team at BSPOKE Software a call, we’re here to help you make a decision that’s right for you.
System integration experts
Regardless of your business or software needs, at BSPOKE Software, we’re here to help you integrate your systems as the masters of custom software development. We can streamline your business operations and integrate current and/or build new systems tailored to your business needs.
We’re all about making work easier and more efficient, helping you be better at running your business. Your success is our success, and that’s why we’re invested in you and your business from the get-go.
If you’re ready to integrate your systems or if you’re keen to customise your software development, we’d like to hear from you. Head over to our contact page and drop us a line. We’ll get right back to you.
