How can I connect my business applications?

On average, employees use four different applications in their daily work. In the public sector, however, this number rises to an average of nine applications, according to research conducted by the IT company Ictivity in February. This highlights the increasing need for seamless data exchange between these applications to simplify workflows and improve efficiency.

Employees often face challenges due to poorly integrated or non-integrated applications. To gather all the necessary information, they frequently have to switch between different systems, which leads to inefficiencies. System or application integration could provide a solution, but how can this be achieved effectively? Most organizations that have been operating for several years already have a variety of applications and systems in place, including legacy systems that have developed over time. The challenge lies in integrating these legacy systems with modern applications without compromising control, flexibility, or scalability.

Decoupling

In system integration, decoupling is crucial. As an IT professional, it's important not to jump straight into linking two applications together. Instead, first analyze the current situation or seek advice from an integration specialist. Otherwise, you risk creating a tangled web of point-to-point connections.

Decoupling applications from their underlying technology is a key step towards successful system or data integration. By separating the functional layer of an application from the technical layer, you gain greater flexibility in how and where you run processes.

Adopting a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a best practice. This approach focuses on designing services based on your business processes, rather than relying on the specific applications that support them. Otherwise, you risk becoming dependent on those applications, leading to potential vendor lock-in. In other words, without proper decoupling, you could quickly find yourself trapped by the limitations of the software you use.

API or platform

For successful system and data integration, it's essential to first identify which systems and data need to be connected. In some cases, linking applications via a backend API works seamlessly, while in others, an (open-source) integration platform may be a more effective solution. It's similar to connecting a garden hose to a tap using the right adapter—if everything fits correctly, the water flows smoothly with no leaks, and the integration is successful.

The best integration solution for your company depends on several factors, including the applications in use, the people involved, and the specific business needs. When system integration is done right, it brings significant benefits, such as faster and more efficient business processes. As a result, working with four or even nine different applications no longer becomes a hindrance to productivity