Factors such as investment requirements (without immediate ROI), risk level, and resistance to change are often the initial barriers to companies considering launching a systems integration project.
However, with the current changes in IT, increase in online collaboration technologies, and a host of cloud services in the marketplace, the need for updated systems that can manage data securely and effectively is rapidly growing.
Due to the duration, complexity, and cost involved in these projects, it is paramount that you evaluate your company’s needs and devise an overall strategy before the process is initiated. Here we will cover 6 tips to assure a smoother system integration process.
1. Assemble Your Team
The leadership team should provide input from the onslaught of the project and should be viewed as critical to the process. IT specialists within the company that are able to articulate the benefits of the change properly can be evangelists to promote the project to users.
Practice openness and transparency throughout the process. An environment that helps to foster strategic perspectives and a spirit of cooperation will help to assure overall accountability. Address all complex factors relating to the project are discussed with subcontractors and vendors; this helps to identify and avoid any potential obstacles.
2. Get Early Gratification
The wide-ranging and complex nature of integration projects, in conjunction with their intricate strategic vision of the company’s objectives, means that these projects often appear like never-ending ventures. The project is easier to digest when it is broken down into smaller parts. Make sure each process has a definitive goal in mind. This will help offer hope and gratification early in the process.
3. Address All Security Concerns
Since we are in an era where sensitive data in backend enterprise systems can be accessed via smart devices, it is essential to have a grasp of all of the workflows and when sensitive data can potentially be compromised. Employees using their own devices increase the risk of data breaches and this threat that should be considered. This means that the data security process should be looked with much more awareness.
4. Use Pertinent Integration Tools
Obviously, integration tools differ. Keep in mind that features that you need now may not be required in the near future. This realization will help you choose the relevant tools for your company. The two main types of integration tools are data synchronization/upload tools and processed-based integration. If you are looking to integrate processes or workflows, a process-based integration tool is what you need; and if you are looking for an ETL or data synchronization tool is perfect for your project.
5. Understand and Explain Project Cost
System integration is often a very costly undertaking; this goes for both the man hours and tools. However, the worst thing to do is look at this as a cost for your company. This process is actually an investment to make your company more efficient.
The value that integration can create for your business shouldn’t be underestimated. This myriad of benefits that integration can bring should be emphasized to users and leadership.
Conclusion
While the system integration process is not simple, it is becoming widely accepted as an inevitable project by significant companies that are looking to compete in this modern economy. A smoother transition is possible if you properly plan and execute.
