Enterprise Software Development
Enterprise Application Integration: Types, Benefits, and Challenges Unlocked
By constantly switching between
different independent systems, businesses are at the risk of creating a damaged
application environment, which also increases the possibility of duplication of
data and functionality. By integrating applications together, businesses can
ensure transparency in their operational processes as well as explore the
hidden potential of their existing IT systems. And, the best way to do that is
by teaming up with enterprise application integration services experts.
The article will explore the
benefits and need for application integration in your business and also share
the challenges you might face in this process.
So, let’s dig deep and discuss
everything in detail:
What is Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)?
Enterprise Application
integration, or EAI, is a term that was coined back in 2000. It refers to the
process of using all the technologies and services available within an
enterprise to integrate most of its business applications. EAI works like a
middleware framework that ensures data moves freely b/w enterprise applications
ensuring easy data sharing and accessing by users of different applications,
including CRM, inventory
management software, and more.
Why Enterprise Application Integration is Important?
As we know, multiple applications
or software are used in an enterprise for day-to-day operations. A single
organization uses different enterprise software or apps for different functions
like inventory, sales and marketing, and more. Such modularization of tasks or
functionalities allows the decision-makers or leaders to designate
responsibilities to specific personnel that would otherwise consume a lot of
their time.
This allows senior executives to
focus on organization growth and development. But, such categorization of tasks
creates interoperability, data integration, and security issues. Such siloed
structures mean important information often gets stuck at departmental levels,
obstructing business growth and development.
To overcome such challenges,
enterprise application integration is a must for your business. By availing EAI
services, you can ensure a seamless exchange of vital information across your
organization.
EAI ensures better connectivity
and communication b/w enterprise applications. And, helps you overcome the
challenges associated
Types of Application Integration
1. Shared Database
This is one of the oldest approaches for enterprise application integration. As the name suggests, such a method involves the usage of a common database for managing multiple apps. But, this approach has multiple drawbacks like a single point of failure, technology security loopholes, lack of compatibility with ready-made solutions like Salesforce CRM, and difficulty in database changes.
2. Service-Oriented Architecture
It refers to the creation of
independent, agile, and reusable web services (REST services, SOAP-base
services). Web services open up the components to communicate with other
systems like CRM, TMS, etc.
2.1 Point-to-Point Integration:
Prior to EAI, the point-to-point integration approach is used by businesses. In
this approach, a unique connector component for each pair of enterprise
applications for handling communication. Such type of integration is suitable
for smaller IT infrastructure up to three or four systems. However, with
increasing components or newer system versions, managing such integration
becomes complex.
2.2 Hub and Spoke Integration:
This integration involves the creation of a centralized repository to manage
different enterprise apps, including cloud-based apps, legacy apps, and more.
Such a system is more capable than point-to-point for integrating multiple
apps. But, again, this is not feasible for the long term as it requires
consistent developer support to manage its components.
2.3 Enterprise Service Bus
(ESB): This model is built upon the hub and spoke integration to eliminates
its shortcomings. It doesn’t require
dedicated developers to manage the integration network manually The apps
part of the network should simply follow its standards for seamless integration
and data exchange.
3. Robotic Process Automation
This the last integration
solution and also a popular one. It can automate up to 45% automation of
business activities. RPA software prices start at $10,000. It doesnt require
any API, application programming challenges, and is easy to implement. But, any
minor changes in the app might require adjustment in robots’ work.
4. Hybrid Model
To overcome the challenges of each model, business usually end up applying a combination of multiple integrations considering tier complex business environment.
Below is
an example of a shipment management module of a business where multiple
integrations are applied:
Benefits of Enterprise Application Integration Services
Workflow Automation
You can integrate multiple
applications to automate your business processes, thereby reducing labor costs
and the time required for strategic maintenance tasks. For instance, with
enterprise application integration in place, a marketing firm can fetch data
from CRM
software to run an email campaign easily.
Improved Organization Communication and Data Sharing
By availing EAI services, you can
improve interoperability and communication b/w different organizational
departments. For example, the siloed operations in the automotive industry cost
them billions of dollars every year. An agile enterprise application software
solution can solve its challenges significantly by eradicating siloed processes
and operations.
Improvement in Customer Service Levels
With better IT integration
capabilities, enterprise software systems can connect more seamlessly to
exchange vital custom information. This helps service teams fulfill customer
needs and deliver a timely resolution.
Higher Operational Efficiency
By availing EAI services from an experienced enterprise software development company, you can eliminate communication gaps, optimize critical processes, and impart better control in your organization. EAI allows you to realized holistic benefits against your investment in IT infrastructure. Managing disruptions or breakdowns across departmental processes becomes much easier. For instance, a logistics firm can ensure better coordination b/w its inventory, accounting, and transportation software with proper application integration infrastructure in place.
New Business Opportunities
Proper EAI also lets you identify
and respond to new business opportunities during volatile market conditions.
You can anticipate, analyze, and predict the impact of external market
conditions on your industry and shift your business strategy accordingly to
stay risk-averse and operational amid uncertainty.
Take the example of the elearning
solutions industry, the businesses with proper EAI in place have built
integrated online learning systems to stay operational amid COVID-19
uncertainty. They are using EAI services to streamline processes and create
connected systems that seamlessly exchange information across their enterprise
IT systems.
Cost Optimization
The implementation of EAI
technologies can also help you minimize costs associated with the maintenance
of IT infrastructure in your firm. When you have old and new systems
interconnected, you don’t need to make additional investments. Also, the
seamless integration of existing business applications cut down the cost
related to the new system or app development. Thus, EAI ensures cost saving
across the product lifecycle.
Building A Better Strategy for Enterprise Application Integration
The number of apps or systems you
need to connect in your business is increasing every passing day. It’s
important to choose enterprise application integration services and API
solutions - that are reliable, secure, and efficient.
A3logics being an experienced enterprise
software solution provider understand this need precisely. We serve
business across industries with next-gen EAI solutions designed to support your
business needs.
If you want to learn how our
teams can help you connect your enterprise systems faster and eliminate data
silos, drop us a line today. Our app integration experts will assist you
in rapidly integrating your critical enterprise systems.