Product Integration: Whys and hows

Imagine a black pen with a blue refill and a red cap; it gets confusing a little too quickly. Having multiple products that do not have a seamless feel is like having a messy desk; at one point or another, you need to sort them from scratch again. Product integration in the software world is all about coordinating different products to make your life easier. For example, an e-learning app needs to integrate video-calling software into its interface and organize and support documents for each class conducted. Proper integration is critical for improving productivity and channelling your operations across industries.

In this blog, we discuss CI’s experience in the product integration journey of connecting 10+ ERPs using 15+ custom and standard connectors, connecting more than a thousand metadata. So how does integration work? What are the challenges in the industry?

How to integrate software products?

A complete understanding of your need lets you know what you can ask. Let’s break down the different points of product integration.

• Defining your integration goals gives you a plan to work towards.
• Choosing the proper method for products that have different kinds of syntaxes.
• Implement and test ideas across APIs, database flows, and SDKs.

APIs, SDKs, and databases are integrated differently. The correct option is chosen based on the needs and integration platforms offered.

What are the best practices in product integration?

Breaking down a complex process into steps and methods makes a process as daunting as software product integration. The following are a few practices we ensure at CI:

• Data compatibility: The ability of different software systems to exchange data and work together. When this is ensured, products can interpret and process data as intended.
• Security and data privacy: After ensuring that the data is compatible, the next step is ensuring there are no privacy concerns and that sensitive data is handled carefully.
• Monitor and optimize integration: Monitoring the integration is vital in identifying vulnerabilities and executing security audits to ensure there are no opportunities for data leaks and staying on the right side of avoiding data penalties and privacy breaches.

What are the challenges in product integration?

From interoperability to seeing how the product can be scaled across different sizes and environments, there are multiple challenges in product integration as a field. Let’s go over a few common problems that CI solves for :

• Technical challenges: The technical knowledge and know-how of compatibility across different products are vital for optimal integration.
• Interoperability: Exchange data within different products to communicate and create a flow of information that cannot be disrupted.
• Data management: Different products use different interpretations of data, so it’s essential to ensure that data is compatible with the integration architecture.
• Scalability: A perfect solution similarly solves the issues of 1, 10, and 100. Plan for growth within the product integration as demands always increase.

RubiCube: Bridging integration gaps the CIG way

RubiCube is a data analytics product that integrates data from multiple sources, including but not limited to Sage 100/Sage 300/Sage Intacct/CRM/ HRMS, with any of your in-house products. RubiCube’s data lake has been developed using proprietary frameworks and custom connectors for significant ERPs.

Integrating RubiCube brings predictive analytics to your ERP, CRM, and in-house systems. RubiCube is implemented for your use case to either increase revenue, reduce operational costs, or gain strategic advantage. Never go back to an off-the-shelf solution to fit into your processes. Instead, integrate RubiCube as the solution that seamlessly integrates into your system and gives you the room to find the exact fit to move forward in your business. Want to know more about the use and utility? Click here.