At some point, nearly every company will need to integrate systems. When processes and teams become dispersed scattered and difficult to manage, a desire is born to bring those services closer together. This is referred to as business integration.
Modern business integration methods can bring many advantages to companies that utilize them. First, it can help improve efficiency by eliminating the need for breaks between systems and applications. It can also help reduce manual documents that must be processed, thus reducing the mistakes and the cost of handling these documents. It also helps reduce expenses by integrating all options into one.
A modern approach to business-integration can assist in aligning IT with business by converting IT assets into services. This helps bridge the gap between IT goals and business goals by ensuring that the technology is procured and utilized in line with the business’s objectives.
Before embarking on a process directory of business integration, companies must determine their top goals and the methods by which they will be met. By developing a plan that is specific, measurable and achievable and timed (SMART) businesses can give the clarity, focus and determination needed to successfully tackle integration. It is also important to ensure that the initiative is in line to the company’s culture and that all employees are involved in defining the initiative from the beginning. This will encourage buy-in and will ensure that the project succeeds throughout its entire duration.