Integrating and automating business processes benefits companies and their digital ecosystems in many ways, including cost savings, transparency, accessibility, and growth.
Reduced costs
Integration provides the underlying technology enabling companies to leverage existing legacy solutions. The cost of human error can be high for businesses. Incorrect data input or formatting results in processes having to be redone, which is costly to businesses. Automation reduces the possibility of employee error since business integration and automation speeds up processes that companies once performed manually. Consequently, these solutions reduce operating costs by increasing overall efficiency
Improved communication
Integrating different departments and companies within a supply chain allows for simpler, more streamlined communication processes. With business integration and automation, companies can share important information quickly and easily in ways optimised to work within their systems, rather than relying on emails or other forms of communication. The companies in the supply chain have instant access to the latest information without seeking it out and waiting for a response, in addition, a centralised solution makes reporting and troubleshooting more manageable.
Stronger security
When companies use separate systems for different functions and applications, IT departments may have a more difficult time ensuring the security and safety of each system. Companies can implement added layers of protection by integrating various systems into one coordinated application to safeguard sensitive information, particularly regarding client relationships. Adding extra security also reduces concerns of cyber-attacks, which can harm not only a company’s bottom line but its reputation as well.
Streamlined operations
Integrated business solutions automate workflows and provide a centralized environment for all communication needs. Thus, employees can focus on other tasks, leading to increased productivity. A company’s ability to meet its revenue and operational targets can be significantly improved when employees can work on other important tasks. An ideal integration and automation solution should be quick to deploy and offer a low code approach to adapting, innovating and supporting business growth.
Increased transparency
Businesses that store all relevant data in a single platform increase employee productivity by making it easier to access and share data. A user in the digital ecosystem will always have access to the latest information since he or she can track and manage their data. In turn, this results in more timely responses and a more efficient process among a company’s departments and external partners, resulting in a smoother and more structured operation.
How business integration works
To ensure an optimised workflow, several key steps are involved in business integration. Initially, the integrated solution must gather information from a front-end system and forward it to the next business in the chain. Before the system can transmit the data, it must be converted to a standardised format and transformed. Finally, the system will deliver the standardised information to the partner system and automate certain processes where appropriate. The benefit lies in avoiding data silos where information is only accessible in a single company or system.
