In today's business world, integration is king. Having an integrated ERP system has become increasingly popular. Let’s explore the benefits and challenges of ERP system integration and investigate a solution to ease the demanding integration process.
Types of ERP Integration
Given their ability to streamline major aspects of entire organizations into just one place, it is not surprising that ERPs are increasingly becoming more popular. In recent years, another related software trend that has been hitting the market is software integration with ERP systems.
ERP system integration enables you to connect your company’s ERP system to other types of business software. Commonly, you integrate these systems to allow for a seamless exchange of information between them.
There are several types of ERP system integrations; the most common include:
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CRM (Customer Relationship Management) with ERP
This is a classic integration! CRM software focuses on the areas of customer relationship and sales management. Some of that data can be linked to data in the ERP, providing a full picture for each customer. In the end, you get a powerhouse to manage your business operations, relations, and processes. Efficiency for the win!
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eCommerce platform with ERP
Integrating eCommerce platforms with ERP systems is another star type of integration. eCommerce platforms allow consumers to purchase all kinds of items online. By linking these platforms to the company’s ERP, you can get interesting synergies, such as automatically updating the inventory. You can also have information regarding shipping and fulfillment also be handled via the software since customer information will be exchanged automatically between both systems.
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On-Premises Databases with ERP
By integrating ERP with on-premises databases installed within a company’s internal infrastructure, organizations can ensure that data from different departments and systems is accurately synchronized and accessible across the organization. This eliminates data silos and enhances data accuracy, providing real-time insights into business operations. Additionally, this integration bolsters reporting and analytics, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions for business growth.
All these, each in its own way, boost productivity and create a single source of truth, which are the two main reasons behind the increasing popularity of ERP system integration.
Integrated ERP System Benefits
At first glance, integrating ERP with other business software ensures real-time communication and prevents data silos that make data not easily accessible to users who should have access to it.
Yet, the benefits of software integration with ERP systems don’t end there. Integrating your company systems with ERP software can benefit your company with improved customer service, reliable data, increased sales, and better forecasting.
Want to know more? We have a full article on the Benefits of ERP Integration for Your Business.
Integrated ERP System Challenges
Despite its benefits, the truth is that integrating ERP systems also comes with its own disadvantages. These integration projects are complex, time-consuming, and require a big chunk of time from your team members. In addition, they can also bring a variety of challenges, such as:
- Limited visibility
- Resistance to change
- Data incompatibilities
- Security
- Business continuity
The impact of integration challenges varies based on the resources employed during the software integration process. For a deeper understanding of ERP integration challenges, refer to our dedicated article: ERP Integration Challenges & Ways to Overcome Them Successfully.
To minimize potential issues, you can consider using a platform specifically designed for software integration, streamlining the project from the outset. Let's see how that would work.
Get an Integrated ERP System using Connect Bridge
is a platform developed by , and it can be your own ERP integration solution! Being custom-built to integrate different kinds of software, even legacy software, makes it the perfect candidate for your integration project.
With fewer lines of code, you can design your own integration software through any programming language. Since our platform uses SQL, a very well-known programming language, there is no need to learn the API of the ERP you want to connect to, so even a junior developer will be able to build the ERP integration solution that will take your business to the next level.
Connect Bridge will work with both on-premises and on-cloud applications. We understand that for some organizations having their software internally managed and maintained is crucial for security reasons, and because of this, we guarantee the compatibility of Connect Bridge with both on-prem and cloud systems.
Does Connect Bridge Already Support ERPs?
Yes, it does! In case your ERP is Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, we already have connectors for those: and What if you want to connect to some other ERP software that is not included in our ? With Connect Bridge, your developers will be able to quickly develop the connector you need!
Test Our Integration Platform in Your Environment
We offer a free for this and a if you want to see how we get Connect Bridge up to speed. So feel free to reach out to us. We will make your integration dreams come true!
By Diogo Gouveia -
Connecting Software has been offering integration, synchronization, and migration software solutions to customers across the globe for nearly two decades.
To learn more about ERP integration:
Legacy ERP System Modernization - 5 Reasons to Do It & Best Approaches to Get It Done
Connecting the Dots: 5 Benefits of ERP Integration for Your Business
ERP Integration Challenges & Ways to Overcome Them Successfully
Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Integration to Remove Bottlenecks
Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Integration the Way to Break Free of Data Silos?
