What does it take to succeed with ERP integration?

1. People (ERP integration experts)

If you have IT staff, they may not have the bandwidth to assist with ERP integration. They have their hands full with day-to-day responsibilities like fixing Mary’s laptop, rebooting that server that keeps crashing, and so on. Aside from their workload, most IT generalists don’t have the knowledge or experience to assist with ERP integration, which is a highly technical undertaking.

It takes dedicated, professional resources to succeed with ERP integration. Specifically, you need data integration experts who know your ERP system inside and out—and also know your integration platform thoroughly.

Naturally, these are the people who will implement your integration. But you won’t stop needing them after launch. As your ERP and your integrated systems receive their own updates, you’ll need people who know how to test new releases, respond to issues, and keep your integration running smoothly.

2. Process (ERP integration methodology and ongoing support)

ERP integrations are incredibly complex. The requirements can get overwhelming if you don’t have a clear process for discovering them and dealing with them.

Just how complex is the undertaking?

Here are the process-related needs that we typically cover in a client’s ERP integration project.

• Building a comprehensive scope that includes every functional requirement.
• Developing a full understanding of the systems to be integrated.
• Mapping out every specific integration point for every system that will share data with the ERP.
• A process for testing and troubleshooting every integration point.

Of course, the need for a well-defined process doesn’t end after launch. Due to its complexity, an ERP integration will require ongoing proactive maintenance and management for the duration of its life. You need a data integration provider who knows the ins and outs of supporting these complex systems.

3. Technology (ERP integration solution)

Last but not least, you’ll need an integration solution that can handle your specific ERP system. The market offers several types of software that can accomplish this (to one degree or another). Here are the major categories you’ll see:

• Integration platform as a service (IPaaS). This type of software offers alleged “self-service” integration that requires no code (or very little code), allowing admins to connect systems through a graphic user interface. The barrier to entry is low here, but due to the compromises made to support a “self-service” model, iPaaS often can’t handle the complexities of high-performing ERP systems or complex operational processes.
• Managed cloud integration platform. Think of this as a step up from iPaaS. The integration software is cloud-hosted, which means you get the cloud benefits that come with iPaaS. But you also get more powerful capabilities, including managed services to implement and maintain the more complex integrations required by midmarket and enterprise companies. (Hint: That’s what Corsica Integration Cloud is all about.)
• Enterprise service bus (ESB). This type of solution often makes sense for global enterprises. It offers all the capabilities that an enterprise-grade company requires, and it’s ready to be supported by your internal ERP integration team.
• Point-to-point integration. This specialized type of solution involves integrating two systems directly. It may be the right choice in certain applications, but it comes with a higher support burden and higher risk of technical debt. It’s rarely the right choice for midmarket companies looking for a sustainable ERP integration.

Finding the right ERP integration provider

ERP integration isn’t for the faint of heart. It comes with massive complexities, and it requires both specialized technology and experts who know the lay of the land. Here at Corsica Technologies, we have a team of ERP integration professionals who work alongside experts in IT, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology consulting. We bring all your technology services under one roof—so you can focus on your core business.