What is ERP integration?
ERP integration is the process of connecting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with other business applications, data sources, and platforms so information can flow automatically and consistently across the organization. Its goal is to eliminate data silos, reduce manual work, and ensure that systems such as finance, operations, sales, and supply chain stay in sync.
ERP integration often includes:
- Data synchronization between ERP and systems like CRM, HR, EDI, or e‑commerce platforms
- Automated workflows that reduce manual data entry and processing errors
- Real‑time or scheduled data exchange to keep information accurate and up to date
- Improved visibility across departments using shared, consistent data
- Support for business scalability as systems and transaction volumes grow
What are the benefits of ERP integration?
ERP integration delivers measurable business value by ensuring data flows seamlessly between the ERP system and other critical applications. By automating data exchange and eliminating silos, organizations gain more accurate information, faster processes, and better cross‑department alignment, which directly improves efficiency, decision‑making, and scalability.
Benefits of ERP integration by department
Department | Benefits of ERP Integration |
Finance / Accounting | Improves financial accuracy, speeds up billing and reconciliation, and provides real‑time visibility into revenue, expenses, and cash flow. |
Operations | Streamlines procurement, inventory management, and production planning by ensuring operational data is always up to date across systems. |
Sales | Enables faster order processing, accurate pricing and availability, and better alignment between sales activities and fulfillment. |
Supply Chain / Logistics | Improves demand forecasting, inventory visibility, and shipment tracking while reducing delays and manual coordination. |
Human Resources | Synchronizes employee, payroll, and time data across systems, reducing administrative effort and reporting errors. |
IT | Reduces custom workarounds, manual data fixes, and system fragility while improving reliability, scalability, and maintainability. |
Executive Leadership | Provides centralized, consistent data for reporting and analytics, enabling more confident strategic planning and decision‑making. |
Customer Service | Improves response times and issue resolution by providing a complete, accurate view of customer orders, history, and status. |
What systems can we integrate with our ERP?
Whatever systems you need to send and/or receive data from your ERP, it can be done with the right partner and technology. The best ERP integration providers offer “any-to-any” integration capabilities.
Here are the most common ERP integrations that companies use today.
- EDI-ERP integration
- Ecommerce-ERP integration
- CRM-ERP integration
- SCM-ERP integration
- WMS-ERP integration
Can we achieve ERP integration with self-service tools?
It is possible to achieve ERP integration with self-service tools, although the capabilities of such an approach may be limited. Because these solutions are low/no-code options, they simply can’t handle many of the more complex integration processes that midmarket companies require.
Many organizations start their ERP integration with a self-service solution, then realize they need more. That’s actually a great way to get into ERP integration. You start to get a sense of what’s possible, and you start building your list of “must-haves” that your current solution doesn’t support. Now you’re ready to go to the next level with a robust ERP integration solution and the services you need to support it.
What does it take to succeed with ERP integration?
A successful ERP integration requires the right combination of people, processes, and technologies. Here’s what each of these looks like in detail.
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.
Find ERP integration consultants for IPaaS and EDI
Here are credible ERP integration consultants and service providers that specifically support iPaaS + EDI (B2B integration). These vendors often bundle EDI + iPaaS + managed services and may act as your primary integration consultant.
Provider | Strength |
Cleo | Leader in B2B/EDI + supply chain orchestration |
Corsica Technologies | EDI/ERP/data integration can be bundled with other managed services like IT, cybersecurity, and AI, allowing customers to reduce vendor count and save money |
SPS Commerce | Retail-focused EDI managed services |
TrueCommerce | ERP-integrated EDI for SMB and mid-market |
OpenText | Enterprise-grade EDI + managed services |
How does Corsica Technologies bill for ERP integration services?
Here at Corsica Technologies, we don’t believe in giving clients unpredictable bills. That’s why we’ve structured our services delivery infrastructure to offer consistent billing amounts every month even as your needs fluctuate.
We’re proud to offer unlimited managed services and support for ERP for one predictable monthly price. You get financial stability and responsive help from a team with a “can-do” attitude.
