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ERP integration: types, approaches, key steps & services
November 21, 2023
ERP integration involves connecting the ERP platform with other software applications to work together and exchange data. Itransition delivers ERP integrations as part of full-scale ERP implementation and as a stand-alone service to help companies manage disparate business processes
About Itransition
10+ years delivering ERP services
50+ completed projects across various industries
25+ years of experience in enterprise software development
An Odoo Silver Partner
A NetSuite Solution Provider
Looking for a trustworthy ERP technology partner?
Types of ERP integrations
Itransition integrates ERP solutions with your existing infrastructure, internal enterprise systems, custom and third-party applications, including:
Ecommerce platforms
Accounting software
Shipping services
ERP
BI software
Electronic data exchange
Project management software
CRM
Communica- tion tools
Social media
Banking software
Payment gateways
ERP integrations
- Seamless access to different banking services for business users
- Transactions management from a single environment
- Real-time information from banks for corporate clients
Payment gateways
Minimized risks of late/missed payment and human errors from manual data entry due to automated:
- Payment acceptance, processing, storing, and check activities
- Data synchronization with the ERP system
Ecommerce platforms
Automated procurement and inventory management, dynamic pricing, streamlined order execution process, and better shopping experience for customers with:
- Accurate and relevant commercial data available across all departments
- Real-time data integration between back-end and front-end
Accounting software
Streamlined accounting workflows and accurate budget allocations and planning with:
- Seamless import and export of data on orders, partners, products, payments, and invoices
- Automated creation of budgets and financial plans based on the company’s performance
Social media
Omnichannel shopping experience, greater customer insight for future marketing and sales campaigns, and better customer service with:
- Centralization of customers’ and prospects’ social media data
- Automated customer data management and instant messaging with bots and AI-enabled functionality
- Social media feed and posts automation
Communication tools
Consistent interdepartmental communication and streamlined order execution with:
- Scheduled and real-time action-based alerts and notifications
- Automated information sharing and synchronization
Shipping services
Optimized supply chain management, reduced operating expenses, and enhanced customer experience with
- Instant access to actual shipping status and details
- Automated sending of shipping information for real-time shipment confirmation
Enterprise resource planning software
Ensured consistency and accuracy of customer and product data for companies operating worldwide or those that have undergone acquisitions and mergers with:
- Bi-directional information flow between two or more disparate ERP systems
- Automated data management activities
Customer relationship management software
Streamlined order execution, enhanced customer experience, optimized sales funnel conversions and performance, and marketing campaign automation with:
- Delivery of all customer-related data across departments
- Automated quote management
- Dynamic price optimization
Project management software
Streamlined project management, resource allocation, scheduling and planning with:
- 360-degree visibility of project-related data
- Seamless collaboration and communication of business users
Electronic data exchange
Facilitated front-end communication, reduced order processing time, and accelerated business processes with:
- Instant and secure exchange of electronic documents between business partners
- Automated data upgrade in real-time
Business intelligence (BI) software
Fact-based decision-making across departments due to seamless access to analytics and reporting capabilities:
- Ad-hoc analytics querying
- Personalized reports and dashboards
ERP integration approaches we use
Point-to-point
Enterprise service bus (ESB)
Integration platform as a service (IPaaS)
Approach
Point-to-point
Enterprise service bus (ESB)
Integration platform as a service (IPaaS)
We use custom code, pre-built connectors offered by ERP vendors, or APIs to connect ERP to another system
We connect ERP to other applications via a middleware layer, which enables the communication between systems through connectors and adaptors
We set up a dedicated platform with pre-built connectors, data mapping, data transformation and workflow design features for companies to manage ERP integration workflows
Pros
Point-to-point
Enterprise service bus (ESB)
Integration platform as a service (IPaaS)
Low learning curve and initial investments
High scalability with simple addition/removal of apps/systems that doesn’t affect the functionality of other subsystems
Accelerated integration workflows and pricing flexibility with limited to no coding
Cons
Point-to-point
Enterprise service bus (ESB)
Integration platform as a service (IPaaS)
Not future-proof and hard to maintain and scale as the ecosystem evolves
Requires complex maintenance and troubleshooting
Risks of vendor lock-in and limitations in case of complex data flows
Best for
Point-to-point
Enterprise service bus (ESB)
Integration platform as a service (IPaaS)
Companies with a simple IT infrastructure and no complex integrations
Companies with a large and varied (cloud and on-premises) IT environment
Companies with a cloud-based IT environment. Can be also combined with the ESB approach to integrate legacy systems
How to choose an ERP integration method
Factors to consider
ERP integration types
Unidirectional
Involves a one-way dataflow, which means the data moves from the sender to the receiver, but not vice versa. For example, data from the ERP system is transmitted to the integrated CRM platform.
Bi-directional
Implies a two-way data synchronization between the integrated systems to fully eliminate double data entry.
Real-time
Data transfer happens in a paired approach, in the form of data chunks or frames, which ensures a high data transfer rate. However, this approach is rather costly.
Batch
Data transfer happens in a half-paired approach, with one byte/character transformed at a time, which means changes in one system appear in the integrated system with delays.
Scheduled
Data transfer happens at a scheduled interval, which is a good fit for companies with multiple integration points that don’t need the data changes to be immediately available across systems.
Benefits of ERP integration
Single source of truth
An integrated ERP system is a centralized database that facilitates business process transparency, quick access to relevant information, and more comprehensive analytics initiatives.
Automated workflows
An integrated ERP platform automates time-consuming data management, which leads to human error reduction, an increase in overall accuracy of business operations, and employee productivity growth.
Data silos breakdown
Connecting ERP applications to homegrown legacy systems simplifies access to critical but previously siloed business information.
Improved team collaboration
ERP system integration facilitates data consistency between systems and enables teams from different departments to work in close cooperation.
Enhanced workflows
ERP integration helps keep track of departments’ performance and compliance with the corporate objectives and assign tasks in real time to minimize the risk of process disruption.
Better customer experience
The uninterrupted data flow between customer-facing tools and back-end applications, especially ERP, accelerates lead conversion and helps all departments better understand customer demands.
Turn to Itransition for your next ERP integration project
Dedicated ERP integration services we offer
As a certified Odoo partner, we help companies implement the Odoo platform and set up effective two-way communication with their in-house systems and third-party services to broaden Odoo functionality scope.
We establish secure and reliable communication between your NetSuite modules, as well as between the NetSuite platform and any corporate system or third-party application.
Custom ERP integration
Itransition’s experts help companies connect their custom ERP solutions with internal and external software solutions via:
- Configuring pre-build ERP connectors and third-party APIs
- Designing proprietary point-to-point integrations
- Building a custom communication system into the enterprise IT infrastructure
Client spotlight
90%
manual processes automated
ERP for a repair & maintenance company
We implemented an Odoo-based ERP fully integrated with Salesforce and TaxCloud solutions, automating the customer’s core business processes, reducing purchase order approval time by 50%, and accelerating work order management by 100%.
Automated
document signing
Acumatica Cloud ERP integration with DocuSign eSignature
We performed Acumatica integration with DocuSign to streamline document signing and speed up routine document management workflows for product users.
Optimized
system support costs
ERP system maintenance for LISI Aerospace
Itransition optimized the performance of ERP components and integrated bolt-on modules with M3 ERP system and other business applications to decrease system maintenance effort and cut its TCO.
21%
increase in sales
Software suite for a UK furniture manufacturer
We integrated a CRM/ERP system with a web/VR kitchen modeling application, warehouse management solution, ecommerce module, Sage Pay, and Worldpay to help the customer streamline back-office workflows and pioneer VR-based customer engagement.
90%
manual processes automated
ERP for a repair & maintenance company
We implemented an Odoo-based ERP fully integrated with Salesforce and TaxCloud solutions, automating the customer’s core business processes, reducing purchase order approval time by 50%, and accelerating work order management by 100%.
Automated
document signing
Acumatica Cloud ERP integration with DocuSign eSignature
We performed Acumatica integration with DocuSign to streamline document signing and speed up routine document management workflows for product users.
Optimized
system support costs
ERP system maintenance for LISI Aerospace
Itransition optimized the performance of ERP components and integrated bolt-on modules with M3 ERP system and other business applications to decrease system maintenance effort and cut its TCO.
21%
increase in sales
Software suite for a UK furniture manufacturer
We integrated a CRM/ERP system with a web/VR kitchen modeling application, warehouse management solution, ecommerce module, Sage Pay, and Worldpay to help the customer streamline back-office workflows and pioneer VR-based customer engagement.
90%
manual processes automated
ERP for a repair & maintenance company
We implemented an Odoo-based ERP fully integrated with Salesforce and TaxCloud solutions, automating the customer’s core business processes, reducing purchase order approval time by 50%, and accelerating work order management by 100%.
Automated
document signing
Acumatica Cloud ERP integration with DocuSign eSignature
We performed Acumatica integration with DocuSign to streamline document signing and speed up routine document management workflows for product users.
Optimized
system support costs
ERP system maintenance for LISI Aerospace
Itransition optimized the performance of ERP components and integrated bolt-on modules with M3 ERP system and other business applications to decrease system maintenance effort and cut its TCO.
21%
increase in sales
Software suite for a UK furniture manufacturer
We integrated a CRM/ERP system with a web/VR kitchen modeling application, warehouse management solution, ecommerce module, Sage Pay, and Worldpay to help the customer streamline back-office workflows and pioneer VR-based customer engagement.
ERP integration lifecycle
When integrating ERP software with a company’s IT infrastructure, our experts usually take the following steps:
1
Scoping
We begin with setting up integration goals by summarizing the IT ecosystem the ERP software will be integrated with. Next, we conduct a comprehensive technology audit to assess the viability of the integration project.
2
Conceptualization
After defining functional and non-functional requirements, our consultants select the optimal ERP integration approach and suggest the tech stack. For example, if temporary integrations have to be set up during the migration, our experts work out the solution suitable technically and cost-wise.
3
Project planning
The next step is project planning, which includes elaborating the project roadmap, project deliverables and milestones, project budget and timeline, and resources required.
4
Data mapping
Before data mapping, our ERP consultants conduct a preliminary data source analysis and identify data volumes, data sensitivity, entities and attributes, and relationship between them. After that, our consultants draw up data flows, map out data, and convert it into necessary formats.
5
Execution
The team starts connecting the ERP software with other corporate systems via custom integrations development and/or building/configuring APIs, configuring or customizing legacy systems if needed. We execute the process in phases to minimize operational disruption.
6
Testing & launch
Before deploying the solution, we perform quality assurance to check for inefficiencies, system malfunctions, and vulnerabilities. After fixing the detected issues, we gradually deploy the integrations and get users acquainted with new capabilities.
ERP integration timeline
The duration of the ERP integration project depends on:
- Systems to integrate (their number, tech specifics, data volume, etc.)
- ERP integration approach (custom, ready-made, or a combination of both)
- Data management activities (including data migration)
- Non-functional requirements (solution availability, security, scalability, maintainability, usability)
- Software upgrades (if necessary)
Enable seamless data exchange through ERP integration
ERP integration challenges we help solve
Challenge
Solution
Challenge
Integrating customized solutions, legacy homegrown systems, software systems with different interface protocols may pose serious problems while connecting your ERP software with the existing IT infrastructure.
Challenge
Solution
To solve the issues of varying data formats and types, insufficient documentation, poor data quality, we start with a careful technology audit and work out a detailed ERP integration strategy, potentially involving a combination of integration approaches.
Challenge
Failing to meet non-functional requirements, such as usability, security, reliability, availability, performance, scalability and maintainability, may jeopardize the project’s success.
Challenge
Solution
To ensure the overall effectiveness of the system, we identify non-functional requirements early on and outline the optimal integration solution to meet them.
Challenge
Data hosted across various systems may be inconsistent, old, and incomplete, which hampers ERP integration.
Challenge
Solution
We help you adopt comprehensive data management activities and practices, such as data cleansing and reformatting, validation, access management control, lineage, and deduplication, to streamline the ERP integration process and make the transition smoother.
Complementary ERP services we offer
ERP consulting
We help companies draw up the optimal ERP tech stack and support them during the ERP implementation or optimization project to ensure smooth ERP deployment, high ROI, and business continuity.
ERP implementation
We deliver custom ERP software or platform-based ERP solutions for companies across industries to automate repetitive tasks, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.
ERP development
Itransition delivers custom ERP solutions equipped with a fully personalized set of features, modules, and integrations in line with your business functions and infrastructure.
ERP customization
We customize and upgrade ERP systems in line with your business needs and vision, following the industry’s best practices.
Testing
We help you assess ERP software functionality, performance, compatibility, and usability to ensure it meets the company’s requirements and user expectations.
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