Integrating the data from your different management systems into an overarching repository is a great way to advance your business’s value, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
It can sometimes be a little hard to go through the integration, but with a little help you’ll be on your way to utilizing key data integration tools and improving your data vision, access, and analysis.
Planning for the Move
When you want to move to a new house, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to get everything ready, and the same holds true for integrating your data.
You should start out by familiarizing yourself with your data so you know how it is set up. Doing so will help you understand how you want your data network improved and map out how to sync and integrate the data.
To ensure that the integration goes smoothly, you should take the time to clean up the data you already have. For instance, you can eliminate duplicate entries, fix inconsistencies between entries, and double-check for any important updates to your systems. It may seem like an extra hassle, but this will make the integration process easier. Also, be sure to consider the scope and budget you want for the project.
Knowing the Systems
To get the most out of data integration benefits, you should understand not only your data but also the data system(s) you currently use as well as the system you want to have in place when you’re done.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is generally defined as an accounting software, for instance, eCommerce accounts for the exchange of goods and services in the market, and customer relation management (CRM) cover the tools and strategies for building customer relations.
Each system has its own format that will affect how the data transfers over when integrating. There are many important qualities to consider such as the syncing of data flow, price, and the range of systems it can connect to at one time. By studying your past data and systems and examining the problems you want to address, you can better determine the sort of integration approach you should take.
Streamlining the Process
One of the biggest complaints people have about data integration tools is the expense.
However, this largely stems from the stacking prices of different touch points and customizations that you are covering in the integration. If you can’t keep all of those costs within your budget, it’s time to consider thinning your overall strategy to only account for the most vital data and systems.
Because of the need to condense your ecommerce integration, understanding your data, systems, and goals for the project simplifies the process, leading to more efficient data integration.
What Tools Should You Use?
No matter the systems combining, be it a Shopify, magento, or a Woo Commerce integration, there are many new advanced tools for data integration.
The traditional method is generally extract, transform, load (ETL), which typically runs on a 24-hour cycle overnight, but modern tools let you work on the integration in real time for quicker ERP integration services.
Self-service tools enable greater flexibility and user-friendly options. However, the most integral part of DI modernization is data preparation, as it helps you avoid some of the potential bumps on the road to integration. That’s why planning out your data integration strategy is so important.
Worth the Work
Ecommerce integration solutions may seem challenging at first, but not only is it doable once you know how, it’s certainly worth the time and resources you put into it.
With the right data integration strategy, your end result will strengthen your data, marketing tactics, and business as a whole.
If you want to cut down on the time and effort required for this type of integration, you may want to consider taking advantage of professional services. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your specific integration needs and outlook.