What is Integration?
TL;DR
An integration connects two or more software applications so they can share data and work together automatically.
Example
Common integrations:
- Your webshop connects to your accounting software, so orders automatically become invoices
- Your CRM connects to your email tool, so new contacts get welcome emails
- Your calendar connects to your video tool, so meetings auto-generate Zoom links
Integration example flow:
- Customer places order on Shopify
- Integration sends order data to Visma
- Visma creates invoice automatically
- Integration updates Shopify with invoice number
- No manual data entry needed
Popular integration methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Native integration | Built into the software |
| API integration | Custom code connecting systems |
| iPaaS (Zapier, Make) | No-code integration platforms |
| Webhook-based | Real-time event triggers |
Explanation
Types of Integrations
Point-to-point: Direct connection between two apps Simple but can get messy with many connections.
Hub-and-spoke: Central platform connects everything Easier to manage, tools like Zapier use this model.
API-based: Using documented interfaces Most flexible, requires technical knowledge.
Integration Challenges
- Data mapping: Fields don't always match between systems
- Error handling: What happens when one system is down?
- Sync frequency: Real-time vs. batch processing
- Authentication: Keeping connections secure
- Versioning: APIs change over time
Build vs. Buy
Build custom: More control, higher upfront cost Use iPaaS: Faster setup, ongoing subscription cost Native integrations: Easiest, limited to what vendor offers
Why It Matters
For Business Owners
Integrations eliminate manual work. Every time someone copies data from one system to another, that's wasted time and a chance for errors.
Integrations enable real-time visibility. When systems talk to each other, you always have current data. No waiting for reports or manual updates.
Integrations scale with you. Processing 10 orders manually is fine. Processing 1,000 requires automation through integrations.
The right integrations matter when choosing software. Before buying any tool, check: Does it integrate with what I already use?
ROI of Integrations
Calculate the hours spent on manual data entry and multiply by hourly cost. Even expensive integrations often pay for themselves quickly.
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