Practical Guide: Custom Software Integration with Existing Systems

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Custom software integration is rapidly gaining popularity. One of the primary reasons is its ability to increase the life of your existing system. However, custom software integration has some associated challenges. A custom software development company must overcome them. Users can only maximize the benefits of integrating custom software into their existing systems.

Custom software integration: Challenges a custom software development company faces

Software integration, or SI, involves merging two or more software systems. Together, they form a centralized, all-inclusive, larger ecosystem. A successful software integration allows its components and subsystems to collaborate and interact seamlessly. Data flows without interruption throughout the linked IT systems. This further enhances the functionality of such synergized systems.

Other advantages include:

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity
• Saves time and frees up resources
• Accurate and fast information flow
• Scalable and cost-effective 
• Increased data accessibility, consistency, and accuracy

Custom software integration also smoothens third-party interactions. Further, integration provides real-time visibility to internal and external stakeholders, improving system transparency. But system integration, if not done correctly, can give rise to security issues. Other challenges associated with system integration include:

• Presence of rarely used but irreplaceable legacy systems
• Evolving changes in the integration landscape
• Lack of technical expertise
• Absence of accountability
• Issues with selecting the right tools for legacy system integration

Non-integrated systems result in data silos. Each system holding its data can negatively impact decision-making. Further, users must navigate different systems and interfaces to complete related tasks. This results in poor user experience and increases the likelihood of errors. Hence, despite the associated challenges, custom software development companies in USA prefer opting for custom software integration.

Custom SI best practices every software development company in NYC must follow

Every software development company in USA must follow some planning and discovery steps. To enhance the chances of a successful custom SI, ensure the accuracy of the research and the associated decision-making. 

Planning process for custom software development

The ultimate aim is to integrate the developed custom software with the existing system successfully. The planning and discovery stage plays a pivotal role. It helps identify potential roadblocks and identify ways to overcome them. Hence, research the factors that influence the outcome. The insights gained will help streamline the SI process further.   

Researching existing architecture and interfaces

The current technical landscape of the software ecosystem determines the tools and techniques to be used. Hence, a custom software development company must gain a comprehensive overview of:

• Existing system architecture
• How individual elements interact now
• Data structures currently in use

Identify and eliminate potential roadblocks with these insights before initiating the integration process.

Data compatibility and standardization evaluation

Integrating custom software into an existing system will result in data flow between the systems. Evaluate its data compatibility and standardization needs. A precise evaluation will ensure data consistency and accuracy. Thus, it is critical for a successful custom software integration. Data mapping exercises help to gauge data compatibility between the integrating systems. Legacy system integration sometimes requires data standardization or transformation to ensure data compatibility. Hence, consider the same.  

Security and compliance requirement assessment

Exposure of the integrating systems to security threats is a common outcome of custom SI. Hence, even the best software development company in USA must adopt measures to address this risk. They must integrate security measures in every phase of the integration process. Additionally, analyze industry compliance requirements regarding data storage and security and take the necessary precautions. 

Impact on users and current business processes

Alterations in usage and workflows brought about by SI processes significantly impact system usage. Identify and assess the consequences of such potential impacts before initiating the SI process. Change management initiatives, along with proper user training, can mitigate the effect of this impact. A custom software development company must keep the internal and external stakeholders involved throughout the integration process. This will result in a seamless transition and greater user acceptance.

Compile the research results and the insights gained. Define a clear strategy based on them. Outline the objectives, scope, and outcome of the custom software integration. Set a realistic and achievable timeline for all process milestones. Allocate human and technical resources accordingly. Lastly, contingencies are common to custom software integration projects. Plan for them. 

Choose an appropriate integration method

Finding an optimal method to enable custom software integration into an existing system is crucial. A brief overview of all the software integration methods will make the decision process easier. The important ways of software integration include:

Point-to-point

This establishes a direct connection between the integrating systems. Simple to implement but difficult to manage in scenarios with multiple services and connections. Point-point integrations also perform well.

APIs or Application Programming interfaces

Here, one part of the custom software can interact with another to enable seamless and secure data sharing. It is popular with custom software development companies in USA because of its scalability, flexibility, and performance. 

File Sharing

This type of custom software integration involves file sharing from a shared location between systems. A cost-effective and easy SI solution that comes with considerable security risks. A software development company in New York rarely ever recommends this SI method. Its associated risks, like unauthorized file access and lack of file control, reduce its usability.  

ESB or Enterprise Service Bus

This middleware software is a communication intermediary between the integrating systems and applications. All data exchange and communications take place through a centralized hub here. 

A custom software development company must choose an integration method based on the involved system complexities and technical capabilities. Specific needs of integration also impact the final decision-making. 

Ensure quality and integrity of data

Maintaining data quality and integrity throughout the custom software integration process is imperative. Validate the data before sending. Leverage data standardization methods to transform data into the required format. Keep conducting regular audits and data monitoring to ensure its integrity. 

Test the integration

This plays a pivotal role in custom software integration. Testing must include unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests. Prioritize thorough testing from the beginning of the process to ensure integration success. 

Plan for change management

User training schedules and change management form the final part of the integration process. Strategically planning change management can overcome user resistance and reduce downtime. It also empowers organizations to start using the integrated custom software immediately.

Final thoughts

The success of custom software integration depends on strategic planning throughout the process. From the initial system assessment to change management, support, and maintenance, every step requires meticulous planning and execution. Software Integration is a continuous process for a custom software development company. It is a journey that leads to significant commercial benefits when implemented properly with the right planning and tools.