Many organizations struggle with the complications that come along with having a variety of disconnected and disjointed systems. While the cheaper decision in the beginning may be to purchase multiple independent tools rather than one large unified system, the downside is employees will have to learn to operate each individual system separate from one another.  Further consequence comes later in the form of hindered productivity, efficiency, and deteriorated customer service.

Pitfalls of Non-Integrated Systems

Efficiency & Productivity  

When you possess various systems that operate independently from one another, data with overlap will require entry into multiple systems. This creates a siloed environment; adding unnecessary steps to accessing data across different platforms, taking up more time, and hindering productivity. Which bring us to the next pitfall.

Siloed Data

Data silos, much like departmental silos, occur when information is isolated from the entirety of the organization, usually because the system is under the control of a single department. This can cause a variety of issues, from visibility and accessibility issues, to collaboration complications. By having systems that can communicate with one another, data can be seamlessly moved across departments and software, making information easily accessible to all in the organization.

Customer Service

Non-integrated systems can also be challenging when operating a customer-service focused business. Having to track down client data across various systems can be an arduous process. When dealing with impatient customers, the time it takes to find their data (and the accuracy of that data) could be the deciding factor for whether they continue business with your organization.

Benefits of System Integration

Improved Visibility and Accuracy

Data visibility is a crucial component of any data-driven organization. The ability of employees to access pertinent data from anywhere they need, at any time, while not having to access multiple systems is a key component to maintaining efficiency, accuracy, and a quality level of service. When data is easily accessible, employees can make decisions faster, and with more confidence than if they had to access information across multiple platforms. Rather than entering the same data into multiple systems, integrated systems ensure the prevention of data silos, while improving accessibility, and maintaining accuracy—simplifying your work life.   

Enhanced Efficiency & Productivity

Both integration and automation play important roles in enhancing an organizations efficiency and productivity levels. By automating business processes such as invoicing, order fulfillment etc., a business can shorten the time usually taken to have somebody complete these tasks. Integrating all the systems responsible for key processes will save an organization valuable time and money by freeing up the employees regularly responsible for completing said processes. Essentially, this translates to more productive time for the employee, and a heightened efficiency for key processes. Another benefit is simplifying how you access your information. Rather than remembering multiple passwords and usernames, systems can be unified under one sign-on; streamlining the process of data retrieval.

Decreased Cost

When you simplify business processes, you decrease complexity, and by extension—cut costs. Less employee time is spent on completing tasks that can now be automated or simplified, reducing operational and procurement costs. Also, the employees time can be allocated to tasks that contribute more to the bottom line.

Final Thoughts

Overall, integrated systems make your life easier. When your job is simplified, you save both time and money; two of the most valuable business resources. Simplification can have less tangible impacts as well, such as increased morale and job satisfaction. With all the benefits system integration can bring, it might be time to start asking yourself what systems you have that could be integrated. It just might make your life significantly simpler.