SaaS Integration: Basic Terms and Examples
Achieving a competitive advantage and strengthening market positions requires allocating the budget wisely to avoid unnecessary expenses. Enterprises no longer need to invest in expensive infrastructure, as modern cloud-based apps provide a variety of services. The adoption of software as a service (SaaS) technology facilitates expenditure minimization, streamlines data processing, and lets companies gain an edge. Cloud computing has reshaped the way firms conduct operations. In this article, we will analyze the reasons for expediting SaaS integration and consider the main use cases.
What is SaaS Integration?
The term describes the process of using cloud-native apps together with on-premise environments. When connected, they speed up data sharing. Organizations utilize multiple applications to access the features they need and optimize internal processes. Deploying a system based on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms facilitates processing client data and boosting workflow efficiency.
Utilizing SaaS applications enables firms to create networks where information is shared between various apps. The approach fosters file sharing and facilitates synchronization while minimizing mistakes. There are several ways to use such solutions together with legacy models. Below, we have briefly outlined the main reasons to choose them:
- Native: This type requires building specific solutions allowing users to use cloud-based apps with systems. Even though the process takes up a lot of time, a team of seasoned developers can build a model tailored to a venture’s needs.
- Integration platforms as a service (iPaaS): The method relies on connecting SaaS services and companies using pre-built tools, which allows specialists to save time and avoid compromising sensitive data. Nevertheless, the option is hardly suitable for companies relying on troubleshooting to enhance processes.
- Robotic process automation (RPA): Pre-programmed chatbots gather data via user interfaces, speeding up synchronization between SaaS apps and internal systems. AI-driven tools further improve the method’s efficiency. The only shortcoming is that it requires a reliable support team.
A company can streamline a SaaS integration using an API and expedite information flow without relying on experts with an extensive background in coding. Deploying APIs with pre-established rules, firms automate document transfer in multiple supported formats like XML and JSON.
On-demand software includes specific triggers reacting to user actions. When a potential client signs up on an eCommerce store’s website, data can be automatically transmitted to a customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
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Reasons to Deploy SaaS Solutions
Minimizing expenses facilitates allocating more funds to development and reaching long-term goals. Trusted vendors host apps and services on cloud platforms, enabling end-users to access them on demand.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) especially benefit from such offerings as they save money on maintenance and reduce expenditure on infrastructure. A reputable SaaS integration platform connected to internal systems fosters data sharing and has other notable advantages:
- High efficiency: A firm does not need to hire top-notch coding specialists to build specific features from scratch. On-demand apps streamline data analysis, improve the quality of customer support, streamline HR processes, and optimize workflows. Data gets updated and synchronized across connected apps, so firms do not have to enter and update it manually.
- Impressive data quality: Reducing errors increases the reliability of collected and transmitted information, which facilitates making fact-based decisions to achieve strategic goals.
- Effective planning: Relying on automatic integration facilitates connecting enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with on-demand services. Enterprises deploy such solutions to build powerful systems managing complex business tasks, including CS and financial planning.
- Scalable operations: Establishing a solid presence in any industry necessitates devising a viable automation strategy, enabling a firm to manage hundreds of apps without errors that may lead to unwanted expenses. New features can be added and synchronized with remote environments to let employees access services from any device.
- Quick reporting: Enterprises produce detailed reports to track performance metrics, detect trends, and develop data-driven strategies, which saves a lot of time and financial resources. Reducing the possibility of human error makes it easier to optimize procedures.
- Improved CS: Integration facilitates building strong relationships with a clientele. Expediting processes enable enterprises to increase trustworthiness and avoid reputation damage.
Linking legacy systems with on-demand services is time-consuming, so outsourcing the task to seasoned experts is the right step to reduce costs. Using pre-built systems and customizing them depending on SMB’s needs is the surest way to leverage the technology while avoiding common pitfalls.
Examples of SaaS Integration
Deploying cloud services has proved to be a result-yielding strategy, which explains the expedited adoption of such systems across various industries. The most common use cases of on-demand platforms include the following:
- Lead synchronization: Merging a marketing automation platform with a CRM allows specialists to engage potential clients and build lasting relationships with the target audience.
- Document storing: Such solutions facilitate maintaining databases and streamlining paperwork. After implementing them, stakeholders can access relevant contracts, reports, and financial records.
- Updating employee data: Using a human resource information system (HRIS) allows synchronizing databases and tracking various aspects of staff management. Maintaining high attendance, increasing productivity, controlling benefits, and handling other aspects of employment are crucial to retaining human capital and increasing satisfaction levels.
Other cases of on-demand application integration include synchronizing contact info between Mailchimp and Salesforce. While it may be difficult to work with APIs, entrusting experts with this task helps a firm avoid hindrances.
Enterprises typically synchronize data between Slack and Google Calendar to receive timely notifications. Even though it may be challenging to solve time-zone differences, using these services helps businesses expedite workflows. Similarly, Google Workspace and Trello synchronization facilitates task management and collaboration.
Tips and Reminders
When deploying integrated SaaS software, ventures should clearly understand the goals. Some models allow businesses to reduce expenses, while others come with dedicated tools for improving the retention rate. Estimating what resources are needed to maintain such solutions is the right step toward making the most out of them.
Besides, companies should follow such recommendations:
- Hire several developers to reduce risks: Entrusting one person with optimizing all internal mechanisms is never a smart solution. Adding experienced engineers to the team makes it easier to implement a project.
- Avoid all-in-one solutions: Using pre-built systems is hardly a wise choice, especially if a venture plans to expand its scope of operations. Opting for scalable tools allows ventures to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Upgrade linkages: As a firm grows, prior solutions may turn out to be unfeasible and difficult to maintain. Tracking the changes in procedures enables ventures to address client concerns and achieve objectives.
Embedded iPaaS lets businesses build custom links or entrust third parties to create them within an app. Such solutions are burdensome to maintain without a team of experts with extensive technical skill sets. Unified API platforms are typically easier to scale, allowing an enterprise to implement the requested tasks and manage operations.
Bottom Line
A SaaS integration allows businesses to synchronize crucial data across various platforms without compromising user privacy. Accessible 24/7, such solutions are a cost-effective alternative to on-premise infrastructure. Establishing links between existing systems and on-demand sites may be laborious without the assistance of top-grade professionals. In the Global Cloud Team, we have extensive experience in the development of scalable distributed platforms. Get in touch with our team now and find the right cloud-based software to achieve sustainable growth.
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