Importance of Integrations

Software integrations are becoming increasingly important when making decisions on which applications to utilize for your business. Integrations have quickly gone from features that were “nice to have” to requirements when considering new applications. We will explore 5 important types of integrations that SMBs should consider when looking to use a new software solution.

1. CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Software applications that integrate with your CRM will assist in centralizing customer data and streamline sales, marketing, and customer service. The big names in this space are Salesforce, Hubspot, and Zoho. Integrations into your CRM cuts down on data duplication and admin waste that can come with data being entered into multiple systems.

2. ERP or Accounting

Managing your accounting, procurement, project management, compliance, and supply chain operations in one place can provide massive productivity gains. Having all your systems integrate directly with your accounting and purchasing solutioncan provide that “single pane of glass” that business leaders prefer.

3. Marketing Automation

Connecting your CRM and other sales applications to your makreting automation tools can provide better insights into prospect and client activites. Connecting your systems to Mailchimp, Marketo, or Constant contact can often provide a more complete picture of client/propect interest or intention. This can lead to more targeted and data driven marketing approaches which ultimately leads to better conversion rates.

4. E-Commerce/Website Integration

If your firm uses an online store or another web application it is critical to get your marketing, sales, and accounting system connected to these tools. This can be vital to tracking inventory, customer data, and creating in-depth financial analysis.

5. HRM (Human Resources Management)

Integrating your payroll, recruitement, performance tools, and employee data management tools to other internal systems provides better security and ensures a single source for employee PII.

Integrations are growing to be one of the most important factors when exploring a new application for your business. Some solutions offer to do many of these functions “under one roof” which may be an alternative to multiple applications with integrations but I have found that many companies that try to “do everything” typically do one or two things well and other aspects of the program are subpar.