What is the connection between the principle of communicating vessels and a software’s integration capability, or the ability to “link” it to other software within a company’s information system?
The principle of communicating vessels refers to two or more containers that are interconnected in such a way that the liquid level within one container affects the liquid level in the other container.
Integration becomes crucial for simplifying business processes, improving productivity by eliminating manual data entry, and reducing human errors within a company’s information system. This system typically consists of various elements, such as a CRM, an accounting system, an ERP for production, or a WMS for warehouse management, to name a few examples.
By nature, a CRM software is designed to be integrated into the information system and can, metaphorically speaking, be considered as a system with the characteristics of communicating vessels. It is capable of both sending and receiving data or connecting processes that span across the different software systems within an organisation.
Let’s now take a closer look: Salesforce is a popular CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform that provides companies with tools to manage sales, customer service, and marketing activities. In practice, there are several ways to integrate Salesforce with other systems, including:
- Salesforce Connect: This feature allows you to connect and share data between Salesforce and other systems, including local databases, cloud-based services, and SaaS applications.
- APIs and Web Services: Salesforce provides APIs and web services that enable integration with external systems and automate business processes.
- Middleware Solutions: Third-party middleware solutions like MuleSoft can be used to integrate Salesforce with other systems.
- AppExchange: This is Salesforce’s online marketplace for applications and integrations. You can find a variety of pre-built integrations for popular systems like Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, and SAP.
- Custom Development: You can also develop custom integrations using Salesforce’s Apex code, Visualforce pages, and Lightning components.
The options are numerous, and they must be chosen with a clear, forward-looking vision. For this reason, it is important to rely on certified and experienced companies that specialise not only in the CRM product in question but also, if not primarily, in integration operations.
When designing an integration with Salesforce, it’s essential to consider the specific business needs and the systems that need to be integrated, highlighting both the explicit requirements and uncovering any implicit ones.
A well-designed integration can significantly increase the value of your CRM investment, helping to achieve business goals. Ultimately, the true purpose of a good information system is to do just that.
Studioware, with over 17 years of field experience, specialises in creating integrations between CRM and other software systems that make up the information system, helping companies achieve their growth and success goals.