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12th Aug 2021

What are Data Integration Benefits, Tools, and Challenges?

All around the world, businesses are generating huge chunks of data in their daily operations. Storing data can be a crucial part that all businesses need to properly integrate to extract vital information. The massive data produced by companies need to be properly analyzed and sorted out, and this is where data integration comes into play.

An enterprise relies on multiple applications spread across multiple functional areas; therefore, data is scattered across silos. It results in poor communication between processes, systems, and departments, eventually leading to the inability to meet business goals and clients’ needs. Unfolding the true meaning of data integration and the concept behind it can help you understand the process of extracting information from multiple data sources and combining it into a single unified view. The need for data integration is to improve collaboration and efficiency across organizations.

Advantages/Benefits of data integration-first strategy

Data is not an afterthought; it can help streamline your business function and support growth strategy. Let us explore some of its benefits:

Saves time and boosts efficiency

When a company incorporates data integration, it cuts out the need to manually gather data and generate reports on its own. The time saved can be put to better use and can push a company towards achieving a competitive edge. Relating data integration to the healthcare sector, creating a massive patient body, and keeping records sorted out can be a challenging task and can lead to compromised care. However, the advent of data integration has changed the outlook of this industry. Data stored in a single comprehensive record leads to better outcomes and reduces costs.

Reduces errors

When it comes to eliminating the errors in a company’s data, there is a lot to keep up with, especially when the data is being dealt with manually. Even the slightest mistake can turn a business upside down and leave you tangled. Data integration has made our lives easier and simpler. With a well-devised data integration plan, you can effortlessly manage complexities and streamline connections and conquer the business world.

Delivers more valuable data

A business’s value can be determined and improved by effective data integration. It not only deteriorates quality issues but also promotes high levels of accuracy. It helps in making the data more relevant and freer of errors and duplication.

Predict the future

Effectively combining historical data with the information from the sales pipeline, allows you to predict demand. The results will help you evaluate your products and services, allowing you to design your customer experience accordingly and remain ahead of the competition.

Boost customer experience

Siloed data does not give a complete view of customers, which ultimately has an impact on sales and the overall revenue. Real-time customer information allows you to target your customers with personalized messaging. This will help you boost customer loyalty and retention.

Data integration tools and technologies leveraged by modern businesses

Let’s dive into the data integration tools that companies are using across a wide range of organizational levels. Businesses are rapidly streamlining their processes and improving the customer experience to reach better results.

The most preferred approach to data integration is data warehousing that helps in keeping data in sync and compiles it into a unified database. Its capabilities of running queries, compiling reports, and generating a full-fledged analysis are the reason why companies rely on it deeply.

Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) is a crucial part of data integration that combines data and application into a bus-like architecture. It distributes tasks among different components and acts as a middleware that makes sure all activities are in sync. It not only upscales the performance of the business but also elevates its value and worth.

Some developers might rely on Structured Query Language (SQL) to manually code a data integration system. Moreover, you can also access integration toolkits available from various IT vendors that can help you automate and seamlessly document the entire development process.

Challenges that might be thrown your way

Taking tons of data and combining it into a unified form can be a hefty task. You might have saved costs and time in the short run, but they’re still might be multiple obstacles coming your way and making this process challenging. Companies are aware of how to incorporate data integration, but one thing they don’t think about is how to get to the finish line. There is a need to analyze which type of data needs to be used, where is the specific data coming from, and to top it all off, how regularly do they need to update their data.

New systems around us are generating different types of data, which makes it challenging for businesses to adapt to the changing demands. Even when the businesses are in line with the integration systems, the work is half done. For companies that are unable to manage data entry and maintenance, a lot of work has to be done manually, which results in inaccurate and duplicate data. Due to this, the data becomes inconsistent and cannot be used.

With growing businesses, your data integration strategy should also grow and evolve. By tackling every challenge that comes your way, you will be in the ideal position to analyze data to make data-directed decisions. To gain a competitive edge, businesses must adopt data-driven strategies and accurately integrate them for positive outcomes.

Don’t put the future of your business at risk, begin your data integration journey with Techvista Qatar. Get in touch with us.