How long have you had your legacy integration system in place? Is it ten years, fifteen years, or even longer? Legacy integration systems are known for being workhorses, but even workhorses have a limited lifespan.There are a number of reasons why a firm might want to keep a legacy integration system in place, though the rationale for maintaining those systems does not always stand up to the logic behind B2B modernization. There are three very strong reasons for data system integration: increased visibility into your operations, greater operational efficiencies, and the ability to make better business decisions that lead to prosperity and success.
Increased Operational Visibility
The next time you log into your legacy system, ask yourself this: what is it you're not seeing? How much data is inaccessible because it is stored in silos? What if you could see much more than what you are seeing now?
System integration could change that entire situation. Newer technologies provide a single-pane-of-glass view to authorized users. You can see all of the information you need. More importantly, you can see it all in one place.
You can see all of the information you need in one place.There is no more wondering what one department is up to because you cannot access relevant information. When you can see data from different parts of the company, you can head off problems before they arise.
Greater Operational Efficiencies
Everyone wants to be more efficient. Efficiency means you are producing goods at the lowest possible cost and that resources are not being wasted. That can be difficult to achieve when you do not have the right tools, though.
B2B modernization brings greater operational efficiencies. One way it does this is by eliminating the duplication of efforts and information. For example, suppose a company has two databases that contain much the same information, even though they are in use by two separate departments. All of that work to enter the same data means employees have wasted time and resources.
Duplicated data wastes time and resources.Through system integration, that data is de-duplicated. B2B modernization knocks down information silos, so there is no need to maintain more than one database with the same contents. Resources (human and otherwise) are allocated optimally, and your business runs more smoothly.
Make Better Business Decisions that Yield the Best Results
As with efficiency, everyone wants to make better business decisions, because those are the type of choices that lead to greater success for the firm. Again, to achieve this goal, you need the right tools.
You can only make decisions that will benefit your business when you have the information you need. System integration enables you to access data so you can better understand what opportunities exist and what impact they will have on your company. Just think what you could do if you knew it was the right time to move into a new market or launch a new product.
You can make better decisions when you have the right information.While system integration is not always a simple undertaking, there are professionals who can make the process smooth, seamless, and hassle-free. EDI consultants specialize in modernizing B2B systems so their clients can run successful and thriving companies. To learn more, sign up for our blog or contact us today!
