Enterprise Data Integration
Enterprise data integration is a term that is often used in two
alternate meanings. The technical definition of Enterprise
data integration is simply the process of using data maps to exchange
data between systems - for instance between an ERP system and
a CRM system. In general usage, however, Enterprise data
integration is the process of integrating data, business processes
and procedures in an effort to gain greater agility, more flexibility
in responding to changing market conditions and in providing customers
with the products and service they need. In this broader
definition enterprise data integration is more of a way of thinking
and working for the larger organization that is backed by technology
designed to make it simpler and faster to ensure that the right
data in the right place and at the right time.
Technical Aspects of Enterprise Data Integration
While enterprise data integration is often used to discuss a way
of running a large operation, the actual technical term defines
a very specific set of tools and issues. Specifically, enterprise
data integration is the process of moving data between systems to
ensure commonality and consistency of data cross systems within
the Enterprise. With this definition enterprise data integration
relies on a wide range of tools, from simple Extract Transform and
Load (ETL) tools that create maps to move data into and out of systems,
to more complex architectures designed to allow systems to exchange
data with each other seamlessly. These architectures are also
often referred to as Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) and have
been a key area of focus for large enterprises over the past few
years
Enterprise Data Integration and the SMB
So how does enterprise data integration affect small and mid-sized
businesses? The short answer is that it doesn't. The longer
answers is that some of the key benefits of enterprise data integration
can be achieved by even the smallest organization through some of the
tools used in the enterprise data integration process. As larger
Enterprises have deployed ETL tools to enable their enterprise data
integration projects, these tools have begun to trickle to the SMB
market through companies like EMANIO that provide lower cost products
that provide enough of a feature set as needed by the smaller enterprises.
Reaching the Promise of Enterprise Data Integration for SMBs
As a small and mid-sized business you may want to achieve the benefits
of enterprise data integration but may be afraid of costs and potential
hassles involved in developing and deploying an Enterprise style project. The
best course of actions for these companies is to simplify the process
and begin small. An example of this would be to purchase an ETL
tool or to enlist the help of a company like EMANIO to use its ETL
tools to integrate two critical systems. An example of this would
be the integration of your in-house EDI system to your ERP system. This
form of integration will be significantly less expensive than a full
fledged Enterprise Data Integration project while providing you with
the kind of returns you need to ensure a higher level of profitability
and revenue growth.
As your company grows and your needs for data integration grow,
it will be significantly easier and more cost effective to upgrade
your ETL projects over time, adding enterprise data integration
layers as your business grows. While you may never need a
full enterprise data integration framework, you will certainly be
able to benefit from the aspects of enterprise data integration
that make the most sense for your business as it grows. |
