Low-code integration overview
Low-code integration is the process of connecting various software systems and applications using visual, drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built connectors, with little to no coding required. This approach enables both technical and non-technical users to automate workflows, integrate data, and create scalable solutions more quickly and efficiently, streamlining operations and accelerating digital transformation across the organisation.
Application development is becoming much easier, with low-code platforms available to quickly and easily develop apps, system extensions and web portals with little or no code at all. These platforms provide organisations with the ability to create solutions that can quickly resolve a specific business issue, explore new opportunities or provide a controlled environment in which people can access company data. This flexibility ensures that businesses can react quickly to changes and gives them the scalability that is required during growth periods. However, for them to work efficiently, all applications and portals will need access to existing data held within other business systems, or the facility to push data generated into them. Therefore, the ability to integrate apps and portals quickly and easily should come as standard with any enterprise low-code platform.
What low-code integration tools do I need?
A well-designed low-code integration platform gives organisations code-free application integration and data synchronisation across practically any cloud-based or on-premises information system or database store. Low-code integration can be achieved through the use of third-party Connectors that utilise the APIs or SOAP and RESTful web services that are found in the majority of business software, services and applications. With low-code platforms featuring drag and drop technology, as well as a range of pre-defined templates, integration can be easily configured and included when developing the app or portal. This removes an extra layer of reliance on the IT department or developer, meaning that apps and portals can be rolled out quicker.What are the benefits of low-code integration?
Bridging the gap between disparate on-premises and cloud-based systems enables apps or portals to work together and dynamically transform data so that it is always compatible with the recipient system(s). It also ensures that it resolves the issue that instigated the development of the app in the first place. This is particularly relevant if the app is an extension of an existing system. Common integrations that are possible include:- ERP: Access Dimensions, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, SAP Business One, SYSPRO etc.
- CRM: Agile CRM, Infor CRM, Dynamics CRM, Sage CRM, Salesforce, Sugar CRM etc.
- eCommerce: Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Amazon Marketplace etc.
- Financial: GoCardless, PayPal, Sage Pay, SAP Concur, Stripe, WorldPay, Xero, Zoho Books etc.
- Operations: EDI, warehouse management etc.
- Marketing: Communicator, dotdigital, Elastic Email, HubSpot, MailChimp, Marketo, etc.
- Courier services: DHL, DPD, FedEx, Interlink Express, Parcelforce, UPS etc.
- File / database integration: XML, CSV, TXT, MySQL, Oracle etc.
