One way to smooth out data across the organization is to leverage a single cloud-based integration platform. Integration platform as a service (iPaaS) operates as a single easy-to-use integration hub that can transform and harmonize data across all of your applications. For instance, you may update a last name change in one system, and now you want that update to cascade to 20 other systems — how do you do that today? Manually? With scripts? A set of APIs?
These old-school approaches can result in security risks, erroneous data and long lag times between updates. By using iPaaS with IT process automation (ITPA), you build workflows between these systems for true connectivity and automate the process.
What Is iPaaS?
As mentioned above, iPaaS is a cloud-based platform that connects different systems, technologies and applications (both on-premise and within the cloud). It enables IT departments to deploy and maintain integration flows without using middleware or specialized hardware either between a company and third-party software or within an organization.With iPaaS in place, there is a frictionless transfer of data between different applications that allows you to streamline your workflows and improve overall outputs. At the same time, organizations can expand their current digital offerings without having to take up more resources or create more services. By using an integration platform, you can integrate any new services with existing software and give users a more unified and robust experience.
Here is an example of what that all means. When a new employee is hired, there are a number of things that need to happen to ensure they are set up and ready for their first day. To start, an employee file needs to be created within the human resources system; and that information needs to be replicated within the payroll system. Then, login IDs and passwords need to be created, and system permissions granted… the list goes on. By using iPaaS, you can set up triggers that automatically kick off this process based on the parameters you put in place — saving you valuable time.
Why Is iPaaS So Important Now?
The events of 2020 have highlighted the need for businesses and organizations of all shapes and sizes, across industries, to prioritize digital transformation through cloud-based solutions. IT teams in state and local government are feeling this pressure and are facing budget constraints on top of it. iPaaS is the best option to eliminate the pain points that arise when connecting systems remotely. With iPaaS, you can streamline all applications and data between third parties and your system.In addition, iPaaS offers the following benefits:
- It’s cost effective. Managing a plethora of APIs and connectors can be complex and time-consuming if done manually. By implementing iPaaS — you can supercharge your team to be more efficient and effective, saving you both time and money.
- It improves communication. iPaaS makes it easy for anyone within your organization or business to get the data they need when they need it.
- There’s less human error. Because iPaaS allows users to store all data in a single location and set parameters for organizing and accessing it — there are less errors. Both the application of data analysis and the interpretation of the analysis are more accurate as a result.
- It improves security and compliance. This benefit is HUGE. Security is one of the greatest concerns when it comes to cloud-based solutions. With iPaaS, IT teams can enable features like intruder alerts or fraud detection to help minimize the risk of security breaches that can result from the use of APIs without the controls of iPaaS.
- It allows your employees to be more efficient. With iPaaS, you can do more with less and be more efficient in the process. iPaaS helps to minimize the delays, costs and labor associated with connecting new apps. This gives businesses and organizations better flexibility when responding to changing market needs.
