App integration allows different applications that are designed for their own processes to all work together. It combines the data and workflows between software applications to help organizations create interconnected processes across an entire business infrastructure. App integration allows multiple separately built applications and processes to come together, and creates new opportunities and capabilities for a more efficient and cost effective business process.

Types of app integration

There are four primary levels of app integration. These are thought of as four levels that work together to create a complete app integration system connecting existing and new applications.

• Presentation-level integration is one of the oldest types of integration. It uses middleware technologies to collect and organize information and distribute it to all applications.
• Business process integration connects business processes to local and cloud servers which use automation and artificial intelligence. It connects individual applications and organizes workflows while improving efficiency and reducing errors.
• Data Integration is the full transfer of information across and between applications.
• Communications-level integration is the specific method chosen to complete integration. How it is done depends on the needs of the company and the exact systems the organization is using. Point-to-Point allows applications to send and receive requests. Hub-and-spoke handles data transformation using centralized middleware. Enterprise Service Bus uses a processor for each requesting application, improving speed.

App integration vs. Data integration

Data integration is the process of combining information from multiple sources into one single location. This process gives entire organizations the ability to access and update information allowing for analysis and sharing of data to create a comprehensive view of the business. Data integration creates a unified view of all of the data and information a company has and is helpful when it comes to analyzing application performance over time, ensuring data consistency, and eliminating redundancy.

Data integration shares data typically after a process is completed, but application integration can share data throughout the process. Application Integration allows for multiple applications to be linked at a functional level. The data from apps can be shared in almost real time creating dynamic and adaptable services. This allows for problems to be recognized immediately rather than after the fact and data to be constantly collected and analyzed.

Benefits of app integration

With the right app integration, there can be many timesaving and cost cutting opportunities. First, through consolidating your data and the use of the cloud, you are able to access all of your data from anywhere in any format. This is especially useful for businesses with multiple offices and work formats. Along with this, you will be able to increase communication and decrease redundant tasks, saving time and money. Problems will be able to be resolved quickly and smoothly, and productivity will improve.

The ApostleTech team is highly skilled in app and data integration. We work with companies to help assess their needs, determine the best solution, and walk them through the process. Contact us today to learn more about how ApostleTech can help your organization integrate its applications to improve its operations and help reach its business goals.