What You’re Really Getting with Native ERP Integration

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has become an essential tool for many organizations seeking to streamline their business operations and workflows. By integrating various aspects of the organization, including inventory management, accounting, and customer relationship management, among others, ERP software provides a centralized platform for managing critical business processes in real-time. However, the success of an ERP or CRM system largely depends on how well it integrates with other applications used by the organization. There are two approaches to integrating ERP software with other applications: native integration and non-native integration.

Native integration refers to the integration of applications built on the same platform (sometimes integration platform-as-a-service, or iPaas), while non-native integration involves integrating applications built on different platforms. While both approaches can be effective, opting for native ERP integration provides numerous automation benefits over non-native integration, which can create informational silos. We’ll explore the many advantages of natively integrated ERP software, including greater efficiency and reliability, improved data accuracy and consistency, better security, and ease of maintenance and support. You’ll have a comprehensive understanding of why choosing a natively integrated ERP solution is a smart decision for any organization looking to centralize their business needs and maximize profitability.

Native Integration vs. Non-Native Integration

Native integration refers to the integration of ERP software with other applications (or SaaS) that are built on the same platform as the ERP software. For example, if an organization uses the Microsoft Dynamics ERP, native integration methods would involve integrating it with other Microsoft applications such as SharePoint, Power BI, or Teams. By contrast, non-native integration involves integrating ERP software with applications built on different platforms. For example, an organization might use Salesforce as its customer relationship management system and need to integrate it with its SAP ERP software.

Superiority of Native Integration

1. Greater efficiency and reliability: Native integration is more efficient and reliable than non-native integration. This is because native integration involves integrating applications and modules that are built on the same platform and have been designed to work together seamlessly. This means that data flows between applications without any hiccups, resulting in greater efficiency and a reliable user experience for decision-making. In contrast, non-native integration involves integrating apps that may have different data structures, which can result in errors and inefficiencies.
2. Easier maintenance and customer support: Native integration is easier to maintain and support than non-native integration. This is because native integration involves integrating applications that are built on the same platform and have similar architectures, using APIs to automatically send data back and forth. This means that updates and maintenance activities can be carried out more easily and quickly. In contrast, non-native integration can be more time-consuming to maintain and support, as it involves integrating applications that have different architectures and data structures.
3. Better data accuracy and consistency: Native integration provides better data accuracy and consistency than non-native integration. This is because native integration allows for seamless data flow between applications, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing human errors. In contrast, non-native integration can result in data inconsistencies and errors due to differences in data structures and the need for manual data entry.
4. Improved security: Native integration provides improved security compared to non-native integration. This is because native integration involves integrating applications that are built on the same platform and have similar security protocols. This means that security measures can be applied consistently across all applications, reducing the risk of security breaches for customer data and other sensitive information. In contrast, non-native integration can result in security vulnerabilities due to differences in security protocols between applications and legacy systems.
5. Cost-effective: Native integration is more cost-effective than non-native integration. This is because native integration involves integrating applications that are built on the same platform, which reduces the need for additional hardware and software. In contrast, non-native integration can require additional on-premises hardware and software to be purchased to enable integration, which can result in higher costs and a more frustrating customer experience.

In conclusion, choosing a native ERP integration solution over a non-native one is a smart decision for any organization looking to streamline their business operations and project management. Native integration offers greater efficiency and reliability, easier maintenance and support, better data accuracy and consistency, improved security, and is more cost-effective. By integrating applications built on the same platform, data flows seamlessly between applications, eliminating errors and inconsistencies caused by differences in data structures. Furthermore, native integration enables consistent application of security measures across all applications, reducing the risk of security breaches.

Moreover, native ERP integration can offer significant long-term benefits for an organization. As the business grows and its needs evolve, native integration allows for easy scalability and expansion, enabling the organization to add new applications and functionalities to its ERP system without the need for significant changes or investments. With the right native integration solution, organizations can have greater control over their data, streamline their business processes, and increase efficiency, ultimately leading to improved profitability and competitiveness. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, choosing a native ERP integration solution is a strategic investment in the future success of any organization.

Looking for natively integrated AP, Procurement, Fundraising, and Document Management solutions with your ERP?  Get a free demo from PairSoft today.