What is a system integrator
A system integrator is responsible for creating a cohesive computer system using integrated components like hardware, software, networks and storage. Usually, a system integrator is a trained individual or organisation that specialises in this type of integration. Integration teams usually include:
- Enterprise architects
- Application admins
- Integration developers
- Business analysts
A system integrator may also work alongside and interact with a business’s in-house IT team. Businesses usually recruit system integrators because their teams don’t have the knowledge or training to implement certain types of integration, or they lack time to carry it out themselves due to high workloads.
How to find a system integrator
There are different ways that a business can source a system integrator. This can be either meeting integrators via trade shows or via advertisements. Systems integrators may also be recommended to businesses by their partners; it may be a good idea to ask around to find an integrator with a solid reputation.
What projects is a system integrator responsible for
One of the biggest cases for employing a system integrator is that they can save businesses time and money by using off-the-shelf commercial software and preconfigured components which don’t require any additional bespoke manufacturing or programming. They can also be involved in:
- Integrating applications, such as via Application Planning Interfaces (APIs)
- Building automated workflows
- Replacing software
Before installation, a system integrator usually has a meeting with a business to better understand what it requires from an information technology (IT) system as well as its architecture. This involves mapping out requirements like what the applications are supposed to achieve as part of a business’s processes.
Designing testing IT systems
Once a system integrator has a grasp of what a business needs, it then designs the new system architecture and integrates it with any new or pre-existing hardware, software and network infrastructure. A system integrator may also integrate cloud-based software and storage with on-site computer systems.
Once a system is in place, a system integrator may still be hired to test and monitor the success and performance of the IT system. They may test specific components to ensure they are performing effectively, as well as test for overall performance. Systems integrators also often train a business’s teams in testing and usage of the system so that they can continue to monitor the new installations.
Integrating cloud-based systems
One of the key benefits of system integration is the option of integrating cloud-based systems. Cloud-based storage is virtual storage on which businesses can store files. This can free up hard disk space. Therefore, it can be particularly useful if businesses store large amounts of company, customer and employee data. Cloud storage can also be safer than using hard drive storage, as it can be backed up and can be monitored for suspicious activity 24/7 by the cloud storage provider.
Integrating automation
Another benefit is the ability to integrate automated tools into business processes. This can be a useful consideration for businesses looking to modernise their processes: automation can take on repetitive tasks which can free up time for human teams. Indeed’s future of work report found that employees spend about 14 hours on manual processes per week. Automation can take on 90% of these tasks which means that employees can focus more on jobs that require soft skills such as empathy, attentive listening and conflict resolution.
The advantages and challenges of recruiting a system integrator
While outsourced support for system integration can help a business save time and money in the long term, it may be worth weighing up the strengths and weaknesses of doing so. In this next section, we will look at both the arguments for recruiting system integrators and some of the challenges of doing so.
Advantages of recruiting a system integrator
Some of the pros of recruiting a system integrator include:
- They have a lot of expertise and specialist knowledge which may mean that the task is completed more quickly and smoothly
- It frees up time for businesses that would otherwise be spent on the entire lifecycle of integrating systems
- Businesses can hire system integrators for specific jobs rather than on a full-time basis, which can save money
- Once a system has been integrated, this may improve business productivity due to more effective daily workflows, communications, ability to place orders and handle customer enquiries or requests
- Repetitive tasks handled by teams on a daily basis can be automated by integrated systems which utilise artificial intelligence (AI)
Automation is a particularly new highlight of systems integration. As Indeed’s business automation guide explains, automation can work for a plethora of tasks such as:
- Employee onboarding
- Customer onboarding
- Payroll
- Invoice processing
- Talent acquisition
- Document management
- Spreadsheet management
- Expenses management
By doing so, businesses can free up their IT support and HR teams so that they can focus on more urgent tasks, as well as help employees to achieve the same productive output in less time.
Challenges of recruiting a system integrator
Some of the challenges of recruiting a system integrator include:
- A system integrated with new software, hardware and networking systems may have increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities which may need to be addressed
- Any new software may need to be eventually upgraded and a company using several new tools may have to consider the practicalities and expenses of this in the long term
- Systems integration can be expensive in the short term, however, it can potentially save money in the long term
According to Indeed’s guide to cybersecurity skills gaps, cybercriminals are becoming more adept at exploiting a business’s digital systems, causing data breaches and ransomware attacks. This can lead to long-term malware infestation and business irrelevance.
By implementing new systems, businesses are open to increased risks and so may wish to train staff in security practices such as strong passwords, multifactor authentication and phishing prevention. They may also want to invest in fraud prevention software and recruit cybersecurity staff.
System integration can lead to more streamlined business processes, thanks to better-integrated systems, software and storage devices. While system integrators can provide a wealth of expertise, some businesses recruit them to free up valuable time better spent on more urgent tasks. When setting up a new integrated system, consider how to keep employee and customer data safe, especially when storing it in large volumes.
