Lack of system integration in a company can manifest in various ways. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Data inconsistencies: If you notice that the same data yields different results in different systems, it may indicate a problem with system integration.

Manual data entry: When employees regularly have to manually enter data into multiple systems, it can be an indication of poor integration. A well-integrated system landscape should allow for automated data transfers between systems.

Difficulties in data exchange: If it is challenging or impossible to exchange data between different systems, it may indicate a lack of integration. Smooth data exchange should be possible within a well-integrated system landscape.

Delays and errors: If there are delays or errors due to data or information not being available in real-time, it may suggest a lack of integration.

Duplicate work: If employees have to manually enter the same data into different systems or update the same information multiple times, it may indicate ineffective integration between the systems.

Hiring an integration agency to connect your system landscape doesn't necessarily have to be a large-scale project with a high investment. Often, it is worth starting with the integration of the two main systems to ensure a smooth data flow and automated processes between them. This could involve integrating an online shop with an ERP system or connecting a CRM system with a newsletter delivery tool.

Keeping an online shop constantly updated with the latest prices and availability from the ERP system, and syncing the received orders back into the ERP system, can often be accomplished in just a few days. This not only saves significant effort by eliminating manual exports and imports between systems but also delivers immediate benefits.

Agile methodology in integration projects can help to implement the integration of systems and processes more efficiently and quickly. Usually, architects and integrators work closely with the business departments and agree on the following approach:

Requirements gathering: The first step in an agile integration project is to gather requirements. This can be done through workshops, interviews, or surveys to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements.

Planning: Based on the requirements, an agile project plan is created, which includes the various steps of the integration project. Priorities are set, and the project scope is defined.

Agile methodology: Agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban are used to divide the integration project into small, manageable units. These units are known as sprints or work cycles, usually lasting one to four weeks.

Development: In each sprint, the requirements are implemented. This involves developing code, conducting tests, and implementing the systems. The development teams work together to achieve the best possible result.

Testing: After each development phase, the systems are tested. It is ensured that the integration is successful and that all requirements are met. If any issues are found, they are addressed in the next sprint.

Deployment: Once the integration system has been tested and validated, it can be deployed into production. The agile team ensures that the system is rolled out in a controlled environment and that all stakeholders are informed.

Feedback: Agile methodology requires constant review and adaptation. After each sprint, there is a feedback discussion to evaluate success, identify issues, and plan actions for the next sprint.

By using agile methods, integration projects can be implemented faster and more efficiently as they allow for early identification and resolution of problems. Agile integration can also help improve collaboration between development teams and other stakeholders, leading to a successful integration project.

Modern system landscapes are characterized by microservice architectures - the software monolith is outdated. This shortens the time-to-market for new features and increases maintainability. Each microservice is an independent process that performs a specific task or function.

In contrast to a monolithic architecture, where all functions are consolidated within a single application, a microservice architecture is modular. This means that each microservice can be developed, tested, and delivered independently without affecting the entire system.

Microservices are typically lightweight services that communicate using a common platform such as a RESTful API or a message-based middleware. By using an open interface, each microservice can be developed independently of the underlying technology.