What to Avoid in a Data Integration Project
Monday, February 29, 2016Kelly Nelson
A solid integration solution can make a positive difference for any company. We live by that fact here at eBridge Connections. When planned for and implemented properly, an integration solution can eliminate manual data entry errors, move data seamlessly between systems, and most importantly, can improve the customer experience.
It’s important not to underestimate the mistakes that a company can make before and during an integration project. Our purpose here is to outline potential roadblocks and mistakes so your business can get integrated without any delays or cost overruns.
Not Setting Realistic Objectives
Setting achievable objectives is critical to the success of every integration project. Many businesses fail to understand the complexity associated with integration, and therefore, often underestimate what it takes to complete a project. To avoid this from happening it is important to be very specific when setting goals and to ensure that they are achievable within a pre-defined set of constraints. Integration project goals should be defined within these 4 constraints: Scope, Timing, Quality, and Budget.
Underestimation of Data Processing Volume
It’s an easy mistake is to underestimate your potential data processing volume that may exist following an integration project. While your business might not be generating huge volume today, that could change quickly – likely leaving you unprepared. That being said, the integration solution that your business selects should always be scalable.
Lack of Testing
A lack of testing is the easiest way to run into issues with your integration solution. Don’t leave room for any error when you go live. During the implementation process it is important to properly to test your solution for data integrity and accuracy as well as speed and capacity. Proper testing is more than necessary to identify and repair any possible issues or gaps in your solution.
Not Understanding the Value of a Good Team
It is important to allocate the proper human resources to an integration project and the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the implemented solution. If you have the financial means to hire a experienced team, or your existing team can handle the added responsibilities, then your business should have the adequate resources and capabilities to sustain the solution. If you don’t have this, it’s vital to get proper training and/or guidance from you integration provider.
Human Error and Bad Data
Unfortunately, there is no cure in the foreseeable future for human error. That being said, there will always be some aspect of it in systems and data integration. This can result in inaccurate, useless, bad data. A good integration solution will help to make this bad data visible so you can clean it up. What you’ll be left with is quality, accurate information that can help you make informed business decisions.
Data integration projects are not simple; they take time, resources and can be expensive. With proper planning, however, you can avoid the common mistakes than can create added complexity and pain.
Still have questions about integration? Leave them in the comments below and we will be quick to follow up. Or, you can give us a
shout!