It is no longer a question of whether to integrate your data across multiple platforms, not even when, but how? How do you ensure that the integration of data between your various software is done in the way that is most beneficial to you? By choosing the right integration platform, you will find that your systems work faster and more efficiently.
However, that is not the only consideration; in fact, it is also about looking to the future. Some factors that weigh into the choice include:
- What are your plans for the future?
- What challenges do you currently have?
- How many staff and budget do you have at your disposal?
- How do you envision your business processes in the future?
- Are you able to grow with the market?
Your choice of integration platform must take these questions into account if you want to get the most out of it. In this blog, we will mention some points to think about when making your choice of integration platform.

Ease of use
User-friendly interfaces, intuitive workflows and the way you code all weigh in when it comes to which platform suits you. We’d like to focus on this last point in particular. Because with code-based platforms, you have a lot of flexibility and can do everything the way you want, it just requires experienced and specialized staff. Also, this way of working can take a long time because of its complexity.
With low-code platforms, you need a lesser degree of expertise, also the integration process will be faster. This is ideal if you want a smooth integration where you do not want to involve only technical staff, or have fewer specialist staff at your disposal.
If you do not have complex integration needs a no-code option is best, as it requires the least technical expertise of the options. Mind you, this is still a complex process that cannot be done without relevant experience.
Security and compliance
Protecting data and complying with regulations should also be included in the consideration. The chosen platform should have strong security features, such as encryption, authentication, and authorization, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. In addition, the platform should comply with industry standards and regulations to minimize potential risks.
Architecture and flexibility
The integration platform must be flexible enough to adapt to new technologies and integration patterns. Whether connecting cloud-based applications, IoT devices or microservice architectures, versatility is essential.
Platform architecture plays a major role in supporting different types of integrations. The ability to handle multiple integration styles, such as API-driven, event-driven and batch-based, ensures that it meets customer needs.
Connectivity and adapter support
When a platform is able to connect to a large amount of external software, it is very useful. The ability to connect to these systems and platforms for data and other commonly used applications can greatly ease and speed up the process.
Scalability
By thinking about the future now, you can future-proof your integration platform. Your platform must be able to support possible growth without compromising speed or performance. Make sure your platform can handle the changing needs of your company, a larger amount of data and new applications.
Supplier support
Expertise within your own team ensures that integration goes smoothly. However, problems can always arise that are not directly your own fault, or require real expertise from the platform. In these situations, your platform’s support team is important. Try to find out if your partner provides good service and can really help you further, what are the experiences of others? This applies not only to troubleshooting, but also to simple questions and best practices.

Real-time capabilities
The ability to synchronize your data in real time across multiple platforms is an important factor when considering a platform. More and more data being up-to-date in more locations is really a must and this need is growing. So the speed and amount that needs to be synchronized real-time is a big factor to consider. So look at the capabilities regarding real-time events, notifications, synchronizations, and the speed at which this happens.
Costs
Look carefully at which functions you really need within a platform so as not to pay unnecessarily for something you don’t need. Quality can cost, but make sure you get value out of your money.
Beyond the initial cost, take into account costs such as implementation, maintenance, and training. So don’t just look at your costs now, look at your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Cost transparency and understanding your costs as you grow are also good information to include.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to it than just whether the technology can handle it. It’s about the right alignment between your goals as a company and the extent to which the platform can provide them. It’s not just about choosing the one that works well, but the one that can take you to the next level.
Since it’s a very complex process, resulting in the performance and effectiveness of all your data efforts, this choice is one that you need to think about carefully.