In our earlier article, we discussed how outsourcing an integration can be a good move. This covered the many benefits of outsourcing integrations. In this blog, we are going to talk about what you should look out for when outsourcing integrations.
There are numerous aspects to consider when outsourcing, and cost is perhaps the most obvious. Too cheap is often too good to be true, and too expensive can be unnecessarily costly. We always compare it to buying a parachute. Sure, you can pay 20 euros for it, and you’ll have saved some money. But do you really want to test how reliable it is when you’re halfway through the jump?
But enough about that. Let’s focus on what really matters: choosing the right integration specialist to move your business forward. Here are the most important aspects to look out for:
- Third-party reviews
- Free demos
- Certificates
- What technology stack is being used
- What is the SLA

Third-party reviews
The Internet is your friend. Read reviews on reputable websites such as G2, Capterra and Trustpilot. These platforms offer insights from other companies that have previously worked with the same integration specialist. Pay attention to specific details in the reviews such as responsiveness of support, quality of service, and reliability of integrations. Are the reviews mostly positive, or is there a pattern of recurring complaints? A few negative reviews are normal, but if there is consistently negative feedback on the same issues, you should take it seriously.
Take advantage of demos and free plans
Many integration specialists offer demos or free trial versions. Take advantage of these! This gives you a chance to test the platform and see how well it suits your needs without making a long-term commitment right away. During the demo, pay attention to the usability of the interface, the flexibility of the functionalities and how well it integrates with your existing systems. Also ask for a sandbox environment where you can use your own data to get a realistic picture of its performance and capabilities.
Certificates and other credentials
Certificates and accreditations are not just pretty wallpieces. They indicate that a specialist follows certain standards and best practices. Look for certifications such as ISO 27001 for information security, SOC 2 for service organization audits, and GDPR compliance if you work with European data. Also ask for other relevant certifications specific to your industry. A specialist with the right certifications demonstrates that they are serious about issues such as security, privacy, and operational excellence. If you want to learn more about different security aspects of integration platforms, also check out this blog. That way you can learn more about security yourself and what to look out for in the future.
Which technology stack is used
Not every integration specialist is right for every type of business. Look carefully at the technology stack they use. Is it compatible with your current systems and infrastructure? Are they working with modern, scalable technologies such as cloud-native solutions or are they still relying on outdated, on-premises systems? It’s also important to know what programming languages and frameworks they use. This can be an indication of their ability to keep up with new technological developments and integrate with other tools and platforms you may want to use in the future.
In addition to the technology stack, it is also useful to look at their level of personalization. After all, some make custom integrations, while some offer mostly standard integrations. So, also check what the needs are in your specific case.
What is the Service Level Agreement (SLA)?
The SLA is your safety net. It describes exactly what you can expect in terms of services, performance, and support. Pay attention to details such as uptime guarantees (e.g., 99.9% uptime), support response times (e.g., within 1 hour for critical issues), and compensation for non-performance (e.g., refunds or service credits). A clear and detailed SLA will prevent many headaches in the future.
Also, make sure that all important aspects of the service are covered and that the terms are clear, so you won’t face any surprises if something goes wrong. Clear agreements are necessary to avoid conflict afterwards. A party that communicates well and looks for solutions together with you, and listens to you but is honest when necessary, can make a difference.
In addition, it is also very important to go through the process together. Make sure your outsourcing partner knows everything about your goals, KPIs you want to achieve, and what challenges you are facing. Planning the strategy for the integration together is essential to foster cooperation and understanding of each other’s choices.

Extra tips
- Customer support: Is there 24/7 support? How quickly do they respond to queries? If possible, try contacting their support team a few times to see how responsive and helpful they are.
- Security protocols: Ask about their security protocols and how they handle sensitive data. How is data stored and protected? Do they have an incident response plan in case a security breach occurs? Certificates are nice, of course, but knowing how they handle emergency situations is also helpful.
- Cultural match: How well does their business philosophy match yours? A good cultural fit can make a world of difference in collaboration. This can include work ethics, communication preferences, and how problems are handled. So, make sure this matches with your culture, a collaboration where this is not the case can cause unnecessary annoyances, and that would be a shame.
Get in touch with CombiNexus
Outsourcing integrations can be very difficult, especially if you have little understanding of the matter yourself. Where do you start and what is most important? But it doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. By keeping the factors that were just discussed in mind, you will at least put your company on the right path. A little preparation and research can save you a lot of future stress (as well as money).
If you are curious about our services and the way we work, schedule a free consultation with Thomas.