Do you often find yourself floating between multiple applications while you work? In most cases, you need several different applications to accomplish our various tasks. As you work between multiple apps, how often must you re-enter the same information again and again?
This is where the problem lies. Third-party applications are wonderful when they seamlessly integrate into your work. When they don’t, they can force you to waste valuable time re-entering the same information in multiple apps.
Is there a way to make third party applications work together? Yes, you can connect your software to your different applications! Connecting everything will allow you to upload and store information and data in one place.
This type of connection is integration. Here’s how you can make your third party applications work together to boost your productivity and save you time!
What Exactly Is Integration?
Integrations can be a complex topic to understand but they don’t have to be. In simple terms, integration is a connector that links your software to a third party application. This allows them to share information and data from one another which gives you more options when you’re using your software.
When you want to watch a TV show on your TV from your computer you need a way for the two to communicate. The cable that connects your computer to your TV is an integration. The same is true if you’re using a casting application to view the show from your phone or computer on the TV.
You can sync information by connecting your favorite applications and software. You will need a third-party application to connect everything. This makes app integration quick and easy to do.
Most integrations are available through an online marketplace. This is an e-commerce platform where you can browse, buy, and learn about the many integrations designed to fit your needs. Unlike the TV example, you can’t run to your local tech store and buy an integration like you can with a cable.
How Integrations Work
Most third party application integrations work via an API or application programming interface. Apps and software use API’s to gather all sorts of information including data, applications, servers, and more.
APIs allow your integrations to work together with your software. Information and data can flow in real-time to and from your apps and other devices. An API is what makes your software and devices talk with each other.
Where does an API fit in with the TV and computer example from above? The API would be the port on your computer where you insert the cable or integration, to connect the TV to the computer.
Make Third-Party Applications Work Together
For some, connecting different software to your apps can sound like a mind-boggling puzzle. This is why businesses started developing integration solutions. Otherwise, you would have to spend tedious hours programming an integration.
The most challenging part you’ll face is finding the right integration to fit your need. When you visit a marketplace, you’ll find thousands of integrations designed to make apps and software work together.
Once you find an integration that will work for you, you’ll be able to purchase and download it right from the marketplace. Most integrations come with easy-to-use instructions on how to install, upload data, and use the integration. While rare, some larger integrations may require the help of an IT specialist to ensure proper installation and secure data uploads.
Benefits of App Integration
Businesses of all industries and sizes can benefit from an app integration solution. You’ll find specific integrations designed for certain types of companies and with specific purposes.
Your customers can use integration connectors. If you sell software as a service (SaaS), customers can enjoy added features from the integration along with the software you provide. E-commerce businesses can add integrations to their apps allowing customer information and orders to automatically upload and save in your primary software.
As businesses grow, they need more features or functions from their software. Adding applications and integrations can make this process faster and easier.
A Few Types of Integration
There are integrations available for every industry and type of business. Here are a few popular types of integrations worth checking out.
Integrations for Advertising
Advertising and marketing require the use of a CRM along with third-party apps to market content and collect data. Connecting your software to your apps allows you to learn more about your customers and their behaviors more efficiently. A few popular advertising integrations include Facebook Ads, AdRoll, and Instapage.
Integrations for Account-Based Marketing
When creating new marketing content, you want to tailor it to the right audience. Using ABM integration allows you to collect, organize, and understand your customers in one place. There will be little to no need to check various apps and manually create spreadsheets to document your campaigns and audience data.
In return, you’ll be able to spend more time creating and executing effective campaigns
Integrations for Calling
Phone and video calling has become more prominent over the past year. Businesses need an efficient way of communicating with employees, customers, and storing contact information.
Marketing, sales, and support teams can also store and access customer background information. These teams will be able to better understand and efficiently help them when needed.
Integrations for Chat
There are many great chat apps to help businesses communicate internally with employees or externally with customers. Integromat for chatbot can integrate with your chatbot and over 2,000 more third-party applications. You’ll be able to make communications simple as well as quickly share more information and data whenever needed.
Integrations for Events and Webinars
Do you want to simplify the process of planning and hosting an event? Whether you’re planning a webinar, video conference, online meeting, or an in-person event, the right integration can simplify this process. Rather than updating and checking event information on multiple apps, you can manage everything from one place.
Integrations for Supplier Management
Supplier management allows businesses to accurately track their supplier performance. This allows business owners to make well-informed decisions about their organization. A supplier management software also provides companies with valuable insights like which departments can be optimized further.
Make Your Third Party Applications Work Together Today
Working on multiple apps and software can be a tedious process. Start making your third party applications work together to save time and make your life a little easier.
Do you like learning ways to make your work life easier? Check out our latest Tech articles to learn more!
