Which platform integrates with other software

Okay, so I’m trying to streamline my workflow and automate some processes. I’m currently using a bunch of different software packages: Google Sheets for data tracking, Mailchimp for email marketing, Slack for team communication, and Asana for project management. The problem is, they don’t talk to each other! I’m constantly copying and pasting data, manually updating project statuses based on email responses, and generally wasting a lot of time.

I need a platform, preferably a CRM or some kind of central hub, that can actually integrate with these (and ideally, other) software programs. By "integrate," I mean things like:

• Automatic data transfer: I’d love it if changes in my Google Sheet data could automatically update certain fields in my CRM, or if new leads from Mailchimp automatically populate my contact list.
• Workflow automation: It would be amazing if I could trigger actions in other apps based on events within the platform. For example, when a deal closes in my CRM, automatically create a new project in Asana and send a congratulatory message in Slack.
• Two-way sync: Not just one-way pushing data. A true sync where changes in one platform are reflected in the other, keeping everything up-to-date in real-time.

I’ve looked at a few options like Salesforce and HubSpot, but they seem overly complex and expensive for my current needs. Are there any other platforms out there that are known for their strong integration capabilities, are maybe a bit more user-friendly (and budget-friendly) for a small business, and specifically work well with the platforms I already use (Google Sheets, Mailchimp, Slack, Asana)? Maybe something that utilizes APIs well, or has a Zapier/Integromat type functionality built-in?

Answer

Numerous platforms integrate with other software, but which one is "best" depends heavily on the specific software you want to integrate with, your use case, and your budget. Here’s a breakdown of some common types of platforms and examples known for their integration capabilities:

1. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Platforms:

CRMs are designed to be hubs for customer data and interactions. Integration is crucial for them to function effectively.

• Salesforce: Salesforce has a very robust ecosystem of integrations.
  • Integration Methods: Salesforce provides various APIs (REST, SOAP, Bulk), AppExchange (marketplace for pre-built integrations), Apex (Salesforce’s proprietary programming language for custom integrations), and middleware connectors.
  • Common Integrations: Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Marketo, Pardot), accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite), e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento), project management tools (Asana, Jira), social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook), and many more. They integrate with a very large number of business applications.
  • AppExchange: Their marketplace provides thousands of apps and integrations, significantly simplifying the process of connecting to other systems.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365:
  • Integration Methods: Uses the Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps), Common Data Service (CDS), APIs, and pre-built connectors. Deep integration with other Microsoft products is a key strength.
  • Common Integrations: Other Microsoft products (Office 365, Azure, Power BI, LinkedIn Sales Navigator), email marketing tools, accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and custom applications.
• HubSpot CRM:
  • Integration Methods: HubSpot provides APIs, a marketplace of integrations, and webhooks. It emphasizes ease of use for integrations.
  • Common Integrations: Email marketing platforms, e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce), social media platforms, advertising platforms (Google Ads, Facebook Ads), and sales tools.
• Zoho CRM:
  • Integration Methods: Zoho offers APIs, webhooks, and a marketplace of Zoho extensions and integrations. It is known for its extensive suite of Zoho applications and their seamless integration.
  • Common Integrations: Other Zoho applications (Zoho Books, Zoho Campaigns, Zoho Desk), email marketing platforms, social media platforms, and various business applications.

2. iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service):

These platforms are specifically designed for connecting different applications and systems.

• Dell Boomi:
  • Focus: Cloud-native integration platform for connecting applications and data across various environments.
  • Features: Visual interface for building integrations, pre-built connectors to many popular applications, data mapping and transformation capabilities, and API management features.
• MuleSoft Anypoint Platform:
  • Focus: API-led connectivity, allowing organizations to connect applications, data, and devices through APIs.
  • Features: API design and management, pre-built connectors, data transformation capabilities, and support for various integration patterns.
• Workato:
  • Focus: Low-code/no-code integration platform for automating workflows and connecting applications.
  • Features: User-friendly interface, pre-built connectors, and AI-powered features for integration.
• Zapier:
  • Focus: Automating tasks and workflows between web applications. Very user-friendly, focused on simple integrations.
  • Features: Trigger-action logic, pre-built "Zaps" (automated workflows), and support for thousands of applications. It emphasizes ease of use for non-technical users.
• Integromat (Make):
  • Focus: Visual platform for automating complex workflows by connecting apps and services.
  • Features: Visual drag-and-drop interface, advanced data mapping and transformation capabilities, and error handling features.

3. E-commerce Platforms:

E-commerce platforms require integrations to manage payments, shipping, marketing, and other aspects of online sales.

• Shopify:
  • Integration Methods: Shopify App Store (marketplace for apps and integrations), APIs, webhooks.
  • Common Integrations: Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), shipping providers (UPS, FedEx, USPS), email marketing platforms (Klaviyo, Mailchimp), accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), and CRM systems.
• Magento (Adobe Commerce):
  • Integration Methods: APIs, Magento Marketplace (marketplace for extensions and integrations). More complex than Shopify, requiring more technical expertise for integrations.
  • Common Integrations: Payment gateways, shipping providers, ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite), CRM systems, and marketing automation platforms.
• WooCommerce (WordPress):
  • Integration Methods: WordPress plugins (many free and paid), APIs, webhooks. Very flexible due to the open-source nature of WordPress.
  • Common Integrations: Payment gateways, shipping providers, email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and accounting software.

4. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Platforms:

ERPs manage a wide range of business processes and require extensive integration capabilities.

• SAP S/4HANA:
  • Integration Methods: SAP Integration Suite (iPaaS), APIs, pre-built integrations with other SAP solutions.
  • Common Integrations: CRM systems, supply chain management systems, manufacturing execution systems, and other enterprise applications.
• Oracle NetSuite:
  • Integration Methods: SuiteTalk (NetSuite’s web services platform), pre-built integrations, and a marketplace of partner solutions.
  • Common Integrations: CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, supply chain management systems, and other business applications.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations:
  • Integration Methods: Microsoft Power Platform, APIs, and pre-built connectors.
  • Common Integrations: Other Microsoft products (Office 365, Azure, Power BI), CRM systems, and various business applications.

5. Cloud Computing Platforms:

These platforms offer services that other applications frequently need to connect to.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS offers a wide range of services, and integration between them is critical. Also, many third-party applications integrate with AWS services.
  • Integration Methods: APIs, SDKs, AWS Lambda (serverless computing), AWS Step Functions (workflow orchestration), and AWS API Gateway.
  • Common Integrations: Various AWS services (S3, EC2, Lambda, DynamoDB), databases, analytics tools, and other cloud services.
• Microsoft Azure: Similar to AWS, Azure provides numerous services that require integration, and many third-party applications integrate with Azure.
  • Integration Methods: APIs, SDKs, Azure Logic Apps (iPaaS), Azure Functions (serverless computing), and Azure API Management.
  • Common Integrations: Various Azure services, other Microsoft products, databases, analytics tools, and other cloud services.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Again, integration is key for GCP services and for external applications connecting to GCP.
  • Integration Methods: APIs, SDKs, Cloud Functions (serverless computing), Cloud Composer (workflow orchestration), and Apigee API Management.
  • Common Integrations: Various GCP services, databases, analytics tools, and other cloud services.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform Based on Integration:

• Ease of Use: How easy is it to set up and maintain integrations? Some platforms are more user-friendly than others. Consider low-code/no-code options like Zapier or Workato if you lack technical expertise.
• Pre-built Connectors: Does the platform offer pre-built connectors for the specific applications you need to integrate? This can significantly reduce development time.
• API Availability and Documentation: Does the platform have a well-documented and accessible API? Good API documentation is essential for custom integrations.
• Scalability: Can the platform handle your integration needs as your business grows?
• Security: Does the platform provide adequate security measures to protect your data during integration?
• Cost: What is the pricing model of the platform? Some platforms charge based on the number of integrations, while others charge based on usage or features.
• Support: Does the platform offer adequate support and documentation to help you with integration issues?
• Specific Use Case: What are you trying to achieve with the integration? Different platforms are better suited for different use cases. (e.g., Marketing automation vs. complex data synchronization)

In summary, while many platforms integrate with other software, those specifically designed for integration (iPaaS) or those central to business operations (CRM, ERP, E-commerce) often have the most robust integration capabilities. Evaluate your needs carefully to determine the best fit for your specific situation.