System integration is an essential part of software engineering because not all devices speak the same language. For example, if you speak English and the person you’re trying to talk to only knows Spanish, you use an interpreter. That is exactly what system integration is; it translates one language to another, so we’re all on the same page when it comes to software engineering. Let’s get into the types of system integration; then, we can talk about the differences between them.

What types exist?

When it comes to the types of system integration in software engineering, we can divide system integration into three categories:

• Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Data Integration (DI)

All of which have specific goals that are important for the integration task. Let’s start with the enterprise application integration because we use it profusely on our outsourcing software engineering projects. 

EAI - Enterprise Application Integration

Our beloved Wikipedia defines EAI as: “​​The use of software and computer systems architectural principles to integrate a set of enterprise computer applications.”

In a more technical sense, EAI connects databases and workflows associated with business applications so that the information is used consistently throughout the organization. When some changes are added to one database, it is reflected correctly on any other system. So, if you are a developer who’s working on an outsourced web and app development project, and the idea of manually doing what an EAI does for you makes you shudder, then this one’s the perfect fit for you. 

EDI - Electronic Data Interchange 

Before EDI existed, the processes that people had to go through to transfer information from company to company were exhausting. EDI is basically the electronic exchange of business info using a standardized format electronically instead of paper. This was a massive game-changer for B2B markets; for example, imagine sending, receiving invoices, and cataloging the whole process. All we can say is, thanks, Ed Guilbert, for inventing this gem for the rest of us. 

DI - Data Integration 

This may be the easiest to explain, but data integration may be a fascinating process to witness. DI is basically the process of gaining information from several sources and combining it into one accessible database. Data integration is often a prerequisite to other processes, including analysis, reporting, and forecasting.

System integration is vital to know because it’s becoming increasingly pressing for businesses to have. The primary motivation for businesses to employ system integration is to increase efficiency and improve the quality of their operations. The objective is to use integration to allow the organization’s multiple IT systems to “speak to each other,” speeding up information flows and lowering operating expenses.