Integration projects rarely fail for technical reasons. They fail because the architecture was never properly planned. This playbook walks through the decisions that matter most.
Start with the data, not the tools
Before choosing any platform, map every entity that needs to move between systems, orders, inventory, customers, products, and decide which system owns each one. A clear source of truth prevents the data conflicts that derail most projects.
Choosing the right middleware
Off-the-shelf connectors are fast but rigid; bespoke middleware is flexible but costly to maintain. The right answer depends on how unusual your processes are, and how much they are likely to change.
Common pitfalls
Skipping error handling, assuming APIs never change, and underestimating data quality are the three mistakes we see most often. Build for failure from day one and your integration will outlast every platform it connects.