Are you looking for data integration software but confused about how and where to start? Data Integration Consultants can help you to get the right answers to all your questions. When you have complex needs, choosing data integration software can be more difficult. You have to select from a huge variety of retailers, each with varying levels of customer services to support you transition. So, when you decide to opt for a data integration solution, you should be very certain it is the right one to meet your company’s requirements.
Below are eight vital data integration questions to assist you in the decision-making process.
1. Why and Where Will You Use Data Integration Software?
Firstly, you have to identify the need for data integration in your business and set out clear goals you wish to achieve with the software. Whatever your requirement are, whether it is a onetime project for data migration, data processing needs like automation, or transferring data to non-developers, there is an array of retailers in the market offering unique and customized packages. Every package available has exclusive benefits with varying features, pricing, support and service models. So, knowing about your specific needs and its deployment will help you to find the suitable solution quickly.
2. Where is Your Data?
The second thing that influences your software needs is; where your data resides and the number, types and environment of data sources you want to combine. Are you using a single and massive database, or having a multiple of data sources all around the world that you want to combine? Or are you migrating to the cloud from the on-premises system? Once you’ve gain clarity regarding this, then you can progress to review how it will affect your security, agility and control over the data.
3. What are Your Future Data Needs?
While evaluating your present needs, also analyze and predict your needs for the future and how it will meet those needs. Such as, there will be a transformation in your amount of data for processing, or the impact if the number of data sources increases. Will you need to process data faster in the future? Or you may need to build a data warehouse or data lake? You should ensure that you have flexibility as your data needs and business processes will evolve in the future, and you have to select the potential solution with great scalability and support for complex challenges.
4. Who Will Use Your Data Integration Consultants Software?
Who will work on your data integration software; business teams or IT teams? This will have a significant effect on the type of software and service you choose. Consider to what extent you are going to exploit self-service in your organization and estimate the resources that will manage this software. Other than the IT team, business teams may not have the capability to manage raw data.
5. What is Your Budget?
You have to be honest about answering the question; how much you are willing to spend on the software? Getting a new software doesn’t only mean to pay license costs, you have to include the charges of developers, consultants, maintenance, support and future upgrades also. You may get attracted to the name of popular retailers, but their services can be more expensive, so you should check that the product matches your needs.
Similarly, a very cheap service can also put your data processing at risk. So you need to consider the future scalability of the software with the growth of your company. Therefore, you should research and understand the service packages of different retailers.
6. Did you Take a Trial or Demo of Different Retailers?
You have to be honest about answering this question that how much you are willing to spend on the software. Getting a new software doesn’t only mean to pay license costs, you have to include the charges of developers, consultants, maintenance, support, and future upgrades, also. You may get attracted to the name of popular retailers, but their services can be more expensive, so you should check that the product matches your needs.
Similarly, a very cheap service can also put your data processing at risk. So you need to consider the future scalability of the software with the growth of your company. Therefore, you should research and understand the service packages of different retailers.
7. How to Identify Suitable Retailer?
Have you answered all your questions, you now feel ready to pick the right retailer? It’s important not to forget to take individual requirements into consideration. Various Data Integration software retailers provide different benefits and experiences. Based on your specific requirements, choose a seller offering those services at a realistic price. Get reviews from their current and past clients to ensure of their customer support and work culture.
8. How is the Implementation Process?
The implementation process of data integration software doesn’t always run smoothly; you might get some obstacles during the process. You can find some retailers that provide a complete package inclusive of implementing and providing support thoroughly. Determine that the selected seller offers constant support and documentation, including guiding your team properly. A first-class service provider will also help to design your data architecture and provide consultancy services if you need it. You truly have to set clear goals and prospects and set up KPI’s so that you can determine success for future assessment.
Bottom Line: Find the Right Data Integration Software!
Every business has exceptional data integration needs and their data features changes in terms of storage, quality, formats, quantity etc. You should better understand your requirements, goals and limitations. The retailer who can confront all the data challenges of your business will be the most suitable. Here you have read a complete array of questions that can assist your decision-making process when buying data integration software. But for in-depth details of various products and to evaluate the data needs of your organization, you need professional advice to help you find the best product for your company.
Contact Data Integration Consultants to get an honest recommendation for suitable software and their future aspects! ExistBI have experienced consultants in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, contact them today for more details of how they can help you make the right decision.
