5 Top System Integration Mistakes SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) Make

System integration (SI) is a process that involves building computing systems through the combination of hardware and software products, which are usually from different vendors. This is carried out by an individual or a business, known as system integrator. This process enables businesses and individuals to save money through the alignment of cheaper and pre-configured components as well as off-the-shelf software rather than the costlier and customized options. It offers a better and more affordable alternative to the owners of small to medium-sized businesses and corporations.

Failure to Test the SI Components

Before passing the SI as fit for use within an organization, it has to undergo functional testing. All the various components, which have been integrated for this purpose, must be tested to find out how effective they are in the work they are supposed to accomplish. The person tasked with the job must be in possession of a wide range of skills. The integrator must be good at issues concerning software, in addition to systems and enterprise architecture. The individual has to demonstrate in-depth knowledge when it comes to software and hardware engineering. The interface protocol skills of the integrator must be above board, with good problem solving skills.

Failure to Provide Adequate Technical Support

A small to medium-sized business does not have the same amount of resources that a large corporation has. However, no matter how small the budget they set aside for SI, they must ensure that they cater for adequate technical support. This often means that they must test the SI process thoroughly before passing and allowing it’s usage within the organization’s daily operations. All the integration services have to undergo thorough testing. SMBs must look for the resources to find professional technicians who will perform system integration testing and take care of any problem that might arise thus making the SI process less effective than it was meant to be.

Failure to Invest in New Systems

As it is the case with all forms of integrated management system, the SI process will go through a period when the hardware and software components develop issues. When dealing with PCs, one has to set aside a three to four-year period of using and maintaining them at optimal levels. After a four-year period of optimal use, the PCs and other related systems will require huge amounts of money to repair and keep them in excellent condition, when it could probably cost less to obtain new replacements. Buying new replacements often seems costlier but this is only before one takes the cost of maintaining the old systems into account.

Lack of Adequate Power Protection

SMBs can be as thorough as they want to be with the whole system integration process, and ensure that everything is in place for the system to run smoothly. However, when the SMB fails to make provisions regarding power protection, especially in a place where power outages are frequent, it should be ready to incur heavy losses in terms of financial resources and critical data. All critical PCs used to support the SI process must enjoy good power protection through the installation of battery backup devices. The integrator must find ways of connecting the servers used to operate the system to UPSs.

Lack of Proper Training

Finally, nothing will harm the SI process, thus making the functional testing, and system integration testing a complete failure than lack of proper training. The people tasked with the job of managing the SI process, and ensure undoubted success, must be beneficiaries of constant, up-to-date training of the highest quality. Proper training means that the personnel will have no problem identifying security failures that could arise during the system’s implementation and providing effective and timely solutions. A properly trained integrator will help develop the best systems to run the SMB’s operations smoothly.