Customer Data Integration is a common area of failure in companies of all scopes, ranging from large corporations to relatively smaller companies. Customer-related data is a crucial factor in operations and external relations, which are both primary determinants of success in any consumer-related form of business.
Customer data integration should be run as a continuous exercise, contrary to popular belief and practice, and it should be completed every time new data is acquired.
Currently, the state of customer-related data in most companies is dismally poor. Most companies and businesses tend to snub the process of continuous integration practices, and they carry out the integration of customer-related information on a one-time undertaking. Some of them don't do it all together.
Data relating to foreign relations and customers is best when stored in the most dynamic way so that it can easily be retrieved and updated at any time. However, despite understanding this fundamental need, most companies naively ignore its importance. It is the ultimate explanation of why this kind of data is in most cases unsystematic.
Customer data integration for any company should be a dynamic activity, recording information in a systematic and easily retrievable system. The system should also provide for easy retrieval and updating of previously stored data.
Below are ways in which a company can ensure successful company-wide customer data integration:
For flexibility purposes, you should integrate your data from various sources. For instance, involving all your managerial assistant software. A lot of businesses and companies have adopted the use of Customer Relations Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as well as Business Intelligence (BI) software. Many of these have much to do with customer and third-party relations as well as being data carriers. Hence, one can link them to databases for integration.
The only need would be to synchronize them through mapping, which software experts can do this effortlessly. This works better since data can be accessed from any of this software, as compared to dependence on a single database, where data traffic would be quite high. The consequences of high electronic data traffic are obvious.
Many corporations overlook the importance of operating large data stores. Companies which run high-capacity repositories and data warehouses don’t struggle with their data integration. The concept being that the bigger the field, the happier the flock. The quality of software and corresponding hardware also affects data integration.
Handling of large volumes of data and complex software calls for high-class hardware. Otherwise, all systems are at risk of crashing. Setting up cloud-based data banks and software locations removes the worries of possible loss or damage of data, hence it is the best option to go for when looking for great storage solutions for data, programs, and software.
As mentioned earlier, customer data integration is often misconceived as either a one-time exercise or even insignificant enough to be left out. The only way you can do something successfully is by tying all your parts together. Once you commit to ensuring it is not only done but done in the right way, you will engage in long-term solutions such as seeking software to perform most of the integration where human resources only come in to feed the data into the system.
As mentioned above, Customer data integration is a dynamic activity which involves constantly making changes to already existing data as well as adding new information to the systems. It is a far-sighted milestone to choose a consolidation system that can reliably accommodate future changes in its concepts.
What this means is that companies should utilize cloud software that can bridge the needs of all systems. Some of the reasons, which are rather obvious, are reliable storage, accessibility, and ease of use. With cloud storage, you can quickly switch your systems without much worries of data loss.
When deciding on utilizing a data integration expert for your company data integration, establish what is best for your business. Consider using the consultant's expert knowledge and professional advice not only for the project itself but also ensure you will have the support you need after implementation.
Your objective is to have your data integrated into databases that will blend in with your respective scale of operations as well as other systems your enterprise utilizes.
Starting the process for a successful customer data integration project requires choosing an business intelligence and data services partner that will ensure a value-added, expertly managed data integration project and give you the long-term capabilities you need for successful customer data related management.
Uniserv is a solution utilized by 5x Technology as part of our data integration services. Tied with our specialized data services, project management and Uniserv software expertise, 5x Technology provides the following to guarantee a successful company-wide customer data integration:
Customer data integration is a progressive, recurrent obligation as opposed to the common belief that it is a one-time undertaking. With the right IT consultant partner and software, such as Uniserv, you can rest easy knowing the initial integration is a smooth process, and that moving forward you have the tools to continue your on-going sompany-wide data integration is a source of continued growth and success for the entire enterprise.
Learn more about data quality with our free resource, Achieving High CRM Data Quality.