1. What is Point to Point Integration?
Point to Point Integration the process of combining two software by implementing a direct connection between them.
As described above, software A will have a component which will be used to interact with Software B to send and receive the corresponding data.
There are two common types of point to point integration which are payment integration and shipping integration.
2. Shipping and Payment Integration
2.1 Shipping Integration
eCommerce Solution Providers always implement an ecommerce module, plugin, or extension to interact with a Shipping Carrier to calculate shipping fee for an order or update tracking information of that shipment. Point to Point Integration for a very specific simple task like Shipping Carrier Integration works.
2.2 Payment Integration
eCommerce Solution Providers always implement an ecommerce module, plugin, or extension to interact directly with a payment gateway to capture payment for an order or refund the money for a customer when returning an order.
3. Understanding the Hidden Layers of Point-to-Point Integration
The two above examples make a lot of sense that direct interaction is the only way to connect the two different software. A lot of developers will build integration by writing a module in System A to call directly to another software, let’s see how it works in real life .
There are 5 softwares in the above integrated system: A, B, C, D, and X
- These softwares need to connect to each other to form an Information System.
- We may need 6 different components to be written in 2 different set of technologies
- A
- And X
- Needs 2 developers to understand both A and X
- If a software developer that understands both A & X we may have to pay higher
- And not sure 100% both A and B understand well all B, C, C
- So we may have 6 different software packages maintained by six different developers
- AB Integration Component
- AC Integration Module
- AD Integration Plugin
- XB Integration Module
- XC Integration Module
- XD Integration Plugin
Let’s see the pitfalls when we operate our information system with the above architecture
4. Navigating the Pitfalls
4.1 Maintenance is a never-ending task
With each direct connection tailored to specific endpoints, maintenance becomes a night-mare task. A minor update in one system can cascade through the network, requiring adjustments in all connected systems. This domino effect turns routine maintenance into a resource-draining endeavor, consuming time and money that could be better spent on innovation.
- Each minor change on A or X might need a team of 3 developers, 1 QA, and a team leader to check all the integration components.
- And as you know, adding a custom field to the sales order table is a changed
- Extend the length of the product sku is a change
4.2 Waste of Software Development Resources
- This is the highest hidden cost of point to point integration. To maintain the complex system with 6 plugins above, we might have to maintain a team of 6 developers to make sure that we always have somebody to ask when anything happens.
4.3 Long-time bugs fixing
- The developers are not dedicated to the integration job
- So a common problem of custom integration whenever any issue popup is, please wait because “I am busy for other stuff”
- Another project
- Vacation
- Another more critical issue
4.4 No Unified Development Approach
- We might meet a PHP expert but having zero knowledge about SAP ABAP
- We might meet a Microsoft Dynamics AX developer but have no idea how Shopify works
- We might meet an ecommerce developer who has no idea of custom X++ Microsoft Dynamics FnO Extension.
4.5 Flexibility: Rigidity in Disguise
Flexibility is the hallmark of a robust IT ecosystem, yet P2P integrations are anything but flexible. Hard-coded connections lack the agility needed to pivot in response to new business needs or technological advancements. This rigidity can corner businesses into outdated practices, hampering their competitive edge and ability to innovate.
We do not know if any changes in AB can cause an error on B or XB and we are scared of making any change
4.6 Complexity and Errors: A Breeding Ground
The complexity of managing numerous P2P integrations not only increases the likelihood of errors but also complicates troubleshooting and resolution. Data inconsistencies and integration failures become more common, impacting operational reliability and eroding trust in the system.
4.7 UnReusable Package – Duplication of Effort: Inefficiency at Its Finest
P2P integrations often involve redundant efforts, as similar functionalities are developed multiple times across different connections. This inefficiency is not just wasteful; it’s a missed opportunity to allocate resources to areas that could drive business growth and innovation.
4.8 Governance and Visibility: Navigating in the Dark
Effective governance and visibility are essential for ensuring data quality, compliance, and security. However, the dispersed nature of P2P integrations makes it challenging to monitor and control data flows, leaving businesses vulnerable to breaches and compliance issues.
4.9 Performance: The Unseen Victim
Every integration adds a burden to the systems involved, and in a P2P landscape, this can lead to significant performance degradation. Managing the performance across an ever-growing network of direct connections is not only challenging but can also detract from the user experience and operational efficiency.
4.10 Scalability Enemy
The initial simplicity of P2P integrations belies a truth that becomes apparent with growth: scalability is its Achilles’ heel. As businesses expand, adding new systems and applications, the web of direct connections grows exponentially, morphing into an intricate maze that’s as daunting to navigate as it is to maintain. This complexity isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it becomes a barrier to growth, stifling the ability to integrate new technologies and adapt to market changes.
4.11 Embracing a Strategic Approach to Integration
The pitfalls of P2P integration underscore the need for a more strategic approach. Solutions such as Enterprise Service Buses (ESBs), Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS), and other middleware technologies offer a centralized, flexible, and scalable alternative. By serving as a hub through which all communications pass, these solutions reduce complexity, streamline maintenance, and enhance governance and visibility.
5. Conclusion
While point-to-point integrations might seem appealing for their simplicity and directness and will be working well with the single simple task such as Shipping and Payment above.
But for the other types of complex applications and implications can significantly hinder business agility and growth. By understanding these pitfalls and considering more strategic integration approaches, organizations can build a resilient IT infrastructure that supports scalability, innovation, and efficiency.