July 1, 2021

ENTERPRISE APPLICATION INTEGRATION TECHNIQUES The development of technology over the years has led to most systems within an organization existing in heterogeneous environments. That is to say, different applications were developed with varying languages, operate on different hardware and available on numerous platforms. The problems lay in the fact that when implementing systems, decisions on the technology employed differed from department to department and also had some dependence on the latest trends. What emerges is that these systems serve only the departmental needs. Information and process sharing across an organization is not accommodated for. These types of systems are known as ‘stovepipes’. Each of these stovepipe systems held independent data; it was recognized that customer information and the sharing of this information across departments was extremely valuable to an enterprise. Allowing the disparate systems to interoperate became increasingly important and necessary. As organizations grew, so too did the desire to integrate key systems with clients and vendors. What is new are the approach and the ideas that Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) encompasses and the techniques it uses. In order for it to be a success and a realistic solution, applying EAI requires involvement of the entire enterprise: business processes, applications, data, standards and platforms. EAI Requirements i. Business Process Integration (BPI): It is fundamentally important for a corporation to specify the processes involved in the exchange of enterprise information. “This allows organizations to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve responsiveness to customer demands.” This can include process management, process modelling, and workflow. Here, we involve the combination of tasks, procedures, organizations, required input and output information, and tools needed for each step in a business process. ii. Application Integration: Here, the goal is to “bring data or a function from one application together with that of another application that together provide near real-time integration.” This can include, business-to-business integration, customer relationship management (CRM) systems which can be integrated with a company’s backend applications, web integration, and building web sites that interact with multiple business systems. iii. Data Integration: If we want the above two integrations to succeed, we must also integrate the data involved. Its location must be identified, recorded, and a metadata model must be built (a master guide for various data stores). Now, data can be shared or distributed across database systems, providing it is in a standard format such as COM+/DCOM, CORBA, EDI, JavaRMI, and XML. iv. Platform Integration: Finally, the separate needs of the heterogeneous network must be integrated. Platform Integration deals with the processes and tools that are required to allow these systems to communicate, both optimally and securely, so data can be passed through different applications without difficulty. For example, finding how an Apple can pass data to a wireless palmtop is part of the entire corporate system integration. These activities, as we have said, are essential if EAI is to replace the unsatisfactory integration techniques that we have arrived at through time. EAI INTEGRATION ARCHITECTURES Within EAI, there exist two types of integration architecture: 1. Direct point-to-point (PTP) 2. Middleware-based Point-to-Point This is the basic, more traditional approach. It is used because it is easy and quick, certainly viable for situations where we have few systems to integrate. For example, a new web site may need to interface with an existing sales order system and point-to-point integration may appear suitable.

ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS AND THE BUSINESS PROCESS INTEGRATION (EAI/BPI) Enterprise application integration is the process of linking such applications within a single organization together in order to simplify and automate business processes to the greatest extent possible, while at the same time avoiding having to make sweeping changes to the existing applications or data structures. EAI solutions provide an integrated approach to connecting the different components of IT infrastructure- people, applications, platforms and databases to enable secure, intra and interenterprise collaboration. EAI solutions enable an organization to integrate business processes internally and externally with business partners to create dynamic environments that support current and evolving business requirements, thereby creating a global organization. REASONS FOR EMERGENCE OF EAI The reasons for emergence of EAI need are varied. Efforts by the leading Enterprise Business Application Suppliers seeking to establish themselves as the primary provider of the business and the IT backbone that supports the enterprise’s operations. But the core driving forces behind EAI is of following categories, which are within themselves inter-related. 1. Mergers & Acquisitions Mergers &/ or Acquisitions to be successful require overnight integration of dissimilar business processes of two or more companies, so that they can work as a single corporation. EAI is the only solution, which will enable such a rapid integration 2. E- Business E-business requires connecting of customers, suppliers and partners across the world, so as to form an integrated value and supply chain over the Internet. 3. Industry regulation & de-regulation Opening up of business processes to share information and allow market access requires  information to flow transparently and seamlessly both externally and internally. 4. Business Process Automation Business Process Automation requires new products and services to be integrated with already existent applications so as to improve efficiency, operating costs and customer services across an organization. 5. Growth in implementation of ERP packages ERP vendors are coming up with a product line complete with interfaces/ adapters to assist the ERP solution to be integrated with other applications as they have realized that ERP solutions to be effective should be integrated with the back-end legacy applications. 6. Supply Chain Management & Customer Relationship Management There is a movement towards virtual enterprise linking application systems from various companies in the supply chain. Significant developments in peer to peer networking and distributed processing have made it possible for businesses to integrate better their own functional departments as well as integrate with their partners and suppliers for better SCM & CRM. Re-engineering of business processes by organizations for greater customer focus requires close cooperation between standalone applications. 7. Zero Latency Enterprise Zero latency enterprise refers to an organization that can change its business rules in real time to act on new market opportunities and customer demands. An enterprise application integration solution accelerates responses and facilitates business changes in the zero latency enterprise. 8. Reduction of business process life cycle In the today’s competitive business environment, the need to align business systems with business goals is all the more a reality. Business processes evolve continuously requiring new methods and data, which in turn require integration with the existing ones. These new applications should start operations quickly moving IT management to shorter application lifecycles. This is made possible because of EAI solutions which help in integrating different applications and also assist in changing the business rules as required in minimum amount of time. 9. Intranet/ internet explosion The Intranet/ Internet explosion is leading to surge in the demand for a new class of human active applications that require integration with back end legacy applications. This feature again is enabled by EAI solution which can integrated the front end and back end applications.

TYPES OF SYSTEMS FROM A FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE Information systems can be classified by the specific organizational function they serve, as well as by organizational level. We now describe typical information systems that support each of the major business functions and provide examples of functional applications for each organizational level. SALES AND MARKETING SYSTEMS The sales and marketing function is responsible for selling the organization’s product or service. Marketing is concerned with identifying the customers for the firm’s products or services, determining what they need or want, planning and developing products and services to meet their needs, and advertising and promoting these products and services. Sales is concerned with contacting customers, selling the products and services, taking orders, and following up on sales. Sales and marketing information systems support these activities. MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION SYSTEMS The manufacturing and production function is responsible for actually producing the firm’s goods and services. Manufacturing and production systems deal with the planning, development, and maintenance of production facilities; the establishment of production goals; the acquisition, storage, and availability of production materials; and the scheduling of equipment, facilities, materials, and labour required to fashion finished products. Manufacturing and production information systems support these activities. FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS The finance function is responsible for managing the firm’s financial assets, such as cash, stocks, bonds, and other investments in order to maximize the return on these financial assets. The finance function is also in charge of managing the capitalization of the firm (finding new financial assets in stocks, bonds, or other forms of debt). In order to determine whether the firm is getting the best return on its investments, the finance function must obtain a considerable amount of information from sources external to the firm. The accounting function is responsible for maintaining and managing the firm’s financial records— receipts, disbursements, depreciation, payroll—to account for the flow of funds in a firm. Finance and accounting share related problems—how to keep track of a firm’s financial assets and fund flows. They provide answers to questions such as these: What is the current inventory of financial assets? What records exist for disbursements, receipts, payroll, and other fund flows? HUMAN RESOURCES SYSTEMS The human resources function is responsible for attracting, developing, and maintaining the firm’s work force. Human resources information systems support activities such as identifying potential employees, maintaining complete records on existing employees, and creating programs to develop employees’ talents and skills. Strategic-level human resources systems identify the manpower requirements (skills, educational level, types of positions, number of positions, and cost) for meeting the firm’s long-term business plans. At the management level, human resources systems help managers monitor and analyze the recruitment, allocation, and compensation of employees. Knowledge systems for human resources support analysis activities related to job design, training, and the modelling of employee career paths and reporting relationships. Human resources operational systems track the recruitment and placement of the firm’s employees.  

STRATEGIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIS) These are systems that help organizations alter their business strategies, plans or structure. They are also used to hasten the reaction time of the environmental changes and aid the organization to achieve a competitive advantage over its competitors. They are developed in response to corporate business initiative. They are intended to give competitive advantage to the organization. They may deliver a product or service that is at a lower cost, that is differentiated, that focuses on a particular market segment, or is innovative. Information is needed in needed in the following areas. i. Threats of substitutes ii. Threat of new entrants iii. Bargaining power of customers iv. Bargaining Power of suppliers Characteristics of strategic information system (sis) i. It is largely external- It looks at economic trends, markets and technological changes, political factors, performance of competitors etc. ii. It is future oriented – It is concerned with long term future trends, focused and strategic assessment. iii. It is both quantitative and qualitative i.e. it involves opinions, judgement, observation and insights. iv. Boundary free – There are no boundaries and information are broad reflecting the holistic view of the organization. v. Multi-dimensional – It takes on all embracing views of the problem and considered all departments of the organization. vi. It is largely informal processes which are more effective, adaptive, responsive and are sensitive to the environmental disturbances, reducing the impacts of strategic thrust in an organization. OFFICE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS Office automation systems are computer-based information systems that collect, process, store and transmit electronic messages, documents and other forms of communications among individuals, work groups and organizations. The term ‘office automation’ refers to a combination of computer hardware, software, and network connection, made available to simplify and automate a variety of office operations, such as inventory management, facility management, accounting, email, and word processing. It is used to digitally create, store, manipulate, and relay office information and data, needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Office Automation also has the following objectives: – i. Merger application of technology ii. Fixing the implementation process office work iii. Increase productivity and effectiveness of work iv. Provide the ability for management to be able to solve out problems with a better office. v. Being able to provide accurate data so as to facilitate the management in making the right business decisions vi. Increase reliability of operation vii. To improve efficiency of operations viii. To access more extensive data over a short period. ix. To enhance accuracy of operations x. To save Operation costs particularly labor costs Features of Automated Offices i. Networked Computers ii. Hardware devices such as fax, telephone lines etc. iii. Software Package Such as accounting packages, word processors etc. iv. Terminals linked to central computers as well as directly to each other; The Benefits of Implementing Office Automation System 1. Data Storage and Manipulation: Data storage includes important and confidential office documents and records. Office automation system includes data applications, which are used to create or edit a document, file, spreadsheet or an image. There are various types of word processing and desktop presentation packages available, which allow creating or editing textual data. Similarly, you can find dedicated applications for editing spreadsheets and images. 2. Data Management: Data management is one of the major components of office automation system that offers strategic advantages by simplifying the management of stored data and information. Large business organizations can monitor and control various projects and activities within the office through an electronic management system. Program schedules, tickler systems or reminder systems, and task management are some of the features, which empower businesses to have an eye on all business processes without any hassle. 3. Data Exchange: Exchange of stored or manipulated data and information is also an important component of an office automation system. Sending files or exchanging data or information between one or more than one member of an organization has become possible with an electronic transfer application. Through a network connection, all data and information, including text documents, presentations, spreadsheets, images, and videos can be sent in real-time within a few seconds. Illustrating the collaborative nature of an office automation system, this would allow your employees to collaborate in real-time and enhance their productivity. 4. Accuracy: Yes, it’s true! Computer systems and other machines are as effective as a human brain. Once the bugs are removed from a program or an application, it can help you in getting 100% accuracy in the day-to-day business processes. The software programs are more reliable than the human, who actually made it. Implementing an advanced business automation software reduces the probability of errors. 5. Save Time and Resources: Office automation empowers businesses to save both time and money. It simplifies and automates those complex tasks, which earlier required a dedicated resource and a great amount of time. For example, with the introduction of the latest computer technologies and network communications, businesses are now not constricted by geographical limitations. And hence, they can easily save both time and money spent on traveling. Another great example is the digital storage, which eliminates the need of preserving hard copies and hence, saving paper and nature as well. 6. Reduced Costs: Since every business process is now automated, you don’t need to invest much on hiring new resources for taking care of those tasks, which can be easily executed using an office automation system. As we know that time saved is money saved, your business enterprise can easily save huge by automating various complex business processes. With saving large on the overall expenditure and investment on other resources, your profit margins are surely going to improve.