How do you make sure your systems talk to each other properly?
Planning to get started with Mendix’s low-code platform, but worried about how to handle integrations with other applications? In this blog, Jelle Van Loock, Mendix developer at Mendify, shares some insights and tips.
Data quality, data consistency and lack of IT architecture oversight
Before joining Mendify as a Mendix developer, I worked as an integration developer for four years. In that role, I learned a tremendous amount about integrating different applications and the challenges involved. Although APIs are growing in popularity, integrations in many organizations are still performed manually or supported by outdated technologies. Another challenge has to do with the “single source of truth. If in one system my name – to take just one example – is registered as “Jelle van Look” and in the other system it is “Jelle Van Loock,” which is the correct version? In short, the integration challenges are primarily related to data quality, data consistency and lack of IT architecture oversight.
Integration at Mendify
Even within Mendify, we know how important good systems integration is and the challenges involved. In most cases, the Mendix application we build must be able to communicate with other applications, both internally developed applications and external systems such as SAP, Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365. So it is essential that we are able to create seamless integrations between different systems and platforms.
Three roads that lead to Rome
There are a number of paths we can take to achieve successful integration:
1. Mendix Public Market Place
We can leverage the extensive library of reusable components and connectors in the Mendix Public Market Place. However, it is important to check the reliability and timeliness of connectors before using them.
2. Build your own
If an off-the-shelf connector is not available, we can create our own connection via an API. This does require technical expertise and knowledge of data structures, the Mendix platform and API terminology.
3. Mendix Connect
Another approach we can use is Mendix Connect. While not specifically designed for integration, it allows us to create interaction between different Mendix applications. This is particularly useful when dealing with the “single source of truth” problem. Suppose we have multiple Mendix applications where application A consults certain data sources and application B also needs access to the same sources. By using Mendix Connect, application B can use the previously retrieved data from application A and continue working with it. By designating a master application, we ensure that there are no inconsistencies and that all applications use the same reliable data source. This way, we can create a consistent and integrated experience between different Mendix applications.
Discover opportunities for your organization
If you are interested in Mendix, but have doubts about integrating different systems, we are here for you. At Mendify, we work with you to explore which solution best suits your organization’s specific needs. Please contact us, we are happy to help.