Grown or integrated software solutions?

14.01.2025 | Jean-René Thies

The structure of the software landscape is a success factor for practically every company. The central question: should the system architecture grow modularly and organically, or does an integrated system offer the necessary efficiency and future security?

The pragmatic approach of many companies is to expand their software portfolio in line with demand. New requirements are covered by specific solutions, which allows rapid implementation with minimal resource expenditure. A typical example: a company first implements an ERP system and then successively adds solutions for product data management, image management and e-commerce data conversion, often using cost-effective open source applications.

With each addition, however, the complexity of the IT infrastructure increases. The increasing number of interfaces leads to a larger network of different technologies and standards. This not only makes interoperability between components more difficult, but also leads to increased maintenance costs. Compatibility problems and different update cycles of individual systems put a strain on IT resources, which leads to performance losses and increased manual effort in business processes. Where interfaces are not possible, the required components remain decoupled and continuously generate manual transfers. This means that the initial cost advantage is often associated with long-term disadvantages.

In contrast, integrated systems represent a holistic approach based on homogeneous, interlinked components. Modern integrated platforms use modular architectural approaches in order to remain adaptable even with close integration. The modules interlock seamlessly and are based on consistent data models and standards, thus avoiding compatibility problems.

The centralization of functions and the homogeneity of data without redundancies are a key factor. This allows information about product data and operational processes to be exchanged between the modules in real time and without friction losses. This data flow increases the efficiency of processes and enables well-founded decisions based on a consistent database. In addition, an integrated system makes it much easier to maintain and update the software landscape, as the entire infrastructure is coordinated and no additional effort is required to harmonize the individual components.

Integrated systems also offer significant advantages in terms of scalability and resource optimization. The close integration and uniform structure not only allow processes to be designed more efficiently, but also flexibly adapted to increasing requirements. Growth, whether in the form of extended functions, new business areas or increasing data volumes, can be easily mapped using new modules or system extensions. Resources are used and optimized in a targeted manner, while redundant and manual processes are eliminated.

Conclusion: integrated systems as a strategic choice

The choice between a grown software landscape and an integrated solution should be weighed up carefully. While legacy systems offer short-term cost benefits, in the long term they can lead to complex structures that limit the company's efficiency and agility. Integrated systems, on the other hand, offer a consistent, maintainable and scalable solution that streamlines processes and provides a solid foundation for the future.