What is iPaaS, and when does a Greek business need it?
A practical introduction to integration platforms (iPaaS): what they solve, when they are worth it and what to check before choosing one.
Most businesses do not run one system, they run ten: an ERP, a CRM, an e-shop, a payment platform, marketing tools, accounting. Each one works well on its own. The trouble starts when they need to talk to each other.
The problem with point-to-point connections
The first connection is quick to write: a script that moves orders from the e-shop into the ERP. Then comes the second, the third, the tenth. Eventually nobody remembers which script does what, and every system upgrade becomes a risk.
What iPaaS is
iPaaS (integration Platform as a Service) is a cloud platform where you design, run and monitor all your data flows in one place. Instead of scattered scripts, you get:
- ready-made connectors for popular systems,
- visual flow design,
- central monitoring and error alerts,
- logic you can reuse across integrations.
When it is worth it
An iPaaS such as Boomi usually pays off when:
- you have more than three or four systems exchanging data,
- data needs to sync in near real time,
- errors in your flows are costly (wrong stock levels, lost orders).
If you only have one or two simple connections, a well-written script may be enough.
What to check
Before choosing a platform, check whether there are connectors for the Greek systems you use (for example your ERP and e-invoicing providers), how pricing works and who will maintain the flows after handover.