Don’t Confuse Integration with Interoperability
As it relates to software, interoperability is more than just multiple systems being able to talk back and forth with one another. It is a real-time data exchange of information between more than one system AND designed to do so from the start. This is different from integrations, in which data needs to be translated (and needs what is known as middleware or an interpreter) to enable multiple systems to communicate with each other.
With Sysdyne’s embrace of Cloud-Native technologies going back over 15 years, customers have enjoyed the benefits of an open, flexible, and simplified software platform – enabling modern open application programming interface (API) integration capabilities in its products across the entire product suite (batch, dispatch, GPS/delivery management, e-ticketing, BI) for a long time. We’ve demonstrated proven success, for years, as the market leader in better and more reliable communications across disparate systems via modern cloud-enabled methods.
Sysdyne stands in stark contrast to long-standing on-prem providers, who operate primarily closed, rigid, and highly customized ecosystems. Though there have been some recent information pushes from them on “cloud” and API mindsets in hopes of improving outcomes, these are still emerging capabilities in their worlds – limited to certain products and not close to utilization at scale or across the product portfolio.
Where does interoperability come into play?
All products that are a part of Sysdyne’s current cloud-native software platform are not just integrated, but fully interoperable. Built from the same technology in the cloud, they do not require a translator or middleware between one another to communicate. Communications and data flows are seamless.
Let’s use email as an example of interoperability. If the way email worked was via integration, each email coming from, or going to, a Gmail account would need to then go through a translator, be manipulated or reformatted in some way, and then repackaged for it to communicate with an Outlook account, further repackaged to work with a Yahoo account, and so forth. However, because email is interoperable, this is not the case. Gmail users can send and read emails to and from Yahoo users, Outlook users, and vice versa, regardless of email domain. Thank goodness. Imagine the extra overhead and fragility involved with email if it weren’t interoperable.
Interoperability is more advanced and meaningful than integration, especially the automation and fluidity of processes and data workflows. Ready-mix producers on Sysdyne benefit from real-time visibility (from anywhere, anytime, on any device) across the whole process using CloudBatch to automate the batching process, ConcreteGO to simplify and advance the dispatching process, iStrada to enhance delivery management and customer communications, and SysdyneBI to improve business intelligence & data analytics. Sysdyne customers see faster speed and simplification of the overall process, alongside significantly greater reliability and security, because they are leveraging an interoperable cloud-native platform.
Does Sysdyne do both – integrations and interoperability?
Simply stated! See Figure 1 below. This image was taken from our recent webinar titled “How Interoperability Changes the Game,” which can be viewed on demand by clicking here. With an open, flexible, and simplified software platform, adeptness at integrations – whether via modern APIs or other legacy approaches – has been in our DNA for years. These approaches are very much needed to connect third-party applications to the platform, enable a mixed vendor approach, or facilitate data workflows across other core systems like an ERP. To be open and flexible means we embrace and support our customers’ views on what defines the best technology stack for their enterprise. No more making compromises or being in a vendor lock-in scenario for key areas of their business.
Figure 1
Interoperability is a large step-change beyond APIs, where the opportunity to remove middleware, interpreters, and mapping from the equation unlocks a whole new level of simplification. Imagine if Batch and Dispatch were interoperable products, running in the cloud, and working from a single database – regardless of plant and truck count. Talk about a real-time enterprise view (from anywhere, anytime, on any device) across your enterprise! Imagine the IT hardware, support, costs, and integration needs removed when deploying an interoperable cloud-native approach in as many key areas of your business as possible. Sysdyne customers do not have to imagine. It is their reality today!
In Conclusion
Since 2008, Sysdyne has made it our mission to develop a Cloud-Native platform to deliver our entire suite of solutions. This includes CloudBatch Batch Control, ConcreteGO Cloud Dispatch, iStrada GPS/Delivery Management, SysdyneBI Business Intelligence, and more, ensuring each solution speaks the same language, confirming nothing will be lost in the translation process, and that unnecessary overhead is removed whenever possible.
We are proud to be the first, and only, opportunity for ready-mix producers to have a single, Cloud-Native platform purpose-built to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the entire process, from sales to production to delivery management, billing, and analytics.
Sysdyne invites you to view our recent webinar on interoperability to learn more. And then let’s have a meaningful conversation about the level-up opportunity this could mean for your business by contacting us here.
