With the advancement of technology and its incorporation into the activities of numerous organizations, the need for professionals with the skillset to develop various technology stacks or systems to meet the ever-changing and demanding requirements of various companies has never been greater. As such, the job description of system integrators is becoming increasingly complex. A Systems integrator (SI) is a company that combines clients’ various hardware and software subsystems into an all-encompassing IT solution. This practice is known as system integration. Depending on the kind of IT solution, the client can also employ an ERP system integrator which is a wider solution used to completely automate business processes and workflows. This article explains who a system integrator is, why companies need one, and how to become one.
What Is a System Integrator?
A system integrator is a professional or company responsible for assembling computing systems for customers from a variety of hardware, software, networking, and storage items from many vendors. This type of business specializes in setting up, organizing, scheduling, coordinating, testing, enhancing, and occasionally sustaining a computing operation. They are also responsible for procuring subsystems from different contractual vendors, analyzing information technology demands, and creating internal solutions for companies/clients.
Instead of spending more money on pricier, customized implementations that might need custom programming or the production of special components, corporations can employ the services of a SI to align less expensive, preconfigured subsystems and commercial off-the-shelf software to fulfill critical business goals.
The role of the system integrator is a challenging one and is very important in helping businesses enhance and sustain their IT systems.
Reasons for a System Integrator
Increasing productivity and establishing uniform standards for the supply of goods or services are the main reasons why firms hire systems integrators. The organization’s access to information will be sped up by a well-implemented integration system, which will also lower operating expenses.
Some reasons companies employ the services of a SI include;
#1. Building analysis-based technical solutions
Systems integrators are in charge of assisting businesses in choosing the software or technology that would best enable them to achieve their objectives and fit into their existing operational framework. System integrators have a responsibility to guarantee that businesses invest in the appropriate computing systems and make the right decisions.
#2. Designing Implementing and Integrating solutions
System integrators design, develop, synthesize, and implement technological solutions that are specific to the requirements of an organization. Before integrating software into the major system and networking architecture of the organization, SI, together with other information technology professionals, assesses and authenticates it to ensure suitability. Along with producing engineering blueprints, technical instructions, technical drawings, and other documents pertinent to system integration, the system integrator company can also organize the team’s workload and prepare work plans for team members.
#3. Providing help and Solutions for clients
System integration positions require a person with practical client-facing skills because they are very technical. You are responsible for evaluating and recommending integration options as a system integrator depending on the requirements and preferences of the customer. The management, administrative, and legal staff of the organization will frequently collaborate with you to guarantee that the suggested solutions adhere to legal requirements.
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the deployed IT infrastructure or, in some cases, to provide further support, you might need to give clients assistance with post-installation and integration as part of your responsibilities. Any number of tasks, such as system maintenance and regular upkeep, can fall under this category.
Additionally, you can manage a team to make sure that business as usual is maintained while ensuring there are no interruptions, blackouts, or errors.
#4. Maintaining the Security of Servers
A System integrator ensures that servers are secure, well-maintained, debugged, and virus-free, in addition to performing basic tasks like setting up user accounts, installing software, and keeping an eye on system performance. You can examine the settings and configuration, start, halt, and resume the company’s servers whenever necessary. The deployment of web applications and service modules, as well as the planning of staff training for server shutdown and startup, fall under the purview of a system integrator.
#5. Keeping abreast with Industry best practices and New Innovations
There are numerous current developments and improvements to keep up with because this is a highly specialized profession. Your knowledge will influence the type of advice you can offer clients. The more you learn, the more skilled you become, and the more effective your outcomes and execution are, the more swiftly you will advance in your position. Companies that wish to stay on top of the latest technological developments employ the services of system integrators to ensure they stay current.
#6. Documenting the Process
Documents and information related to the integration principles are curated by a system integrator. It is necessary for you to record your procedures for simple knowledge transfer or to arrange training sessions to assist staff members and any other necessary stakeholders in accessing details on the integration.
By putting your strategy in writing, you can make sure clients can monitor and follow up on each step of the integration process, from developing a plan and strategy to developing technical instructions for staff members. In order to make sure your customer can readily track and access any relevant information even when you are not around or even after the project is over, you are required to construct a resource repository or support documentation for the system’s setup, testing, and management.
Erp System Integrator
ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems are crucial in assisting companies in achieving operational efficiency. Billing, payments, accounting transactions and reports, budget vs. actual results, cash management, supply chain, vendor purchases, inventory management, equipment and inventory bills, manufacturing resource planning (MRP 2), manufacturing production scheduling, and human resources are all handled by an ERP system, which is a software solution that cuts across the operations of the whole company.
An ERP serves to provide a real-time perspective on the business while supporting daily procedures and workflows by integrating fundamental business functions in the form of distinct components into a single, unified system.
By linking and synchronizing your ERP software with other business systems, you can capture, track, and analyze real-time data that originates from a single source of information with greater efficiency. We know this process as ERP system integration.
ERP system integration creates a uniform database and allows users to log in through the ERP system by mapping fields from several software programs to work together.
The ERP system integration is achieved via cloud-based and on-premises software, which enables customers to customize and expedite system workflows and business processes to match their own internal procedures.
How to Become a System Integrator
There are a number of paths to follow in order to get into the career of a system integrator. A person can either start out directly or make a career change from a closely related career path, such as IT or computing. Regardless of the approach you choose to take, here are some standards and best practices for becoming a competent systems integrator;
#1. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Field
A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related discipline is typically required to start your professional path as a systems integrator in order to remain a competitive alternative for companies. If you want to be prepared when you apply for entry-level jobs and start working, concentrate on developing industry-specific skills during your studies. These will ensure a solid foundation to kickstart your career. You might need to complete a Systems Integrator internship to get your bachelor’s degree and gain the practical experience you’ll need when you start working.
#2. Choose a Specialization
As a system integrator, you may need to choose an area of expertise in your field. Choose the field in the SI industry where you feel most confident, and then continue to make efforts to advance in that area.
#3. Develop the necessary Skills
To overcome challenges and work with others on the job, it’s critical to develop both your technical and soft skills. The following are some of the most crucial soft skills for a system integrator:
- Knowledge of programming languages like Java and C++.
- Experience using different operating systems as well as cloud-based web services.
- Mastery of networking technologies and protocols.
- A good understanding of various databases.
- Analytical thinking skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Project management and communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
#4. Get an Entry-Level Position as a System Integrator
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field is usually required to become an entry-level System Integrator. Generally, to work as a system integrator, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree in a field that is comparable. You might wish to look into further certification depending on the kind of System Integrator position you’re pursuing.
#5. Gain additional System Integrator Certifications
Certifications as a system integrator can demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the fundamental skills needed for the job. You may become a more appealing prospect by earning certifications. Although organizations may not demand system integrator accreditation, it may help you stand out from other candidates.
The most common certifications for system integrators include;
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
- Certified Manager Certification (CM).
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).
- CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP).
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).
- Certified UNIX System Administrator (CUSA).
#6. Advance Your Systems Integrator Career
Several Systems Integrator profession path levels can be reached after the entry-level. System integrators can require two years to advance to a higher position. In order to advance in your system integrator job path, you need to have amassed roughly 8 years of experience at each level. Further education, a higher degree (like a Master’s Degree), or specialized certifications may help you advance as a system integrator.
#7. Build an outstanding portfolio
Whatever your expertise, properly document your activities and triumphs to show potential employers your value. Businesses wanting to engage system integrators aim to increase revenue, decrease costs, and minimize or eliminate inefficiencies. A proven ability to help these businesses achieve one or more of these goals will make you a preferred candidate. Also, most clients and corporations want to know your past accomplishments to trust you with their work.
Industry Application of System Integrators
System integrators are employed in many fields and sectors. A few practical areas where SI finds application include;
#1. In the Defense Industry
As defense systems become more “connected,” the position of “Systems Integration” engineer is becoming more crucial in the defense sector. Current system integration is drawing a lot of attention and research, along with the integration of new systems. Connectable systems have just recently been adopted, as most systems were developed as “stovepipe” designs without future connectivity in mind.
The current difficulty is figuring out how to synthesize data from numerous sources (or sensors) into a unified picture.
Along with designing the interfaces themselves, a lot of work goes into making the information usefully presented. The military hierarchy requires a lot of information, which might become outdated in seconds, so multiple systems must be connected.
#2. In Entertainment and Architectural Controls
System integrators perform the role of a designer or engineer in entertainment and architectural projects, integrating a wide range of components from different manufacturers to achieve the objective of building a cohesive, functional system that satisfies the client’s expectations. In order to identify the precise mix of output, function, interconnection, program storage, controls, and user interfaces needed for particular projects, SI is typically involved in the selection of instruments and control components from among several OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Typically, the system integrator is in charge of creating the control riser, working with the lighting consultant and AV consultant to program the functions, and commissioning the system when it has been placed.
System integrators often serve as project vendors and collaborate with lighting designers on innovative plans for commissioned projects. Systems integrators are in greater demand as lighting and audiovisual systems become more complex.
#3. In the automation Industry
System integrators supply the automation industry with the products and application knowledge necessary to implement complex automation solutions. System integrators often work with automation providers to acquire development tools, resources, and technical assistance through their programs. As small manufacturers’ engineering departments, system integrators install, commission, maintain, and secure their automation systems.
Conclusion
As a link between technology components, a system integrator helps firms maximize their infrastructure while reducing complexity and risk. It’s crucial to evaluate the needs of the organization, the complexity of the integration, and the knowledge needed to accomplish the intended objectives when deciding whether or not to work with a system integrator.
The position of a system integrator also involves the capacity to; adapt to changing company needs and technological developments, as well as a strong technical expertise, great problem-solving skills, and communication skills. The system integrator may collaborate with programmers, data engineers, and software developers to integrate systems and meet client needs.
What Is the Difference Between OEM and System Integrator?
One difference between OEMs and System Integrators is that OEMs are experts with specific equipment and processes, while System Integrators are experts with diverse automated systems.
What Are the 4 Types of System Integration?
– Legacy system integration.
– Enterprise application integration (EAI)
– Third-party system integration.
– Business-to-business integration.
What Is the Role of a System Integrator?
The main goal of a system integrator is to bring together different subsystems into a single integrated solution and ensure that they function in tandem with one another.
How Do System Integrators Make Money?
One way system integrators make money is by reselling hardware and software products that are part of the integrated system.
What are the Types of System Integration?
The following are the types of system integration:
- Legacy system integration.
- Enterprise application integration (EAI)
- Third-party system integration.
- Business-to-business integration.
