What is iPaaS: Integration Platform as a Service?
iPaaS, or Integration Platform as a Service, is a group of cloud-based integration tools that help other applications connect and exchange data to speed up processes, improve the efficiency of workflows, and cut service-related costs. In short, they make your business better and faster by continuously sharing information without the need to hire extra staff.
What are some of the best iPaaS tools?
Zapier
This highly popular no-code automation tool is a powerful ally when it comes to connecting apps and automating workflows.
- How does it work?
Zapier works using “Zaps” or automated workflows that exchange data between your apps and services. A Zap is made up of triggers and actions, for example: “If this happens, do this. If that happens, do that”.
- What are some of the perks?
Since it’s a no-code tool, you don’t need a programming background to make and personalize a wide range of Zaps.
- What kind of Zaps do you start with first?
Most people start with automating tasks that involve a lot of copy/ pasting, for example: adding information on their accounting software or adding new client data on their CRM.
Make
Another great no-code automation platform, perfect for connecting apps that don’t usually communicate with each other.
- How does it work?
Integromat connects apps using 5 types of modules: Actions, Searches, Triggers, Aggregators, and Iterators. These modules then create scenarios that send the order to execute whichever task you need.
- What are some of the perks?
It can work with hundreds of applications, giving you a large range of tasks you can automate.
- What are some examples?
Use Make to send Google Calendar reminders to a Slack channel, add information on a Google Sheet every time your shop receives an order, or post to your social media profile every time you publish a blog post.
Other iPaaS Examples that Connex works with?
- Tray.io
- N8n.io
- Parabola.io
- Dell Boomi
- Workato
- Power Automate
- Mulesoft
- Snaplogic
- Jitterbit
- Automate.io (acquired by Notion)
- Integrately
- Apiant
- Zoho Creator
- Honorable mention to IFTTT
- Most SaaS apps are starting to have automation functions within, like Airtable, Pipedrive, Hubspot, Active Campaign etc.
How do you decide what’s the best tool for your business?
At Connex Digital we start by taking a close look at all the processes you and your business use, so we can establish what’s the best and most efficient tool for the job. Each client and their business is incredibly unique and needs a personalized approach to each problem, that’s why our goal remains to advocate for each client individually and try to find the best and most cost-effective solution for you. Everyone uses a different piece of software to accomplish a different task so the question is: how do we best integrate with that piece of software? Then we look through all of our tools and pick just the right one off the shelf!