Rethinking integration: moving from applications to processes
For years, enterprises have relied on application-centric integration, where IT systems dictate business operations rather than aligning with them. As companies strive for greater flexibility and responsiveness, process-centric integration is emerging as the smarter approach—focusing on workflows rather than software silos.
The limitations of application-centric integration
Traditional integration methods revolve around connecting individual applications to ensure interoperability. While this approach has worked, it comes with challenges:
- Siloed Data & Operations – Information is trapped within separate systems, reducing visibility and collaboration.
- Rigid Workflows – Business processes must conform to application constraints rather than being optimized for efficiency.
- High IT Overhead – Custom integrations require significant time and resources to maintain and scale.
- Limited Scalability – Adding new applications increases complexity, making it harder to adapt to business needs.
The power of process-centric integration
A process-centric approach flips the traditional model, placing business workflows at the center of integration. Instead of forcing teams to navigate multiple applications, systems are orchestrated around streamlined, end-to-end processes that improve efficiency and agility.
Why choosing process-centric integration?
Unified user experience – Employees manage workflows through a single interface, eliminating the need to switch between systems.
Business-driven orchestration – Processes dictate system interactions, rather than the other way around.
Event-driven architecture – Real-time automation enables systems to respond dynamically to business needs.
Scalability and adaptability – Organizations can introduce new capabilities without disrupting existing operations.
Application-centric vs. process-centric: key differences
| Feature | Application-centric integration | Process-centric integration |
| Focus | Individual applications and their functionalities | End-to-end business processes and workflows |
| Integration method | Establishes direct links between applications | Orchestrates workflows across multiple systems |
| Data flow | Limited, application-specific | Seamless and unified across business processes |
| Scalability | Complex and resource-intensive | Modular, adaptable, and future-proof |
| Business alignment | IT-driven, with rigid constraints | Business-driven, enabling agility and innovation |
How Entando powers process-centric integration
Entando helps enterprises adopt a process-first approach with:
✔ Composable ERP – Seamlessly connect SAP, Salesforce, and other core business applications.
✔ Packaged business capabilities (PBCs) – Pre-built, reusable business functions for rapid deployment.
✔ Unified experience – Provide employees with an intuitive, process-driven interface.
✔ Real-time automation – Leverage event-driven architecture for responsiveness and adaptability.
From rigid to agile: the transformation journey
- Old approach: Systems define business workflows → IT-heavy, inflexible, costly to change.
- New approach: Business workflows dictate system behavior → Agile, scalable, optimized for innovation.
By embracing process-centric integration, organizations can drive efficiency, accelerate innovation, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.