Combining software tools has never been easier than it is today, especially when they can be integrated into a consolidated platform for ease of use. When your tools have the ability to “communicate” with one another your workflow becomes synergized, streamlining your activities and tasks.
However, with the sheer amount of software tools and productivity tips available today, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So, how can you ensure that you aren’t overcomplicating your work by combining software integrations?
How to Combine Software Integrations Effectively
Finding tools that work well in combination with others that you may utilize will allow streamlining of tasks within your organization, ensuring maximum efficiency. When we do this, the overall effectiveness of each tool increases as well. But, what are some strategies for this?
- Reduce the amount of similar software that overlaps one another as much as possible. For example, if you’re video conferencing internally with Microsoft Teams and externally with Zoom, don’t incorporate a third platform.
- Integration of other tools into your most commonly used tech so what you use the most is as optimized as possible.
- Understanding each platform’s functionality and its hierarchy within your toolkit. For example, if you’re using one CRM platform for most of your daily work, then that should be your focus for finding more tools.
This can seem daunting, but it’s as simple as integrating your Slack (or other communications platforms) with your Google Calendar to make sure you don’t miss important meetings. Or it can be as complicated as integrating automation software such as Zapier across web applications.
As you begin utilizing more and more software, it can quickly require further resources due to the increase of technology being used. Tools are not always free and some can be more difficult than others to understand.
Determine the main issues you face currently, and then choose which software integrations will provide you with optimal results.
What To Do If You’re Using Too Many Tools
Your company may be utilizing more software tools than necessary. This can result in a slower turnaround time on projects and tasks. There is a unique threshold where the number of software applications actually slows down workers instead of streamlining operations. You can learn more about using too many technology tools here.
When you use too many tools, you can have negative results such as:
- Confusing your team, therefore slowing them down;
- High costs from using multiple tools; and
- Risk to the company security.
How to Mitigate These Risks
Luckily there’s a few things you can to do determine if your organization is suffering from this:
- IT Audit, ensures there is no waste of resources or overlapping tools.
- Consolidate tech into fewer applications where necessary (post audit).
- Manage your tools, ensure employees understand the tech and the benefits they bring to the work.
Want to learn more about what technology may be right for you? Check out our resources on our tech favorites or on how to make your matter management software better.
