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Connecting two systems together can be difficult. This article was created for those who need a starting point when thinking about integrating with other systems.
If you would like to know more about the different objects in Appian that can connect with other systems, see the Methods of Integrations page.
The first question someone needs to ask when considering an integration between two systems is, 'Why do I need to integrate these systems?'.
Understanding the purpose of each integration is important. Consider whether the users of one system need data from another system to do their job properly. Integrations will offer the highest value when the information or actions shared between systems offer value not otherwise possible.
Determining whether viable alternatives exist is also important. Is the information sharing between systems a one-time event or on-going? How timely does the data need to be? Depending on the frequency and urgency of the data, sometimes a one-time or periodic manual transfer of data is all that's required.
If the integration is important and there's not a viable alternative to get data, then it's a safe bet to invest time in building the integration.
There are many scenarios that can make you consider using an integration. Here are a few examples:
Each of these scenarios require different configurations. Choosing the Right Integration Type provides further guidance on each scenario article of the Integration guide.
Behind every connection type, there is an underlying protocol. Before configuring any object or expression, it is important to know more about these protocols:
Additional types of integration can be added using Appian's Integration SDK.
One significant challenge when setting up an integration between two systems is understanding the differences between how systems work and how they're documented.
This page provides a comprehensive set of articles needed to successfully choose and configure an integration in Appian. However, it is also important to have a thorough understanding of the system connecting to Appian. Where possible, we will try to highlight things to look at while reading third-party documentation.
Why Integrate