How to start with integrated systems

[Miss Tree]

I'm launching my new business in 2019.

What recommendations do people have about integrating IT systems?

The systems that are already set up are:

• Finance (Xero)
• CRM (OpenCRM)
• Website (Wordpress)
• G Suite (Google Apps)

The website can push information to the CRM through jotforms. The CRM can push information to Xero. Google talks to CRM too - emails are integrated.

Specifically - I need a booking system on my website. I can use an app designed for wordpress - there is a good range of good solutions, but I want that booking information to push through to CRM and Xero as well. I'll have groups of people booking timed slots at events.

So I could do with some advice about the Booking system, but I could also do with knowing where to access systems support and advice more generally. There are likely to be other systems that I'll need to integrate too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mattk]

Xero and OpenCRM both have a suite of APIs which allow you to push information from your site, or in this case a booking system into the respective systems. I have never used them, but that's what I would be looking at for integration.

However, have you heard of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)? The idea is that rather than invest a lot of time and money in a fully automated solution from day one, you build the bare minimum for your launch and then look to have a more complex integration and automated system once you have proven your idea and have a bigger user base.

Therefore, how many booking are you expecting to receive in the first few months? Have you considered simply copy and paste? The worst case scenario is you pay someone minimum wage to do it. Once your business concept has been proven, then spend the time and money on a fully integrated solution.