Unified Versus Integrated Platforms What’s the Difference? – The terms unified and integrated are often used interchangeably in the world of software. However, it’s critical for central stations and professionals in the security industry to understand the differences between unified and integrated platforms within an organization and how they can significantly impact everything from cost to efficiency. First, it’s essential to define the terms.
Unified: Unified software platforms are developed by one supplier and have a single platform and database. At DICE, our unified solutions provide everything you need to operate a business, including alarm monitoring, video monitoring, service, accounting, and sales software, which is an all-in-one platform.
Integrated: Integrated platforms are usually developed by multiple suppliers and consist of several acquired modules. Often, integrated solutions are connected by APIs, consist of more than one database, and do not work together seamlessly with other technology.
Now that we have a better understanding of what sets unified and integrated platforms apart, here are four critical differences between them and how they could impact your software choices.
Unified Versus Integrated Platforms What’s the Difference?
Unified Platforms Provide A Consistent User Experience
User experience isn’t always one of the first priorities for choosing software for mundane tasks like assigning service tickets or scheduling billing. But topnotch user experience is critical to making it easy for employees to enter or access information, complete tasks, and assist employees in doing their jobs with accuracy.
With an integrated solution, the user experience varies between activities and systems, leading to additional steps, confusion, and more opportunities for mistakes. There is consistent user experience across all areas and devices in a unified solution, making it easier for users to complete tasks and work across devices. “One thing that sets DICE apart from other solutions is our unified cloud platform,” said DICE Corporation Co-President Avi Lupo. “We’re offering an all-new approach to managing your business. Not only is your information safe and easily accessible, but it also allows your team to do everything on one screen with one login.”
Which Platform Is Better For Extensive Reporting?
Reporting and analytics capabilities are crucial to understanding everything from finances to camera performance. Without easy access to detailed reports, central stations can spend hours searching for the right information, merging numerous spreadsheets, and correcting errors and inconsistencies. A unified platform gives users the ability to generate custom reports instantaneously using real-time data from all systems. However, with an integrated system, some information may be easily accessible, but other necessary data may unavailable or difficult to access and analyze.
Error Reduction – Unified Versus Integrated Platforms
There is no room for errors, whether it’s alarm monitoring and event management or sales and accounting. That’s why having a system in place that delivers consistent, accurate, and compliant performance at all times is essential. With a unified platform’s central database, it is easier to set up and manage a system that works in tandem. Once something happens in the system, the information is updated immediately, ensuring your team constantly works with the most accurate data. In an integrated system, data must be moved between modules, increasing the need to sift through information and the possibility for errors.
Related Reading: Improve Customer Retention with These Effective Strategies
When it comes to business growth strategies, so much attention is placed on acquiring new customers that businesses often overlook the importance of retaining the ones they already have. But there are many reasons to give equal attention to your existing customer base. Not only does acquiring a new customer cost five times more than retaining an existing customer, but an increase in customer retention by as little as five percent can increase profits from 25-95 percent.
Even though customer retention is an essential part of assembling a thriving business, maintaining a roster of satisfied and loyal customers takes plenty of thought and commitment. This post will look into the importance of customer retention and offer some effective strategies you can employ to maintain a great customer experience.
Efficient Collaboration – Unified Versus Integrated Platforms
In addition to consistent user experience and a reduction in errors, one of the most significant issues central stations are looking to address when choosing new software is collaboration. To do so, it is necessary to automate as many processes as possible. In a unified system, data is updated in real-time and allows teams to collaborate simultaneously, from any location. On the other hand, integrated systems often need to sync between modules, causing delays and inconsistencies. In some systems, syncing needs to be done manually and is not easily accessible on the cloud, leading to difficulties collaborating between departments.
Now that we have explored some of the critical differences between unified and integrated solutions for central stations and security professionals, it’s time to determine if you need to make a change. Our team is available to answer your questions and help you find the right solutions for your business. Contact us to schedule a virtual consultation.
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