A system integrator company is a company that builds custom computing systems by combining different hardware, software, and technology and ensuring these systems function to achieve a specific goal. Although used in various disciplines, system integration is closely related to the information technology (IT) sector, including networking, automation, and application and process management, where it improves efficiency and reduces costs.

We can categorize system integration into four main types:

• Legacy system integration
  Connects outdated legacy systems to modern applications. It usually involves using application programming interfaces (APIs), webhooks, and other components to attach the old system to the new tools.
• Enterprise application integration
  Couples different subsystems and functions within a single business environment, resulting in streamlined front-end and back-office processes and real-time data exchange between applications.
• Third-party system integration
  Upgrades or enhances the functionality of an existing tool or software. It is ideal for businesses that want to extend the value of their existing tech stack without investing in a brand-new platform.
• Business-to-business integration
  Automates communication and processes across multiple organizations. Its goal is to increase collaboration and trade among business partners, vendors, and suppliers.

Today, the system integration market is valued at over $385 billion, buoyed by rapidly increasing demand worldwide from public and private investments in infrastructure development and digitization.

We can see an example of system integrator’s efficiency in the following example:

The Integration Group of Americas (TIGA), a system integrator in industrial engineering, was hired by an oil exploration company to reduce data entry and improve enterprise solution efficiency. The company faced data quality issues due to a lack of system identifiers. TIGA developed a web interface for system administrators to enter data, integrating frameworks to automatically update systems and send key identifiers.

A new interface reduced manual data entry by 90%, cut errors, and shortened system update times from 3-6 weeks to a few hours. 

A system integrator company connects disparate or siloed systems and software to ensure they function cohesively. They design and implement customized solutions to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and improve operational efficiency. By integrating various platforms, they help businesses reduce manual data entry, minimize errors, and optimize workflows, often using interfaces and frameworks that facilitate seamless data exchange and system updates.

Their most common services include:

• Consulting and research: Determining the best path and tools for integrating systems and applications to meet the client’s objectives
• Strategy development: Collaborating with project stakeholders to develop an overall integration strategy and implement it successfully
• Architecture design: Creating the architecture for the integrated systems network, visually representing the systems and how they interface
• Integration development: Executing the system integration strategy using either off-the-shelf integration tools or a custom solution that uses various APIs
• API development: Creating custom APIs and aligning multiple systems to achieve better workflow and higher productivity
• Custom application development: Customizing enterprise-level applications and modules to ensure optimal integration and to achieve other business needs
• Interface design: Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create easy-to-use and intuitive interfaces for system integration applications
• Workflow automation: Finding and implementing methods and technologies to automate workflows between applications
• Data migration: Assisting clients in organizing their data across various sources and databases to ensure consistency and quality
• Data warehousing: Designing and building solutions or upgrading existing ones for efficient storage and retrieval
• Data analytics: Developing dashboards, reports, and visualizations on the system integration process to help clients make data-driven decisions
• Quality assurance: Conducting tests and fixing bugs or errors before and after the integrated system launch
• Training: Providing training sessions on using the integrated systems to ensure smooth adoption and management

CleverDev, a systems integration company based in Austin, TX, was tasked by a US healthcare vendor to integrate software solutions to enhance patient service quality and efficiency. The client’s manual claims processing caused significant delays, with approvals and transactions stretching up to three months.

CleverDev recommended an X12 integration to connect the client with insurance providers and key stakeholders quickly and reliably. This integration and additional modules reduced the claims process from 3 months to 1 day and provided detailed payment and transaction data to improve services.

System integrator companies charge between $5,000 and $100,000+ for their services, depending on the number of systems, data sync direction, integration type (pre-built or custom), process complexity, API validation, legacy system connection, and integration methods. 

Here is the breakdown of system integrator pricing:

Agencies may also opt for the following pricing models:

• Subscription-based: A recurring monthly or annual fee that includes support and maintenance services. This model suits companies that require mid to long-term assistance to keep their systems running smoothly.
• Value-based: Charges based on system integration's impact on the client’s business. To accurately quantify the value of the work, a thorough assessment of business operations is required.
• Project-based: A fixed fee for the entire length of the project. Businesses might find this option more cost-efficient if they have a clear scope and objectives, but they must also account for unexpected issues during the project.
• Time and materials-based: Charges are based on the time and materials required for the project. It is recommended for projects with constantly changing objectives or support requirements.

The top 50 system integrator companies on DesignRush charge an average of $49/hour. Approximately 11% of the system integration services companies accept projects with a minimum budget of less than $1,000, while 5% require a $5,000 minimum budget.

You should hire a system integration services company to ensure seamless connectivity between disparate systems, improve operational efficiency, and eliminate manual processes, allowing your team to focus on core tasks. These experts bring valuable experience, reduce long-term costs through efficient solutions, and provide ongoing support, making sure your integrated systems follow your growing business needs.

Some of the specific advantages of hiring a systems integrator include:

• Access to expertise: System integration services companies have subject matter specialists on various hardware and software. They are proficient in connecting different systems, configuring protocols, and testing and troubleshooting applications before launch.
• Increased productivity: By automating and streamlining business processes, system integrators can help improve overall efficiency by up to 30%. Automation also cuts the risk of human error, further reducing delays in task completion while ensuring consistent service quality.
• Cost savings: With a fully integrated IT infrastructure, businesses can use multiple solutions seamlessly instead of spending money and resources trying to force incompatible systems to work. The automation provided by the integration platform can also save companies as much as $150,000 in annual expenses incurred from manual processes.
• Improved data management: A system integrator company can centralize different data formats from various sources, making them easier to access and organize without manual synchronization. This, in turn, results in more accurate data, which is crucial for identifying trends and making business decisions.
• Enhanced security: System integration agencies can help businesses integrate IT structures and security protocols that can detect potential threats. If a cyberattack occurs, the agency can also help mitigate the damage and speed up recovery.
• Scalability: System integrators can also future-proof IT infrastructures by enabling them to accommodate future growth and adapt to technological advancements. This can help businesses save money on upgrades and maximize the system's ROI throughout its lifespan.
• Better customer experiences: Whether purchasing or filing a report, system integrators can help your customers finish their transactions seamlessly and quickly. This gives them a positive perception of your brand as they associate it with excellent service.
• Competitive advantage: With faster response times, more streamlined operations, and better customer service, integrated systems help businesses gain an advantage in the market. In a report by the Harvard Business Review, for instance, 74% of companies have reported that cloud-based integrations have increased their competitive edge.

Enable Injections, a manufacturer of wearable medical devices, hired LeverX to integrate an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution into its systems. The company was still hand-processing documents, which was time-consuming and difficult to trace and secure.

After an extensive discovery phase, LeverX implemented the SAP S/4HANA ERP system, which had scalability and Life Science best practices the client needed. The agency also helped integrate product lifecycle management (PLM) and computer-aided design (CAD) applications into the company’s systems.

The automated processes enabled by the SAP ERP solution increased efficiency and gave Enable Injections more time to complete tasks. Processes that needed approval were also fully digitized and streamlined, shortening the entire workflow to just a few minutes.

To choose the best system integrator company for your business, follow these steps:

• Set your requirements: List the key objectives you want to accomplish and identify the capabilities you want from a system integration company.
• Calculate the budget: Make sure your budget balances quality with cost-effectiveness and compare it with the market rate in your area. Prepare a contingency fund to manage any unexpected costs.
• Search for candidates: Agency directories like DesignRush offer a solid base for searching for system integrator companies in your particular industry. You can also specify your search according to budget and hourly rates.
• Check the agency website: The website is a good source of important information about the company’s services and packages, specializations, client portfolios, and contact details.
• Ask for case studies and references: Request case studies of integration projects for similar businesses and industries. Also, check the company’s website for success stories, past work, and client testimonials.
• Check client reviews: Authentic and reliable reviews on DesignRush and Google My Business can provide insights into the client’s ability to complete deliverables, the quality of their work, and their credibility in the community.
• Send a request for proposal (RFP): The RFP should detail the project’s scope and objectives, timeline, needed integrations, and other key deliverables. Include a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) if the proposal contains sensitive information.
• Conduct interviews: Ask the agency to clearly explain its capabilities and the process of completing deliverables. Make sure they align with your company’s values and culture as well.
• Create a shortlist: Ideally, you should have at least five candidates closely matching your requirements. Send each one a detailed project description and a request for an interview.
• Make a decision: Review all your prospects and choose the one that aligns best with your requirements.

Still unsure where to start? Visit the DesignRush Marketplace and tell us more about your project. We’ll connect you with the most suitable system integration services companies based on your requirements — free of charge.

To find the best system integrator company on DesignRush that fits your budget, use the filter feature. Click on the filter tab and sort by minimum budget or hourly rate from highest to lowest.

For projects with limited budgets, consider hiring agencies that accept projects valued at less than $1,000. Some of the best systems integration services companies in DesignRush that accept minimum budgets of $1,000 include:

• Indexo MX
• DigiPrima Technologies
• Sonyx
• Hills Dot
• Lockpick Networks

Hourly rates vary from country to country. If you’re willing to work with agencies outside the US, you can reduce costs by hiring offshore agencies.

Key success metrics in system integration include the following:

• Client satisfaction: Measures satisfaction with the system integration services regarding quality, timeliness, and effectiveness. An 80% level of satisfaction or higher is considered a successful system integration.
• Project success rate: The percentage of completed projects that delivered the desired outcomes. This key performance indicator (KPI) allows integrators to assess the project’s overall efficiency and identify areas for improvement. A rate of 80% is also a good indicator of successful integration.
• On-time project delivery: Determines the capability of a system integration project to be completed within a set timeframe. An agency with a delivery rate of at least 90% will likely complete projects on time.
• Cost efficiency: Measures how effectively the system integration reduces expenses while still achieving its objectives. Organizations use this metric to evaluate the financial impact of their integration efforts and should closely follow the cost of the integration project.
• Sales win rate: The number of proposals a system integrator successfully closes. This metric indicates an agency’s competence and ability to build customer trust. The higher the rate, the more competitive the agency’s bids are.
• Resource utilization: The effectiveness of the system integration in utilizing its resources. It is beneficial in identifying bottlenecks in resource allocation that could lead to increased costs and lower productivity. Keeping this metric at 70-80% is optimal for most applications.
• Successful integrations: The number of integrations the agency completes within a specific industry. It provides insights into the integrator’s ability to meet objectives and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Ongoing support effectiveness: The efficiency and quality of the support provided to system integration projects. This rating is based on the number of support tickets received compared to the number of tickets resolved. The higher this rating is, the more capable the agency is of providing support.

Questions you should ask system integration services companies before hiring one include the following:

Its Relevant Background

1. How long have you been doing integration projects?
2. How experienced is the team that will be working on this project?
3. What industries do you serve?
4. Could you give us an example of a successful integration relevant to this project?
5. How did your team handle the challenges or roadblocks in past projects?
6. Is your team composed of full-time staff, or do you hire contractors?
7. What are your company’s core values?
8. Do you have references I can contact?

Its Services and Processes

1. What integration platforms or technologies do you specialize in?
2. What is your approach to scalability and future requirements?
3. How do you handle customizations and modifications?
4. Do you provide data cleansing services during the integration?
5. Can you handle various data formats, including the ones our company uses?
6. Do you provide business intelligence enhancements?
7. How customized are your plug-and-play options?

Related to Your Project

1. What is the timeline we should expect for this project?
2. Could you provide a breakdown of the costs and price list?
3. What additional resources do you need from us for this project?
4. What challenges do you expect to encounter?
5. What KPIs do you recommend we use to measure progress?
6. How do you handle security and data privacy during integration?
7. How do you handle disruptions and minimize downtime?
8. How will your solution scale when we add new systems?
9. Will my data remain accessible in real-time throughout the process?
10. What ongoing and post-implementation support do you provide?

The best system integrator companies in the US are: