What does an elegant solution to retail data integration look like?

Mid-sized retailers typically don’t have the time to worry about the nuances of system design, especially when it comes to data integration.  They rely on companies like Makira that specialize in implementing complex retail data integrations so that they can focus on running their business.

We care about data integration - a lot.  We want our data integration to be highly responsive and adaptable, to run with a great deal of stability.  Over the years we’ve engineered tremendous capabilities in our approach.  We’ve invested heavily and now have a Retail Integration Platform called “Symphony” which deals with the nuances of data integration.  

We think it is elegant.  But what does “elegant” mean in this context.  Webster’s definition is “scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity.” To that we’d add “that capitalizes on the most effective underlying tools.”

What drives us to this concentrated effort on data integration?  Our chief architect, Michael Holland, explains it this way: “Our clients want their data to interchange between systems at the same pace as they do business --- NOW.  Batch transfers don’t always fit with today’s digital world.  Our integration platform “Symphony” brings to mid-sized retailers the latest tools to exchange data in real time without limitations.”  Michael continues, “Symphony allows us to build out ‘connectors’ for systems interchanges that we frequently encounter.  This reduces the cost and risk for our clients.”

Our solution is a far cry from the old-fashioned way of approaching data integrations with cumbersome, high-maintenance, batch transfer.  Integrated data should happen in real time, be cognizant of master tables, anticipate change on both the source and destination, run in the cloud or on premise and promote reuse.

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