Tag Archive for: zapier

Where is my Single Source of Truth (SSOT)?

Single Source of Truth (SSOT): A little clear from the nomenclature, is the home base to your army of software.

In today’s omnichannel world, every business has tons of data flowing from all the possible directions with each team accessing a different data set to make their decisions.

These data silos pose a challenge for businesses as such decisions are compartmentalized instead of being holistic. And SSOT solves this and more.

Now for what, why, which and how –

What is the Single Source of Truth?

SSOT is the aggregated data location or the reference point for all the data in your organization which is mutually accessible to your sales team, along with marketing and . This enables your company to solve the problem of work silos by working in unison and also save time and effort of your workforce.

You can make well-informed decisions based on the data accumulated from all these sources.

Not only this, but your sales team can also serve your customers better.

Here’s what Maypro’s Joshua Guarino, Senior Manager, Legal and Corporate Affairs Department and Salesforce Administrator, said “Our goal was to have Salesforce Professional be the single source of truth for our sales team.”

“And with data from Sage 100 being pushed over via Commercient SYNC to Salesforce on a scheduled basis, our sales team can avoid having to use multiple platforms and handle customer queries better,” Guarino added. 

Still wondering… 

Why Do You Need a Single Source of Truth?

Azfan Jaffeer, Primary Consultant, elaborates on it, “Creating a central source of truth is the most important positive impact a good CRM can have on your business. Imagine how your client would feel, or what they’d think, if your sales rep contacts them to upsell new products and services, without knowing the client has multiple ongoing issues with their current services with your company. This lack of information and insight may make your team appear aloof, unaware and unprepared. Empowering your team with information is the best way you can help them succeed.”

But to say it’s crucial wouldn’t be persuasive much, so let’s understand it in detail –

Knowledge is Power

Yes, we’ve all heard that.

To let your team have access to unified information implies using the power of Business Intelligence. More the accessibility, the more the chances of them making the right decisions. Sure, there is still room for mistakes. But the extra chance is worth the shot.

Hence, the SSOT provides a “truer” look for your business by providing a single view of the whole world of data.

Sorted Tracking

The CEO and top management need to know what the overall health of the company is.

But, to track the KPIs within different sources for each department is a cumbersome task, and one where you might overlook certain aspects due to the information overload.

That’s why having one Source of Truth becomes important.

You can see what John from Sales is up to, is the sales pipeline filled to the brim or how are the marketing efforts turning out to be – all from One Source.

Having a Few Licenses

Each one of us in business has a desire to reduce expenses and increase profits.

One surefire way to do this is to take away some of the heavy hitting software licenses that you have.

Instead, create a unified process and have an SSOT which can be-it-all for you.

For instance, you have an ERP (Accounting, Operations, etc.), you purchase a Salesforce (CRM) license, and connect them both using Commercient SYNC. Your sales, marketing, and customer service teams can access ERP data directly in Salesforce, making your Salesforce Org as the Single Source of Truth. No need for separate software for emailing, calendars, marketing, customer support, and more.

And a huge advantage? Instead of having your customers use an average of 976 apps and feeding data in all of these, have them use 2 to 3 software apps. Less hassle, better results.

Which Should be Your Source of Truth?

No business is the same and operates in its own light. Your workflows, processes and structuring are unique to your business.

So, it can be any software which fulfills your set of needs.

For some, it could be a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software while it could be Accounting and Operations Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software for others.

Both the systems have tons of user-friendly features.

But if you worry about all your teams having access to the Accounting ERP and want to avoid the chances of errors, it’s a good choice to pick CRM as your Single Source of Truth.

Not only that, but it would also help your teams use the full potential of the CRM.

How to Forge Your Single Source of Truth?

By now, you know to have an SSOT, all your systems will send data to this master system which will be the primary location to access the data.

To create this ideal ‘primary storage house’ in Salesforce or any other CRM or your Accounting ERP, you need integration software. Choose an integration company like the Commercient SYNC, which joins all your systems working in silos…together and is the leader in data integration.

Free Consultation: Is Your Business SSOT-Ready?

We’re excited to offer our readers a free, no-obligation SSOT readiness consultation. Our team of experts will delve into your specific organizational needs and assess your current data management framework. This service isn’t just about selling a solution; it’s about understanding where your business stands and what steps are necessary to achieve a unified data ecosystem. 

Interested? Reach out to us, and let’s together make informed data-driven decision-making a reality for your business.

Additional FAQ’s we thought you might have:

How does SSOT handle data security concerns?

SSOT systems step up your security game, bringing in tough measures like top-notch encryption and access controls. So, not only is your data all in one place, it’s locked down tight. Plus, with everything centralized, staying on the right side of data protection laws becomes a whole lot simpler.

What if my organization uses legacy systems?

Old-school systems? No problem! Today’s SSOT solutions play nice with legacy systems, thanks to smart tech like middleware and APIs. Just make sure your provider is someone like Commercient SYNC who is in on the project from the start. We’ll spot any compatibility snags early on and can conjure up every solution.

How long does it take to implement an SSOT?

Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Think about your company size, how much data you’ve got, and how complex your current systems are. For some, it’s a sprint of just a few months, while others are in for a bit of a marathon. Just remember, the prep stage is key—don’t rush it. Getting your data and team ready will make the whole process smoother.


If you want to start your journey through CRM/ERP integration success with SYNC, click here to contact us to schedule a free demo.

Commercient SYNC or Zapier: Which Integration Solution Fits Your Business Needs?

The digital revolution has transformed the way businesses operate. As software platforms multiply, there’s an ever-growing need to make them speak the same language. Enter the world of integration. This brings us to our central showdown: Zapier vs. Commercient SYNC.

Which platform is your champion in this integration arena?

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Integration: The Heartbeat of Modern Business

At its core, integration is about connecting different software applications to share data seamlessly. Think of it as ensuring your left hand knows what your right is doing. It’s the bridge that allows your marketing software to share insights with your sales team or your inventory management tool to sync with your e-commerce platform.

Why is this so crucial?

  • Efficiency: No manual data transfer means tasks get done faster.
  • Accuracy: Automated data flow reduces human error.
  • Visibility: Integrated systems provide a holistic view of operations.

However, like all things digital, it comes with its set of challenges. What if System A doesn’t “like” System B? What if one software speaks French and the other Mandarin?

Unpacking the Integration Giants: Zapier vs. Commercient SYNC

1. The Initial Setup Conundrum

Zapier, at first glance, is the embodiment of simplicity. It’s like setting up a series of digital dominos – one event in one application triggers an action in another. However, delve deeper, and it behaves more like an ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) toolset. The user is responsible for creating and maintaining each “Zap”, which demands technical prowess and oversight.

Commercient SYNC, on the flip side, operates on a plug-and-play ethos. It’s an app, and beyond the initial configuration, the heavy lifting is predominantly done by the Commercient team. Need an integration fine-tuned or troubleshooted?

The assistance is immediate and thorough. The business can function seamlessly, assured that if there’s a hiccup, they’ll be promptly notified.

2. The Mid-Growth Challenge – Scaling with Assurance

Zapier’s Scaling Quandary

Scaling with Zapier is akin to adding more spinning plates. While managing a few can be feasible, as the number grows, the in-house team’s responsibilities balloon. One failed Zap might be easy to spot and rectify, but what about ten? Or a hundred?

The challenge isn’t just to ensure they work but to ensure they work in harmony.

Moreover, fixing a faltered Zap isn’t always straightforward. There are instances where the time consumed in troubleshooting and rectifying a Zap surpasses the time it would’ve taken to manually input the data. Such inefficiencies can lead to internal chatter, with teams questioning the merit of the integration altogether.

Commercient SYNC’s Scalability Promise

Commercient SYNC is constructed with scalability at its core. It’s designed not just to handle more data, but to handle it smartly. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, SYNC adapts, ensuring that integrations bolster growth rather than impede it.

3. Reliability and Accuracy – The Pillars of Decision Making

Zapier, with its vast array of app connections, sometimes falters in its reliability. Failed Zaps, if unidentified, lead to a cascade of inaccuracies. Such missteps don’t just affect the immediate data flow but have ramifications on the larger decision-making process. An outdated report or inaccurate data can skew strategies, with potential financial implications.

Commercient SYNC, aware of the pivotal role accuracy plays in business operations, has structured its platform around reliability.

The emphasis isn’t just on ensuring data flows, but ensuring it flows correctly. Notifications act as a safeguard, alerting businesses to any anomalies. This proactive approach not only mitigates inaccuracies but ensures businesses can make decisions confidently, backed by reliable data.

4. Maintenance – The Underrated Cost of Ownership

Zapier’s Maintenance Maze

Zapier might present itself as a low-maintenance solution, but the layers beneath tell a different tale. Each Zap created translates to another node that requires monitoring, updates, and potential troubleshooting.

Think of it as tending to a garden; each plant (Zap) requires individual care, and if neglected, the entire garden (integration system) could wither.

Commercient SYNC’s Self-sustained Ecosystem

Contrastingly, Commercient SYNC is like a self-watering garden.

Its structure is built to minimize user intervention. The integrated nature of the platform, coupled with the proactive support from the Commercient team, reduces the internal resources required to maintain it. This not only reduces costs but also ensures that businesses can focus on their core operations without the constant overhead of maintenance checks.

5. User Experience – Bridging the Gap Between Man and Machine

Zapier’s Learning Curve

While Zapier’s interface is user-friendly, the depth of its functionality brings along a learning curve. The myriad of options available means that users often spend a considerable amount of time mastering the tool, which can sometimes lead to initial resistance, especially from non-technical team members.

Commercient SYNC’s Seamless Assimilation

Commercient SYNC prioritizes a streamlined user experience. The idea is straightforward: integration should be an enabler, not a hurdle. Its intuitive interface, coupled with hands-on support, ensures that users across the spectrum, from tech-savvy to novices, can navigate and leverage its features effectively.

6. Flexibility and Customization – Tailoring to Business Needs

Zapier’s Modular Framework

Zapier operates on a modular framework. While this means businesses can pick and choose specific functionalities, it also indicates a degree of rigidity. Customizing Zaps beyond the platform’s inherent capabilities might require workarounds, sometimes compromising efficiency.

Commercient SYNC’s Adaptive Approach

Commercient SYNC shines in its adaptive approach. Recognizing that businesses evolve and their integration needs along with them, SYNC is built to be fluid.

Customizations, even those outside the standard offering, are handled adeptly, ensuring the tool molds itself around the business and not the other way around.

7. Security – Safeguarding Business Data

Zapier’s App-centric Security

Given Zapier’s extensive app connections, its security is inherently dependent on the individual apps it integrates with. While Zapier itself has stringent security measures, any vulnerability in the connected apps might pose risks.

Commercient SYNC’s Holistic Defense

Understanding the paramount importance of data security, Commercient SYNC has built its platform with a holistic defense strategy. It not only ensures its environment is fortified but also scrutinizes the integrations, ensuring a cohesive shield against potential threats.

8.Data Integrity – Ensuring Consistency in Data Flow 

Zapier’s Replication Approach

Zapier primarily works by replicating data from one application to another. While this approach ensures that data is mirrored across platforms, it could sometimes lead to discrepancies, especially if there are multiple changes happening simultaneously in different apps.

Commercient SYNC’s Synchronized Mechanism

Commercient SYNC, however, goes a step further by offering a more synchronized mechanism.

This approach not only ensures data consistency, aligning with best practices in data governance, but also makes the system more resilient to simultaneous changes and updates. The result is a more cohesive data flow experience, where governance and synchronization work hand-in-hand to ensure data integrity.

9.Extensibility – Future-Proofing Your Integration

Zapier’s App-Driven Ecosystem

Zapier’s strength lies in its vast array of app connections. It’s designed for quick and easy connections between popular tools. However, when it comes to niche applications or proprietary software, businesses might find some limitations.

Commercient SYNC’s Open-ended Framework

Commercient SYNC takes pride in its extensibility. Its framework is built with both popular tools and niche applications in mind. This means that as a business grows and explores new software, Commercient SYNC is ready to accommodate those needs without missing a beat.

10.Real-time Processing – Keeping Pace with Business Demands

Zapier’s Trigger-Based Model

Zapier operates on a trigger-based model, where an action in one application prompts a reaction in another. While this works seamlessly for many scenarios, there can be slight lags, especially during peak data flow.

Commercient SYNC’s Instantaneous Processing

Commercient SYNC emphasizes real-time processing, ensuring that data transfers are almost instantaneous. For businesses where every second counts, this rapid response can make a significant difference.

11.Cross-platform Compatibility – Ensuring Cohesiveness across Devices

Zapier’s Web-centric Focus

Zapier’s primary focus is web-based integrations. While it does a commendable job in this arena, businesses looking for deeper mobile or desktop integrations might find some limitations.

Commercient SYNC’s Universal Integration Philosophy

With an understanding of today’s diverse device landscape, Commercient SYNC offers integrations that span across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. This ensures a unified experience, no matter where the end-user is operating.

12.Reporting and Analytics – Gaining Insights from Integration

Zapier’s Functional Reporting

Zapier provides functional reporting that allows businesses to understand the flow and status of their Zaps. It’s informative but leans more towards operational insights.

Commercient SYNC’s Comprehensive Dashboard

Commercient SYNC believes that integration isn’t just about data transfer; it’s also about understanding that transfer. Their comprehensive dashboard doesn’t just give operational insights but delves deeper, offering custom business intelligence that can shape future strategies.

Choosing the Right Integration Partner

Both Zapier and Commercient SYNC present compelling cases as integration tools and have carved their niches. While Zapier shines with its user-friendly nature and vast ecosystem, Commercient SYNC offers depth, customization, and a hands-on approach.

However, for businesses that lean towards a comprehensive, reliable, and hands-off integration experience, Commercient SYNC often emerges as the preferred ally. Its structured yet flexible approach, emphasis on user experience, and unwavering commitment to security position it a step ahead in the ever-evolving integration landscape.

The decision, in the end, hinges on individual business needs, growth trajectories, and desired levels of involvement in the integration process.

Talk to us if you need help in understanding which the right integration partner for you.


If you want to start your journey through CRM/ERP integration success with SYNC, click here to contact us to schedule a free demo.