Mapped flows
Define exchanged data, frequency and transformation rules.
The challenges to address
Isolated applications create inconsistent references, manual transfers and hard-to-trace errors. A technical connection without business rules can simply move the problem.
Our response
We define the reference source, ownership and direction of exchanges before choosing a connector. Degraded operation and recovery are considered from the design stage.
What the engagement can cover
Controlled connections
Evaluate APIs, connectors and scheduled jobs against available applications.
Traceable operations
Plan permissions, logs, alerts and recovery procedures.
An application data contract
Example CRM–ERP contract to agree with the owners of both systems.
| Exchanged data | Source and rule | Receiving check |
|---|---|---|
| Customer | ERP: reference identifier | Known, active identifier |
| Order | CRM: approved orders only | Identifier not already processed |
| Processing status | ERP: return outcome and reference | Acknowledgement linked to order |
How the engagement works
Interface inventory, data contract, prototype, end-to-end and recovery testing. Access is limited to what is required and secrets stay server-side; operating conditions are handed over.
Prepare an initial scope.
A few practical points to make scoping and acceptance clearer.
What you can prepare
- The applications to connect and identifiers used to recognise the same records.
- Interface documentation, relevant licences and available technical contacts.
- Exchange volumes, frequency and the expected update rules.
What we need to agree together
- Which system is authoritative when two applications hold different values?
- How should rejected, repeated or out-of-order exchanges be handled?
Trace an exchange from submission to acknowledgement, then test an unknown identifier, a duplicate and recovery after interruption. Check received data, traceability and the absence of secrets in logs.