1) Application integration.
- Application integration is a mechanism which helps in an
efficient data flow from one program to another. As well as it also
enables the existing data flow between different software by
supplying different interfaces for managing different data.
- Application integration is often a difficult process,
especially when integration existing legacy application with new
applications or web services.
- For a successful Application integration basic requirement
- Adequate connectivity between platforms
- Business rules and data transformation logic
- Flexiblility of business processes
- Flexibility of hardware,software and business needs.
Application integration is important to run
an online business because of following reasons.
- Sharing of information : Information sharing is an important
assets to every online business organization. With the help of
Application integration any data can be flown smoothly through
various software and users who are in need of that information get
accurate information.
- rent departments are coordinate with each other because of
Application integration and can perform a task efficiently.
- Simplified IT process : The more simplified It process, the
more satisfaction the user derived. Application integration
enforces a better techniques combining functionality and
information of different application into single package.
- Availability of multiple opportunities : As the business is
online the customer can access the business website from remote
location with create more customer base to the business and offer
various opportunities to expand the scale of business.
- Greater Efficiency : Application integration provides the
combined and useful information to the department who having
responsibility of such activity the efficiency of the work
increases. Application integration provides the complete package of
following benefit.
- Reduces time efforts,
- improved functionality,
- Better control over activities.
2) Database management software.
- Database management software also called as Database management
system (DBMS). DBMS is a system software for a creating and
managing databases.
- DBMS provides users and programmers with a systematic ways to
create, retrieve, update and manage data.
- DBMS essentially serves as an interface between the database
and end users or application programs, ensuring the data is
consistently organized and remains accessible.
- DBMS provides a centralized view of data that can be accessed
by multiple users,from multiple locations, in a controlled
manner.
- DBMS can offer both logical and physical data independence.
That means it can protect users and application from needing to
know where data is stored or having to be concerned about changes
to the physical structure of data.
Database management software is an important component
of an online business because of following reasons:
- Stronger collaboration: In online business there is important
to create the collaboration between various department of business.
DBMS helps in creating a stronger sense of collaboration between
these seperate but connected tasks. The ability to manage the
entire customer lifecycle through one piece of software enables
employees at different stages of process to update critical order
information in real time, keeping the consumer relationship in tact
in all stages.
- Attracting an audience : Online business or ecommerce websites
are always attempting to widen their net,pulling in more interested
customers to view and purchase their products and services. With
new customers comes the potential for additional revenue and client
referrals. DBMS helps online businesses pinpoint possibles
customers and determine the strategy to push them through the sales
funnel based on the information.
- Maintain a retention rate : While bringing in new consumers it
is an important task for any online retailers, their current client
base shouldn't be overlooked as it offers its own benefits. DBMS
helps web- based businesses can do just that. Retailers can use
existing customer profiles to recommend products and services they
may enjoy based on previous purchase and interest.
4) Customer relationship management system.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) system uses a database
to accumulate information about business prospects and customers,
including product needs and purchasing history.
- Various businesses integrate CRM data into their marketing and
advertising efforts as well as sales strategies.
- Business can customize the information they collect and store,
so configurations and virtually limitless.
Four type of inputs in CRM.
- Customer information : Anything relative to customer is
valuable in CRM system, including personal customer information and
demographic data. notes and attachment can capture the details of a
service call, customer support needs or warranty information. In
this way, the CRM data replaces a paper file as a means of tracking
each interaction with customer.
- Employee information: The CRM system can store vital data, such
an employee and commission information, for your internal sales
force. Thus CRM also becomes a useful tool for assigning tasks,
checking progress and monitoring sales goals and records
internally. This feature gives the sales management team a way to
monitor activity and allow individual sales representatives to
compare their productivity against peers in real time.
- Contract information : When used to manage prospects the
customer relationship management system is invaluable for
scheduling follow-up visits to potential customers who are
currently under contract with another vendor. through cold calling
efforts a sales representative may collect and record contract
expiration dates and schedule future calls or visits accordingly
with the CRM.
- Purchasing information : Because of the elaborate records the
CRM system keeps on customers and their purchasing habits, many
businesses incorporate them into their marketing plans. Reports
generated to reveal buying trends focus marketing efforts by
pairing customers with the most beneficial products.