System integrator refers to a company or entity that specializes in bringing together various subsystems ensuring those subsystems function together as a whole. In the context of partnerships, SaaS, and B2B, a system integrator typically combines hardware and software products from multiple vendors, creating a coherent, working system that meets the client's needs.
Example: Imagine a retail business that wants to upgrade its inventory management, point of sale (POS), and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. The retailer hires a system integrator to ensure these different systems from various vendors work seamlessly together. The system integrator evaluates the retailer's existing infrastructure, selects appropriate new software solutions that integrate with the existing system, and implements the solution, ensuring data flows correctly between the new and old systems. This enables the retailer to have an integrated system that optimizes inventory management, sales processing, and customer service without having to deal with the complexities of integrating these systems internally.
Understanding system integrator helps businesses to appreciate the value of leveraging external expertise to achieve interoperability and efficient functionality across diverse subsystems. This not only streamlines operations but also offers strategic advantages in terms of scalability, flexibility, and innovation.