Integration and Workflow
Integration and Workflow capabilities connect document processing systems with broader business processes, enabling seamless data flow, process automation, and orchestration across enterprise environments.
Overview
For document processing to deliver business value, it must integrate effectively with existing systems and workflows. Integration and workflow capabilities provide the connective tissue that links document processing with enterprise applications, business processes, and human workflows, creating end-to-end automation solutions.
Core Components
Document Routing
Techniques for directing documents through appropriate processing paths:
- Intelligent Routing: Directing documents based on type and content
- Load Balancing: Distributing processing across available resources
- Priority Management: Handling documents based on urgency
- Exception Routing: Directing problematic documents to specialized handling
- Multi-Channel Routing: Processing documents from various input sources
Process Automation
Methods for automating document-centric business processes:
- Workflow Automation: Creating automated document handling sequences
- Business Rules Integration: Applying business logic to document processes
- Event-Driven Processing: Triggering actions based on document events
- Parallel Processing: Handling multiple documents or steps simultaneously
- Conditional Processing: Applying different steps based on document attributes
API Integration
Techniques for connecting with other systems:
- REST API Implementation: Creating interfaces for web-based integration
- SOAP/XML Services: Supporting enterprise integration standards
- Webhook Support: Enabling event-driven integration
- SDK Development: Providing developer tools for custom integration
- Batch Processing Interfaces: Supporting high-volume data exchange
Workflow Orchestration
Methods for coordinating complex document processing flows:
- Process Definition: Creating structured document workflows
- State Management: Tracking document status throughout processing
- Human Task Integration: Incorporating manual steps when needed
- SLA Management: Ensuring timely processing
- Process Monitoring: Tracking workflow execution and performance
System Integration
Approaches for connecting with enterprise systems:
- ERP Integration: Connecting with enterprise resource planning systems
- CRM Connectivity: Linking to customer relationship management platforms
- ECM/Content Services Integration: Working with content management systems
- Line-of-Business Application Integration: Connecting with specialized systems
- Legacy System Connectivity: Bridging to older enterprise applications
Key Technologies
Traditional Approaches
- ETL Processes: Extract, transform, load for data integration
- Middleware Platforms: Integration software connecting systems
- Message Queuing: Asynchronous communication between systems
- BPMN Workflows: Business Process Model and Notation for workflow definition
Modern Approaches
- Microservices Architecture: Modular services for document processing
- API-First Design: Integration-ready approach to system design
- Event-Driven Architecture: Responsive, event-based integration
- Containerization: Portable, scalable deployment
- Serverless Computing: On-demand processing without infrastructure management
- RPA Integration: Connecting with Robotic Process Automation
Key Challenges
- System Compatibility: Connecting with diverse enterprise systems
- Data Transformation: Converting between different data formats
- Process Complexity: Managing intricate document workflows
- Error Handling: Addressing integration and process failures
- Scalability: Handling varying processing volumes
Use Cases
Accounts Payable Automation
Integrating invoice processing with financial systems and approval workflows.
Customer Onboarding
Connecting document verification with CRM and account management systems.
Loan Processing
Integrating document review with underwriting and approval workflows.
HR Document Management
Connecting employee documentation with HR systems and processes.
Measuring Integration Performance
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Process Throughput | Documents processed per time period |
| Integration Latency | Time for data to move between systems |
| Process Completion Rate | Percentage of workflows completed successfully |
| Straight-Through Processing Rate | Percentage completed without manual intervention |
| System Availability | Uptime of integration points |
| Error Rate | Percentage of integration or workflow failures |
Best Practices
- API Standardization: Develop consistent API patterns across integrations
- Error Recovery: Design workflows with robust error handling and recovery
- Monitoring and Alerts: Implement comprehensive monitoring for integrations
- Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of integration points
- Versioning Strategy: Plan for API and integration evolution
Recent Advancements
- Low-Code Integration Platforms: Visual tools for integration development
- AI-Driven Workflow Optimization: Intelligent routing and process improvement
- Blockchain for Document Workflow: Immutable audit trails for document processes
- Self-Healing Integrations: Automatically recovering from integration failures
- Predictive Workflow Optimization: Anticipating processing needs and resources
Resources
- Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN)
- OpenAPI Specification
- Workflow Management Coalition
- Integration Pattern Repository
