Question 1

What are custom software integrations?

Accepted Answer

Custom software integrations connect legacy, proprietary, or industry-specific systems that lack modern APIs to your broader business automation infrastructure. This includes building custom middleware that translates data between incompatible systems, creating API wrappers around systems with no native integration capabilities, developing secure connectors for on-premise databases that can't be cloud-exposed, implementing real-time data sync between old and new platforms during migrations, and constructing webhook listeners that capture events from systems with limited automation support. Unlike off-the-shelf integration tools (Zapier, MuleSoft) that only work with popular modern platforms, custom integration development allows any system—regardless of age, technology, or documentation—to participate in automated workflows. Sailient has successfully integrated 15-year-old ERP systems, proprietary manufacturing databases, custom-built CRMs, and industry-specific software platforms that vendors claimed were 'impossible to integrate.'

Question 2

How much do custom integrations cost?

Accepted Answer

Custom integration development ranges from $10,000-$50,000 per system depending on complexity, technology stack, and documentation availability. Factors affecting cost include: system age and technology (modern REST APIs vs. 1990s databases), documentation quality (well-documented vs. reverse-engineering required), security requirements (standard encryption vs. air-gapped on-premise), data volume and sync frequency (hourly batch vs. real-time streaming), and error handling complexity (simple validation vs. multi-step reconciliation). This includes complete middleware development, secure authentication setup, error logging and recovery protocols, comprehensive testing across edge cases, documentation for future maintenance, and 90-day warranty support. Unlike integration platforms that charge per-transaction or monthly per-connector fees, custom integrations are one-time builds that operate indefinitely at minimal hosting cost. ROI comes from eliminating manual data transfer (typically saving 10-20 hours per week) and enabling automation that was previously impossible.

Question 3

What if our system has no API or documentation?

Accepted Answer

Even systems with no API or documentation can be integrated through reverse-engineering and custom development. Our approach for undocumented systems: (1) Database analysis—we examine the underlying database structure to understand data relationships and fields. (2) Interface monitoring—we observe how the existing interface interacts with data to map business logic. (3) Vendor consultation—we work with the software vendor (if available) to understand integration possibilities. (4) Custom connector development—we build middleware that reads from and writes to the database directly using secure SQL connections. (5) Screen scraping as last resort—for truly locked systems, we can automate the UI layer (though this is fragile and discouraged). Real example: Manufacturing client had proprietary inventory system from 2005 with zero documentation and original developer deceased. We reverse-engineered the database schema, built custom middleware, and achieved real-time sync with their modern ERP. The 'impossible' integration now runs reliably 24/7. If a human can access the data, we can automate access to it.

Question 4

Can you integrate on-premise systems that can't be cloud-exposed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, secure on-premise integration is a specialty for regulated industries and security-conscious businesses. We deploy hybrid architecture where: (1) Secure agent software runs on your internal network with access to on-premise systems. (2) Agent encrypts and transmits only necessary data over VPN or dedicated connection. (3) Cloud middleware orchestrates workflows and coordinates with cloud systems. (4) Data never transits public internet unencrypted. (5) Optional: Fully on-premise deployment where all integration logic runs within your network perimeter. This approach satisfies compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOC 2, financial regulations) that prohibit direct cloud access to sensitive systems. Example: Healthcare network integrated legacy patient management system (20+ years old, HIPAA-regulated, on-premise only) with modern cloud CRM by deploying secure agent on internal servers. Patient data never leaves the network, but appointments, billing, and communication workflows operate seamlessly across systems. Compliance audit found zero violations.

Question 5

How do custom integrations handle system migrations?

Accepted Answer

Custom integration during system migrations enables zero-downtime transitions by running old and new systems in parallel with bidirectional sync. Migration process: (1) Build integration connecting legacy system to new platform. (2) Configure two-way data sync ensuring both systems stay current. (3) Gradually migrate workflows from old to new system by department or function. (4) Team uses whichever system they prefer during transition—data stays synchronized. (5) Once migration is complete and validated, sunset legacy system and decommission integration. This approach eliminates the 'big bang' migration risk where everything switches at once and failures are catastrophic. Real example: Private equity firm acquired company using custom-built CRM from 2008. We integrated with Salesforce, ran parallel for 90 days while staff transitioned, then decommissioned legacy system. Zero data loss, zero downtime, zero business disruption. Historical data from legacy system remains accessible in Salesforce for compliance and analysis.

Question 6

What happens if the legacy system we're integrating changes?

Accepted Answer

Custom integrations are monitored proactively and maintained under warranty and optional support contracts. When legacy systems change: (1) Detection—integration monitoring alerts us immediately if data flow breaks or validation fails. (2) Analysis—we identify what changed (database schema update, interface modification, authentication change). (3) Adaptation—we update integration code to accommodate the change. (4) Testing—comprehensive validation ensures fix doesn't introduce new issues. (5) Deployment—updated integration rolls out, typically within 24-48 hours for urgent issues. During 90-day warranty, all updates are included. After warranty, optional maintenance contracts (15-20% of integration cost annually) cover proactive monitoring and updates. Many legacy systems change infrequently (sometimes years between updates), so maintenance costs are minimal. Ad-hoc fixes can be purchased as needed. We've maintained custom integrations for 5+ years with total maintenance costs under 30% of original build cost.

Question 7

Can custom integrations work with industry-specific software?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sailient specializes in industry-specific platforms that general integration tools can't handle. We've integrated: construction management systems (BuilderTrend, CoConstruct, Procore for home builders), field service platforms (ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber for contractors), legal practice management (Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther for law firms), healthcare EMR/EHR systems (Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth for medical practices), property management software (Buildium, AppFolio, Propertyware for real estate), manufacturing ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, custom builds for production tracking), and financial services platforms (Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, Redtail CRM for advisors). Industry-specific platforms often use proprietary data structures and terminology that require domain expertise to integrate properly. Our team researches industry workflows, learns platform specifics during discovery, and builds integrations that respect industry requirements (compliance, reporting, specialized workflows). If you use industry-specific software, we've likely integrated it before—or we'll learn it and do it right.

Question 8

What security measures protect custom integrations?

Accepted Answer

Custom integrations are built with enterprise-grade security including: authentication using industry-standard OAuth 2.0, API keys, or certificate-based methods depending on system capabilities; encryption with TLS 1.3 for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest; network security with IP whitelisting, VPN tunnels, or private network peering for sensitive connections; access controls limiting integration to specific data and operations (read-only where possible); audit logging recording all data access, modifications, and integration activity; error isolation preventing integration failures from affecting connected systems; and secrets management using secure vaults for storing credentials and API keys. For regulated industries, additional measures include: Business Associate Agreements for HIPAA compliance, SOC 2 attestation for enterprise requirements, penetration testing before production deployment, and compliance documentation for auditors. All custom integrations undergo security review before deployment. We've passed security audits for Fortune 500 companies and highly regulated sectors.

Question 9

How long does custom integration development take?

Accepted Answer

Custom integration timelines vary based on system complexity and access. Typical timelines: simple modern API integration (2-5 days), legacy system with documentation (7-10 days), undocumented legacy system requiring reverse-engineering (14-21 days), complex ERP or industry-specific platform (21-30 days), and on-premise secure integration with compliance requirements (30-45 days). Process: Week 1 involves system discovery and API analysis. Week 2 focuses on middleware development and authentication setup. Week 3 includes data mapping and transformation logic. Week 4 covers error handling and testing. Week 5+ for complex systems involves edge case handling and compliance validation. Your time commitment is minimal: providing system access (credentials, VPN), answering questions about business logic and data meaning, and reviewing test results before production. We handle all technical development. Custom integrations can be deployed alongside other Sailient modules or as standalone projects.

Question 10

Can we maintain the custom integration ourselves after implementation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complete code ownership and documentation are provided. We deliver: full source code for all custom integration logic with no proprietary dependencies, architecture documentation explaining how integration works, data mapping documentation showing field relationships and transformations, deployment guide for setting up integration on new infrastructure, troubleshooting guide for common issues and solutions, and credentials/access information for all components. Your technical team can modify, maintain, or extend the integration independently. However, most clients choose optional maintenance contracts because: (1) Custom integrations require specialized knowledge that's expensive to maintain in-house. (2) Our monitoring detects issues proactively before they affect operations. (3) Our experience with the specific systems allows faster issue resolution. (4) Maintenance contracts are typically 15-20% of build cost annually—far less than keeping an integration specialist on staff. You have complete flexibility: maintain it yourself, use us on-demand, or retain us for proactive support.

Question 11

What if we need to integrate multiple legacy systems?

Accepted Answer

Multi-system integration projects follow a phased approach to manage complexity and demonstrate value progressively. Strategy: (1) Priority assessment—identify which system integrations deliver highest ROI or unblock critical workflows. (2) Phased deployment—integrate systems sequentially rather than simultaneously to reduce risk. (3) Hub architecture—create central data hub that all systems connect to, avoiding N-to-N integration complexity. (4) Incremental validation—test each integration independently before adding the next. (5) Unified monitoring—dashboard showing health of all integrations in one view. Example: Manufacturing client needed integration of: 30-year-old mainframe inventory system, 15-year-old custom ERP, modern Salesforce CRM, and cloud-based accounting. We built hub architecture with mainframe integration first (highest business value), then ERP (second priority), then CRM and accounting. Total timeline: 12 weeks across 4 systems. Hub approach meant each new integration took less time because core infrastructure already existed. Total cost: $140k for all 4 integrations versus $200k+ if built independently.

Question 12

What if our vendor says their system can't be integrated?

Accepted Answer

Vendors often claim systems 'can't be integrated' to protect support costs or push customers toward expensive proprietary solutions. Reality: If humans can access data, it can be automated. When vendors refuse cooperation: (1) Database access—we work directly with the underlying database (with your permission as system owner). (2) File exports—we automate file-based integration using scheduled exports that the system supports. (3) UI automation—as last resort, we can automate the user interface (fragile but functional). (4) Alternative vendor engagement—sometimes involving legal or executive pressure encourages vendor cooperation. (5) Migration strategy—if integration proves impossible and system is business-critical, we can build migration plan to replacement platform. We've successfully integrated systems where vendors explicitly said 'impossible' by reverse-engineering, analyzing database structures, or automating workflows the vendor didn't anticipate. The only truly un-integratable system is one with zero data access (exceedingly rare). If you can see the data on screen, we can build integration to it.

Custom System
Integrations.

Software shouldn't
be a hostage situation.

What We Solve

Integration Specs

Unify your stack.

Custom System Integrations.

Software shouldn't be a hostage situation.

What We Solve

Integration Specs

Unify your stack.

Custom System
Integrations.

Software shouldn't
be a hostage situation.