Boomi is an extremely powerful iPaas (Integration platform as a service) solution which enables to integrate any of your applications to another and hence creating high value to the business. The newly released Gartner Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service positioned Boomi highest for Ability to Execute.
UKG use Boomi as it’s iPaas solution to integrate data from/to UKG Pro WFM (Formerly known as Dimensions). Below are the recommended best practices that need to be followed by Integration Consultants who works in UKG Pro WFM space. This knowledge is based on my lived experience working extensively on Pro WFM Projects.
Integration Requirements – Understand crystal clear:
Understand the integration requirements and ensure they are crystal clear before developing any Boomi process (or) passing the requirements to Boomi developers. This includes understanding the data formats, identifying the systems and any transformation required. This is extremely important to avoid any rework in the later stage of the project.
Identify the Interfaces and its complexity:
Identify the exact number of interfaces required and categorize it as Small, Medium, and Complex. Be transparent on this with the Project Manager and customer. This will assist the Project Manager and customer with planning and decision-making.
Articulate the things which can’t be automated through integration. Don’t say “YES” to everything. Be transparent and truthful.
Collaborate with Stakeholders:
The right stakeholders have to be identified at the beginning of the integration design and collaborate with them throughout the project. They can be Business SME from customer, integration SME from customer, solution architect from Pro WFM, Project Manager, UKG admin from customer. Involve them in all decision making related to integrations throughout the project.
Boomi Process Design, Development:
Keep the design simple. A person who doesn’t have technical knowledge in Boomi should still be able to relate the flow.
Call the endpoints/APIs through Postman or any other tool and ensure right format of data is returned (before building the actual Boomi processes). Break down complex integrations into smaller processes. Don’t compromise on secure protocols, secure practices, authentications. Utilize Boomi’s caching capabilities effectively. Utilize Boomi’s parallel processing capabilities only wherever required. Reuse the processes wherever applicable. Implement error handling effectively. (Make sure entire Boomi process doesn’t fail due to bad data). Implement version control on all the Boomi process deployment across environments.
Testing and Improvements:
Use Boomi’s test mode feature to do the unit testing with real time scenarios. Encourage customers to test all the real time scenarios. Articulate your ideas on testing to the customer since most of the customers will be testing for the first time on these integrations with Pro WFM.
By following these best practices diligently, you not only contribute to the effective build of the integration, but also to higher customer satisfaction levels.
Blog written by Balaji Dwaraganath: Integration Consultant
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Balaji Dwaraganath
