Embedded Integration Platform - What Does it Do?

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Spend resources on Core Features [OR] Spend Resources on Product Integrations.

This is the biggest dice roll for developing a SaaS tool. 

I used to run a service, building custom software integrations for businesses. It was such a huge pain and it was extremely common too.

If you’ve ever thought about making your SaaS platform more useful for your users by letting them connect their favorite tools without any headaches, let me share something exciting with you - embedded integration platforms.

Here’s why they’re worth talking about and why more and more SaaS businesses are turning to them without spending months or years building them from scratch. 

What Is an Embedded Integration Platform?

An embedded integration platform is a system that helps SaaS companies include native integrations in their apps. Think about apps like Slack or Shopify—your users expect integrations to work without jumping through hoops.

An embedded platform sits right inside your software, making it easy for users to connect to other tools they rely on, whether it’s syncing data with Salesforce, getting alerts in Slack, or updating QuickBooks automatically. 

And the best part? 

You can brand it to match your app, so it feels like a natural extension of your product.

Why Embedded Integration Platforms Matter

Integrations are non-negotiable for SaaS users. 

They want their data synced! Transferring data or constantly switching between tools is not something they want to do. 

And if your app doesn’t give them those easy integrations, chances are they’ll go looking for one that does.

But building these integrations is nowhere near easy. APIs change, user needs grow, and before you know it, you’re too many resources on data connectors than on the core product.

What to Look for in the Best Embedded Integration Platform

Going with the right embedded integration platform for your SaaS app is very contextual. Here’s what I recommend for you to prioritize-

  1. Pre-Built Connectors: You should be able to create templates on that platform so that you can share automations to your users across Salesforce, Slack, Shopify, etc.
  1. Custom Branding: You want integrations in your app, so a good platform will let you make it look like it’s a feature that’s part of your app, not a separate tool altogether.
  1. Scalability: The platform you’re choosing should be able to handle the load whether there’s gonna be 100 users or 10,000 too.
  2. Ongoing Updates: APIs change all the time, so the platform you’re choosing should fully take care of keeping the integrations up to date so that you don’t have to clean up after bad data syncs that could damage customer relations.
  3. Flexibility for Complex Workflows: Sometimes, your users might need a more advanced automation that’s extremely unique to them, so the platform you use should also be able to support custom workflows.

How Embedded Integration Platforms Help SaaS Businesses

Here’s where embedded integration platforms really start to shine—they solve very real problems for your users while saving you time and resources. 

Let me break it down to show you exactly how:

  1. Exceptional User Experience
    Your users can connect their favorite tools directly from your app without going to third-party platforms. It’s convenient and makes your app a bigger part of their workflow.

  2. Faster Time-to-Market
    Instead of spending months building integrations, you can roll them out in weeks using pre-built connectors. It’s a game-changer for SaaS companies looking to meet user demands quickly.

  3. Simplified Maintenance
    Platforms like these handle API updates and changes, so you don’t have to constantly worry about broken integrations.

  4. Opportunities for Growth
    Adding integrations helps you attract more users, especially in industries where workflows rely on multiple tools.

Practical Use Cases for Embedded Integration

To really see the value, let’s look at how SaaS companies are using embedded integration platforms:

  • Slack Notifications: A project management app can notify users about task updates or deadlines directly in Slack.
  • E-Commerce Sync: An order management tool can update inventory in Shopify and send new order details to QuickBooks.
  • CRM Connections: A CRM can push contact details to HubSpot or Salesforce and trigger automated follow-ups.

These are just a few examples at the top of my mind, but the possibilities are virtually endless depending on what your users will need.

Challenges In Using Embedded Integration Platforms

Of course It’s not always smooth sailing, but all the challenges of using embedded integration platforms are manageable and they far outweigh the challenges you’ll have without one.

  • Customization Limits: If you need very specific features, some platforms might not always support them out of the box. In cases like this, you’ll have to work closely with the provider to explore what’s possible.
  • Integration Complexity: For apps with complex workflows, setting up integrations might take some effort, but it’s worth it for the value it adds.
  • Cost Considerations: Evaluate whether the investment in an embedded platform will save you more time and money compared to building integrations in-house (spoiler: it usually does).

Trends to Watch in Embedded Integration Platforms

As more SaaS companies adopt embedded platforms, here are some trends to keep an eye on:

  • AI-Powered Automations: More and more platforms are starting to incorporate AI into their user experience for previously unbelievable deployment speeds.
  • Vertical-Specific Solutions: Expect platforms tailored to industries like healthcare, education, and finance.
  • Unified APIs: Platforms are bundling multiple APIs into one interface to simplify complex integrations.

Embedded Integration Platform Demo

If you’re serious about making your SaaS more valuable to users ASAP, an embedded integration platform is something you should definitely be considering.

Do you have questions or need help getting started? 

I can show you how it works for free without any strings attached!

Try a Free Demo
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