What is our primary use case?
We're using the solution for integrating our operational supply chain packages, such as TMS and WMS, into a wide range of ERPs and other available nodes.
A key use case would be, for example, integrating our WMS platform into something like Sage 200.
This is done using the pre-built node, which is based on the Sage 200 SDK.
A common set of integrations would be of the following:
Master data such as customer, supplier, product, and stock holdings would be put through an ETL process and inserted into our WMS. This is primarily a one-way integration.
Transactional records such as sales orders, job cards, manufacturing orders, purchase orders, inter-branch transfers, and credit notes are sent through an ETL process and inserted into the WMS. The WMS then processes these transactional records and posts back the results.
How has it helped my organization?
As a service provider, our core focus is on supply chain digitization and optimization utilizing our software tools.
When engaging with new customers not having an already created integration into their ERP is a roadblock, FlowGear has removed those roadblocks and allowed us to confidently and rapidly integrate into over 300 pre-built nodes.
When a part of the sales team, the sales pitch becomes easier. The project team is simpler since they can be sure the integration will work smoothly and does not require a developer to be available.
What is most valuable?
The no-code visual front end, along with pre-built samples, allows someone with very little technical ability to get an integration up and running.
When implementing operational systems, integration is typically difficult. Having a no-code solution that the implementation team themselves can follow and manage allows for a smoother rollout and go-live process.
The pre-built nodes allowing for rapid integration make the life of the technical team easier as there is less effort in having to research the target systems API or integration documentation.
What needs improvement?
The product needs to improve the self-help tools and samples. If there were some more advanced examples on some of the pre-built nodes and especially the data processors and transforming tools, it would make it simpler to reuse some of the information.
The QuickMap tools could be better and allow the opportunity to pass into the QuickMap node so that you could have one workflow in the same QuickMap with different settings passed into the mapping section.
They need the ability to use hierarchical pathing in the QuickMap node.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
To my knowledge, we have not experienced any downtime or issues in the three years we've used it nor have we had any major integration issues with thousands of transactions daily.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is excellent.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service and support are excellent.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We wrote in-house integrations which required overheads and internal skills to maintain. This caused longer go-to-market problems.
How was the initial setup?
The system is very intuitive and easy to use. An understanding of HTML, XML and JSON is very handy.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the setup in-house.
What was our ROI?
We have noted an ROI based on ease of use and a simple path to market.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
FlowGear is not the cheapest solution in the market. That said, their customer service and entrepreneurial spirit make them excellent partners. They are also not the most expensive. There is great value for money from their basic package and up.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked into Mulesoft and Trustlink.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud