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      Custom Integrations with Cascade

      As companies prioritize strategic alignment across all levels, the importance of seamless data integration is undeniable. While Cascade offers native integrations to optimize data utilization and ingestion, there may be scenarios where you or your team rely on tools outside of our native integration suite. In such cases, you may be a perfect candidate for a custom integration.

      Cascade's custom integrations support a wide range of data types, including but not limited to:

      • Financials

      • Budget and spend

      • Project metrics

      • Employee performance metrics

      • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) data

      • Task and Workflow management data

      Please note that our custom integrations does not support user management functionality at this point in time.

      This article offers an overview of the benefits, steps, and factors to consider when implementing custom integrations with Cascade.

      Why custom integrations?

      Custom integrations offer several key advantages:

      • Enhanced efficiency: Streamline data flow and eliminate duplicate efforts by integrating with existing tech stacks.

      • Real-time insights: Ensure up-to-date data availability for informed decision-making.

      • Tailored solutions: Address specific business needs by customizing integrations to align with organizational strategies.

      • Improved strategic alignment: Connect individual team movements with overarching corporate strategies for better alignment and tracking.

      Prerequisites:

      Before you contact Cascade to begin the discussion, consider the following prerequisites:

      • Your contract includes access to custom integration services

      • An understanding of your integration requirements:

        • Access permissions: Ensure appropriate access permissions to the data sources intended for integration.

        • Data availability: Confirm the availability of relevant data in compatible formats for integration.

        • Technical compatibility: Assess the technical compatibility between Cascade and the desired integration platforms.

      Steps for custom integration with Cascade:

      Implementing a custom integration with Cascade involves a personalized process tailored to your  specific technology ecosystem, typically involving the following steps:

      1. Evaluate data requirements and identify integration objectives.

      2. Develop a strategic integration plan outlining data sources, mapping requirements, and desired outcomes.

      3. Create custom integration using Cascade’s and the source platforms API, specifying data mapping and synchronization parameters.

       

      1. Initial Request: A request is submitted to discuss the your integration needs and explore potential solutions.
      2. Discovery Meeting: A meeting is held to review the integration objectives and use case, including the data to be integrated, the platforms that hold data, and where it will be ultimately brought into Cascade.
      3. Access and Data Assessment: Depending on the approach, either API endpoints may be provided to the customer for them to develop the integration, or the customer grants Cascade access to the source platform and data needed for integration. Permissions, data availability, and compatibility are confirmed during this step.
      4. Use Case Finalization: A clear and detailed integration use case is established, ensuring alignment on requirements and expectations.
      5. Integration Development:  Based on the agreed approach, the custom integration is either built by Cascade or facilitated using the provided API endpoints.
      6. Testing and Feedback: The integration is tested thoroughly, and the customer provides feedback to refine the solution.
      7. Production Deployment: After successful testing and approval, the integration is pushed to production.

      Limitations:

      While custom integrations offer extensive flexibility, it's crucial for your organization to be mindful of potential limitations inherent in your systems or processes.

      • Complex data structures: Integrating with highly complex data structures may require additional development effort.

      • Resource constraints: Limited resources or technical expertise may impact the speed and efficiency of integration implementation.

      • Data export and navigating constraints: Third-Party API and Data Access Limitations.

      • Security: Security concerns related to data privacy, encryption, or regulatory compliance requirements.

      How do I get started?

      Contact your CSM or Cascade point of contact, and they'll help organize the best next steps for you and your organization!

      FAQs

      What platforms does Cascade support for custom integrations?

      Cascade supports custom integrations with a wide variety of platforms, including databases, project management, business intelligence, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management systems, and more. Contact our team for specific inquiries.

      Can I customize data mappings for my integrations?

      Yes, Cascade allows for customizable data mappings to ensure alignment with your unique business requirements.

      Is technical expertise required to set up custom integrations?

      While technical knowledge is beneficial, our team provides comprehensive support throughout the integration process, from planning to deployment.