System Integration and Architecture Course Material PDF

PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 1 Course Material No. 1 SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND ARCHITECTURE DR. RAMIRO Z. DELA CRUZ Course Instructor  PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRAT...

PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 1 Course Material No. 1 SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND ARCHITECTURE DR. RAMIRO Z. DELA CRUZ Course Instructor  PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 2 Overview of System Integration and Architecture (Part 1) 1 LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this module, the students should be able to: explain what System Integration and Architecture is all about identify implications of organizational frames in system integration evaluate the need for system integration as part of IT program delivery RESOURCES NEEDED For this lesson, you would need the following resources: PowerPoint Presentation Links to videos: Links to websites: Reference materials, tools, and equipment PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 3 Before you start, try answering the following questions. MODULE CONTENTS 1. What is Systems Integration? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kick-off Pretest ___________________________________ 3 ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 5 Pre-Activity Title ________________________________________ 2. What is Systems Architecture? 6 Your heading here ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 9 Your heading here ___________________________________ ________________________________________ 3. How does understanding the organization enable the continual viability of 11 Your heading here organizations in terms of system integration issues? 14 Posttest ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Key Terms ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 15 ________________________________________ References 15 PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 4 Crossword Puzzle. Identify the words via the clues provided in the crossword puzzle. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 5 INTRODUCTION System. Refers to a set of inter- related components that perform functions towards common objective/s. This module provides an overview of what the Systems Integration and System integration. The Architecture course is all about. The discussion points will be mostly on combination of inter-related discussing the merits of integrated systems as well as the provision of elements or systems to achieve architectures thereof. common organizational objectives. This course module serves as an introduction to system integration as well as System architecture. Defines the with intermediate application of systems architectural models to make the high-level organizational organization continually run with more efficiency as achieved by the structures depicting interacting unification. components, usually in graphical formats. Organizational frames. Frames representing the different ways at. seeing the organization in the light of systems development and the overlying integration of such system components thereunto. WHAT IS SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND ARCHITECTURE? System – set of inter-related components that perform functions towards common objective/s. System integration – the combination of inter-related elements or systems to achieve common organizational objectives. System integration also refers to the process of combining different subsystems or components, often from various sources or vendors, into a single cohesive system that functions as a unified whole. This process involves connecting and configuring these components to work together seamlessly, enabling data and information to flow smoothly between them. System integration aims to ensure that the combined system operates efficiently, effectively, and with the intended functionality. The term can also be defined as the assembling of the constituent parts of a system in a logical, cost-effective way, comprehensively checking system execution (all PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 6 nominal & exceptional paths), and including a full functional check-out (Houser, 2011). In system integration, the following components would most likely be involved: Data Integration. Ensuring that data from different sources and systems can be shared and used consistently across the integrated system. This may involve data synchronization, data transformation, and data migration. Application Integration. Integrating different software applications, whether they are custom-built, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), or third-party, to work together seamlessly and exchange information efficiently. Hardware Integration. Connecting and integrating various hardware components and devices, such as servers, storage devices, networking equipment, sensors, and actuators, into a unified infrastructure. Protocol Integration. Addressing communication differences between systems that use different protocols or data formats to enable them to communicate and interact effectively. Interface (UI) Integration. Creating a consistent and unified user experience across different applications and systems by integrating their user interfaces or providing single sign-on capabilities. Security Integration. Ensuring that security measures are effectively implemented and maintained across the integrated system, considering access controls, authentication, data encryption, and other security aspects. Business Process Integration. Aligning and automating business processes across multiple systems to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Testing and Validation. Conducting thorough testing and validation of the integrated system to identify and resolve any issues related to functionality, performance, and data consistency. System integration commonly refers to the process of combining different individual systems or components, often with distinct functionalities or technologies, into a unified and cohesive larger system. The goal of system integration is to ensure that all the individual parts work together seamlessly, effectively exchanging information and functioning as a single unit to achieve specific business objectives or deliver a complete solution. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 7 In the context of information technology (IT) and software development, system integration typically involves integrating various software applications, databases, hardware devices, and networks to create a comprehensive and efficient IT ecosystem. It can be applied to various domains, including enterprise systems, web applications, cloud-based services, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more. System integration plays a crucial role in modern IT environments, especially in large enterprises and complex software ecosystems. It enables organizations to leverage existing systems and investments while adding new functionalities and capabilities to meet evolving business needs. Properly integrated systems can enhance productivity, reduce redundancy, improve data accuracy, and provide a more cohesive user experience for both employees and customers. Systems Architecture – defines the high-level organizational structure depicting interacting components Further, system architecture refers to the high-level design and structure of a complex system, which includes the organization of its components, their interactions, and how they work together to achieve specific objectives. In the context of information technology (IT) and software development, system architecture defines the blueprint for building and integrating various hardware, software, networking, and other components to create a functional and scalable system. Data Architecture. Designing the structure and organization of data within the system. This includes defining data models, databases, data storage, data retrieval, and data processing. Identification of Components. Identifying the key components and sub- systems that make up the overall system. These components can be hardware devices, software modules, databases, communication channels, and external services. Relationships Among Components. Defining how the identified components interact with each other and communicate within the system. This involves specifying the flow of data, control, and events between different parts of the system. Communication Protocols. Determining the communication protocols and technologies used for data exchange between system components, whether it's through APIs, web services, message queues, or other methods. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 8 Scalability and Performance: Addressing how the system can handle increasing loads and demands. This includes considerations for horizontal and vertical scaling, load balancing, caching, and performance optimization. Security Architecture. Defining the security measures and strategies to protect the system from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. User Interface and (UI): Designing the user interface to ensure that the system is intuitive, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its users. User Experience (UX). Determining the high-level satisfaction and approval for users, especially the non-technical end-users. Deployment Architecture. Planning how the system will be deployed and hosted, whether it's on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. Reliability. Designing the system to be consistent and resilient most of the time and altogether trustworthy of the intended outputs. Fault Tolerance. Providing measures in place to handle failures and recover from errors. Integration with External Systems: Addressing how the system will interact with external services, APIs, and third-party systems to extend its capabilities. Project versus Organizational Department A project can vary from a small to a very big organizational endeavor which could necessitate involvement of some organizational departments. A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to accomplish a particular (usually unique and having a specific start and completion dates) endeavor to achieve a production or a service. A department does the same thing, however, in a continuous basis. Usually, departments take on the usual organizational functions (e. g. marketing, sales, research, HR, accounting, engineering, administration, etc.). On the other hand, projects have very unique purpose/s which could be spite of the current need thus becomes temporary. A project may require resources from various organizational areas and may have primary sponsor or customer. A project is short- lived and its existence is quite uncertain. In systems integration, the integrations must start when the project starts, not after a lot of projects have already been accomplished. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 9 UNDERSTANDING THE ORGANIZATION Integration is quite a challenge, especially with deeply divided internal elements of an organization. And such bickering reflects onto the organizational dynamics. Integration must be seen in at least several lenses to see a bigger picture of the organizational frames. Any business organization consists of a set of diverse people and systems, but the underlying premise of that organization is that all of its diverse elements will work smoothly together in order to meet its organizational goals in an efficient and effective manner. One way of understanding organizational dynamics is via organizational frames. These frames are also known as perspectives or lenses. They are cognitive tools that individuals and groups use to interpret and understand complex organizations. They are theoretical frameworks or mental models that help people make sense of organizational dynamics, processes, and behaviors. Each frame provides a unique perspective on how an organization operates and how various aspects are interconnected. These frames were first introduced by organizational theorist Lee G. Bolman and psychologist Terrence E. Deal Using the organization frames, one would have a grasp of the relationships that are evolving within the organization. These could also help understand needs, expectations and possible conflict scenarios. Thus, developers, designers and engineers need to identify, understand, manage and reconcile conflicting forces within, as well as outside the organization. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 10 1. Structural Frame This is like viewing the organizational chart of the company. The structural frames show functional, project or metrical approaches to viewing and understanding the organization. The structural frame views organizations as formal systems with established roles, hierarchies, rules, and procedures. It emphasizes clarity of goals, division of labor, and coordination. In this frame, organizations are seen as machines, and the focus is on efficiency, accountability, and achieving goals. The structural frame is useful for analyzing organizational charts, workflow processes, and decision-making mechanisms. The structural frame emphasizes efficiency, roles, and coordination. In system integration, this frame may lead to a focus on creating standardized processes, clear communication channels, and well-defined roles and responsibilities for each team involved in the integration. It can also highlight the importance of having a well-designed integration plan and a clear project management structure to ensure a smooth and efficient integration process. 2. Human Resources Frame PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 11 The focus on the HR frame is on viewing the capability of human resources as well as underlying motivations for cooperation. At times, informal groups are the actual players within the organization. This could be an admin versus rank & file standoff. However, some rifts happen across different departments (Department A versus Department B) or within a department itself. Providing integration solution on disharmonious people could potentially lead to failure. The human resource frame emphasizes the importance of people and their well-being within the organization. It views organizations as families or communities, and its core belief is that satisfied and motivated employees lead to higher productivity and effectiveness. This frame focuses on employee development, empowerment, teamwork, and a supportive work culture. It highlights the significance of interpersonal relationships, communication, and employee satisfaction in achieving organizational success. The human resource frame emphasizes people's well-being and motivation. In system integration, this frame may emphasize the importance of involving and engaging employees throughout the integration process. It can lead to an emphasis on clear communication, training, and support to ensure that employees feel valued and motivated during the transition. This frame may also prioritize the creation of a supportive and collaborative team culture during integration. 3. Political Frame Politics involves powerplay. Interaction within and/or among parts of the organization is weighed against factors like control, political forces, jurisdiction, territory, strategy, group dynamics, powers-that-be, opposition, influencers, etc. Oftentimes, organizational functions go beyond the formal structural (or hierarchical) set-up. Knowing the proper avenues, channels and routes takes on an integration challenge. The political frame sees organizations as arenas where power and influence are distributed and contested. It views organizations as battlegrounds where different individuals and groups pursue their interests and engage in power struggles. This frame acknowledges the existence of competing interests, conflicts, and coalitions within the organization. The political frame helps in understanding decision-making dynamics, resource allocation, and the exercise of authority and control. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 12 The political frame recognizes power dynamics and competing interests. In system integration, this frame may highlight potential resistance to change and conflicts among different teams or stakeholders involved in the integration. It can lead to a focus on managing and resolving conflicts, building alliances, and addressing concerns to gain support and cooperation from various parties. Additionally, the political frame may emphasize the need for effective change management strategies to address potential power struggles. 4. Symbolic Frame Not all departments contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness drive of the organization. Some are symbolic, oftentimes to showcase an organizational image. Organizational image may take on branding, aesthetic, cultural-societal, trending hypes, etc. Even non-performing departments may be viewed as far valuable than a crucial department. For systems integration to happen, developers need to see the symbolic context as to how they blend with the organization as a whole. The symbolic frame emphasizes the importance of culture, rituals, and symbols within an organization. It views organizations as theaters or stage performances, where symbols, ceremonies, and stories shape the organizational identity and culture. The symbolic frame highlights the role of organizational myths, values, and rituals in shaping employees' perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. It is particularly useful for understanding organizational culture and the importance of symbolism in creating shared meaning. In system integration, this frame may focus on creating a shared vision and a sense of identity among teams involved in the integration. It can lead to the use of symbols, rituals, and communication to foster a positive organizational culture and build a sense of unity during the integration process. The symbolic frame may also underscore the importance of celebrating milestones and successes to reinforce a shared identity. PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 13 SUMMARY System integration refers to the process of combining different individual systems or components, often with distinct functionalities or technologies, into a unified and cohesive larger system. It involves connecting and integrating various hardware, software applications, databases, networking components, and external services to create a functional and efficient system. System integration aims to ensure that all the individual parts work together seamlessly, effectively exchanging information and functioning as a single unit to achieve specific business objectives or deliver a complete solution. Key aspects of system integration include data integration, application integration, hardware integration, communication protocols, scalability, security, user interface design, and integration with external systems. It requires careful planning, testing, and validation to ensure that the integrated system operates reliably, securely, and efficiently. System architecture, on the other hand, refers to the high-level design and structure of a complex system. It defines the blueprint for building and integrating various components to create a functional and scalable system. System architecture includes identifying components, defining their relationships, data architecture, communication and protocols, scalability, security architecture, user interface design, and deployment architecture. System architecture serves as a guide for developers and stakeholders, providing a common understanding of the system's structure and behavior. Both system integration and architecture play critical roles in the development and implementation of complex systems, such as information technology (IT) ecosystems and software applications. They aim to create efficient, maintainable, PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 14 and robust systems that meet the requirements and goals of the organization. System integration ensures that all components work together harmoniously, while system architecture provides the blueprint for how these components should be organized and interact to achieve the desired outcomes. By combining the principles of system integration and architecture, organizations can create comprehensive and effective solutions that leverage the strengths of individual components while addressing their interactions and dependencies. An integrated and well-designed system architecture is fundamental to the success of system integration efforts, providing a solid foundation for building sophisticated and efficient systems in various domains and industries. The implications of organizational frames in system integration highlight the importance of adopting a multi-frame approach. Integrating different systems within an organization is a complex process that involves various aspects, including technical, human, and cultural factors. By applying multiple frames, integration teams can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved and develop strategies that address various dimensions of the integration effectively. Organizational frames in system integration underscore the role of leadership and effective communication. Integration leaders need to be aware of the different frames and tailor their communication and decision-making strategies accordingly. They must foster an inclusive environment where teams from different frames can collaborate and align their efforts towards successful integration. By considering the implications of organizational frames in system integration, organizations can develop a holistic and well-rounded approach that addresses technical, human, and cultural aspects of the integration process. Acknowledging the various frames helps integration teams understand the complexities and challenges involved, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative integration process that leads to successful outcomes.  PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 15 KEY TERMS system integration system architecture organizational frames management information systems information system software disparity POSTTEST Directions: Encircle the letter corresponding to your answer. What is system integration? a) The process of designing individual components of a system b) The process of combining different systems or components into a unified system c) The process of securing a system from cyberattacks d) The process of testing and debugging a system What is the primary goal of system integration? a) Ensuring each component of the system works independently b) Creating isolated systems with minimal interaction c) Achieving a unified and cohesive system with seamless interactions between components d) Maximizing the complexity of the system for better performance Which of the following is a key challenge in system integration? a) Having a clear hierarchy of components b) Ensuring each component operates in isolation c) Handling seamless communication and data exchange between components d) Focusing solely on the individual functionalities of components What does data integration refer to in system integration? a) Isolating data from each component to prevent interference b) Storing data in separate databases for each component c) Ensuring data is consistent and shared across integrated systems d) Encrypting data to secure it during integration PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 16 What is system architecture? a) The process of combining different systems into a unified whole b) The design and structure of a complex system, including its components and interactions c) The process of securing a system from cyber threats d) The management of hardware components in a system What is the primary goal of system architecture? a) Ensuring each component operates independently without communication b) Achieving a unified and cohesive system with optimized interactions between components c) Maximizing the complexity of the system for better performance d) Prioritizing hardware over software design Which aspect of system architecture focuses on defining the relationships and interactions between various system components? a) Data architecture b) Communication protocols c) Scalability d) Deployment architecture What are organizational frames, as introduced by Bolman and Deal? a) Glass frames used for organizational decoration b) Cognitive tools or lenses to interpret and understand organizations c) Hierarchical structures in an organization d) Frames holding pictures of organizational leaders Which organizational frame views an organization as a machine with established roles, rules, and procedures? a) Structural frame b) Human resource frame c) Political frame d) Symbolic frame The human resource frame emphasizes the importance of: a) Efficient processes and workflows b) Achieving organizational goals through power struggles c) People's well-being and motivation within the organization d) Creating a shared organizational identity through symbols  PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGIES 17 REFERENCES 3G E-learning (2022). Computer systems and architecture. 3G E-learning LLC. Bidgoli, H. (2021). MIS 10th Ed., MA., Cengage Learning. Bourgeois, D., Mortati, J., Wang, S. & smith, J. (2019). Information systems for business and beyond. Open Textbooks. 1. https://resources.saylor.org/wwwresources/archived/site/textbooks/Information%20Systems%20for%2 0Business%20and%20Beyond.pdf Houser, P. (2011). Best practices for system integration. Northrop Grumman Corporation Nogwovuma, M. (n.d.). System integration and architecture. https://slideplayer.com/slide/12852130/ System Administration: Configure, Deploy, Maintain and Audit http://www.ansatt.hig.no/erikh/sysadm/wikipedia-sysadm-book-30072012.pdf Watson, R. (2007). Information systems. University of Georgia. ©Global Text Project. pp. 156-169 https://www.uky.edu/~gmswan3/777/IS_Book.pdf