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For citizen integrators, finding the right tools is the essential element when it comes to achieving success. While finding the right enterprise-class tools for your needs as a citizen integrator can be challenging. With Integrate.io, it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn more about citizen integrators and the enterprise-class tools that can be utilized. 

What Is a Citizen Integrator?

Essentially, citizen integrators are any business users who work to connect applications and data with minimal IT support. Citizen integrators are not developers and typically have very little to no programming knowledge or experience. While citizen integrators have limited programming or IT knowledge, they often possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in business-related processes. This expertise, along with their ability to understand the needs of their users, understand data requirements, and willingness to learn basic IT processes is what allows citizen integrators to connect applications and data. Check out some more common characteristics of a citizen integrator below. 

Characteristics of a Citizen Integrator 

Citizen integrators are typically domain experts. They are very familiar with workflows and the data they need to create better experiences for their users. Often, IT projects fail because programmers lack an understanding of the requirements within a niche sector of the business. 

Citizen integrators possess this knowledge and can use integrator tools to boost productivity within their department, helping to improve the whole of the business without having to wait for IT specialists to help process their data. 

Some common examples of citizen integrators within a business include: 

  • Customer Support Manager — A customer support manager can use integrator tools to integrate the helpdesk ticketing system with the sales system, all without help from the IT team.
  • Finance Manager — For finance managers, integrator tools come in handy for integrating information from several systems in order to create a dashboard. 
  • Marketing Specialist — A marketing specialist may utilize integrator tools to integrate their marketing platform with CRM or customer relationship management software. 

Benefits of Citizen Integrators for Business 

Citizen integrators have a lot to offer businesses. Many departments have to wait for the IT team to come help with integration tasks. Having a citizen integrator within a department takes out the wait time as the citizen integrator can work to connect applications and data without the support of the IT team. Ultimately, this means that companies can respond to market changes quickly and more efficiently with citizen integrators as compared to those without them. 

The following are some of the most common benefits citizen integrators can bring to a company:

  • Improved quality of service 
  • Increased productivity 
  • Democratization of data
  • Reduced reliance on IT teams
  • Improved employee engagement

Related Reading: The Citizen Integrator: Key to Business Agility 

Tools Citizen Integrators Need to Be Successful 

While citizen integrators can bring many benefits to a company, they need the right tools to do so effectively. Integration tools used to be designed only with the needs of IT teams in mind, but those tools are now designed to fit the needs of citizen integrators. This means that instead of just complex integration tools that require a working understanding of programming, there are now no-code and low-code integration tools being designed with the specific needs of a citizen integrator in mind. Check out more about the no-code and low-code movement below. 

Related Reading: Low-Code vs. No-Code: The Real Difference

No-Code Tools 

Ideal for small- to medium-sized companies without a data engineering team, no-code tools allow citizen integrators to make apps, transfer data, and use different types of software without having any coding knowledge. In recent years, no-code tools have become the go-to tools for app development. Ultimately, no-code tools are easy for everyone within an organization to use and require very little training to use. 

Low-Code Tools 

In comparison to no-code tools, low-code tools may require some knowledge of coding languages. While a bit more complex and difficult to use, low-code tools can still be utilized by citizen integrators willing to put in a little extra effort. Ultimately, low-code tools are great for citizen integrators with a basic understanding of hand-coding because they offer more control, functionality, and scalability compared to no-code tools. 

Related Reading: The Top 5 Benefits of Low-Code Development Platforms 

The 5 Best Enterprise-Class Tools for the Citizen Integrator 

There are a number of great tools available for the citizen integrator today. Ultimately, finding the right tools is essential for the success of any citizen integrator Below are five enterprise-class tools that could benefit any citizen integrator and greatly aid in their success when working with data.  

Integrate.io 

Offering access to both low-code and no-code tools, Integrate.io is a great platform for citizen integrators looking for enterprise-class tools. Integrate.io not only has tools for the citizen integrator but also offers tools that are optimal for advanced developers and engineers. 

Zoho Creator 

The Zoho Creator low-code tools are perfect for the citizen integrator. The platform allows citizen integrators to build applications and easily integrate data through seamless functionality. With the Zoho Creator’s intuitive code editors, visual builders, and pre-built templates, the platform offers citizen integrators many benefits through both function and ease of use. 

Visual LANSA 

Another great platform offering low-code tools for citizen integrators is Visual LANSA. The tools on Visual LANSA are great for citizen integrators as they offer the ability to build, deploy and operate applications in a fast and efficient manner. 

Quickbase 

The Quickbase platform is another that offers citizen integrators access to great no-code tools. Quickbase allows citizen integrators to transform their data and build high-quality and result-driven apps. Ultimately, Quickbase helps citizen integrators better automate workflows, connect data, and integrate systems. 

Mendix  

The Mendix platform is another option with excellent low-code tools for citizen integrators. From saving time to building enterprise-grade applications, Mendix tools have a lot to offer citizen integrators looking to work more efficiently with data. 

Related Reading: The Role of the Empowered Citizen Integrator in Democratizing Technology Across the Enterprise

How Integrate.io Can Help 

When it comes to all things no-code and low-code, Integrate.io is here to help. The no-code and low-code tools offered on Integrate.io are perfect for every citizen integrator looking to optimize their data and workflows. From data integration to building data pipelines, Integrate.io allows all citizen integrators to get the most out of their data, all without ever writing a single line of code. 

Are you ready to see what benefits the Integrate.io platform and its no-code ETL tools can provide to your company? Contact our team today to schedule a 14-day demo or pilot and see how we can help you reach your goals.