One of the key decisions to be made is whether integration should be real-time (synchronous) or asynchronous. The following table analyzes both messaging approaches and describes the scenarios when one should be selected over the other:
|
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
Good for |
Examples |
|
Synchronous |
Fail-safe communication. Error/exception handling. |
Tight coupling between systems. Blocks sender until the receiver is finished. Network dependency; calling system must be available.
|
Transaction processing across multiple systems. |
Mobile app/handheld for PO receiving, SO picking, inventory on-hand, and so on. |
|
Asynchronous |
Decoupled systems. Does not block sender. The integrating system doesn't need ... |
