Options in inter-organizational systems integration

Abstract

Inter-organizational systems integration can happen in many ways. Depending on the
setting, one integration solution is more appropriate than another. If companies are to
decide on the most appropriate solution for them, they need to know what all possible
solutions are they can choose from and on what aspects these differ. The research question
that is answered in this paper is on what relevant classificatory basis we can distinguish
IOSI solutions; and given this classificatory basis, what is the complete set of IOSI
solutions to choose from? We used a grounded theory approach, studying several interorganizational
integration cases, standards and technologies. The theoretical contribution
of this paper is that it identifies a six-dimensional inter-organizational systems integration
solution space. The six dimensions concern data design, process design, process execution
control, task execution, data transmission and data storage, each of which is considered
from a (de)centralization perspective. These (de)centralization dimensions are, at least in
theory, orthogonal to each other. The research is relevant for practitioners because taking
a position on the dimensions implies choosing a solution with distinct properties. Properties
of solutions are discussed so as to make it easier for companies to choose an appropriate
solution. The main novelty of the paper is that it defines a comprehensive integration
solution space by introducing the important concept of centralization at the level of interorganizational
information systems.