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Systems integrators play a critical role in cloud transformation. They connect disparate legacy and modern technologies to create a unified infrastructure for business processes.

But what happens when the integrator leaves after implementing a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform? Who will do the complex integrations spurred by shifting business priorities, new tech, or the evolving functionality that SaaS providers continually release?

Savvy companies realize systems integration is ongoing, extending far beyond the launch.

Whether adding a cost center to a financial system or activating a feature in the HR module, changes in one place can have far-reaching impacts on others. A company’s strategy pivots � from new markets to mergers & acquisitions � require a knowledgeable team for ongoing integrations, configurations, and process customizations.

As a result, forward-thinking organizations seek systems integrators who modernize a business function in the cloud and offer managed services to maintain, optimize, and scale it for the long haul.

This team should have deep technical expertise to be effective, but that’s just the beginning. To drive ongoing value from a cloud investment, seek a systems integrator who also brings:

1. A long-term view: In a world of constant flux, migration to the cloud is not a fixed destination. It’s an ongoing journey, so look for a systems integrator who can continually optimize a functional transformation through day-to-day management of the platform. That may come in a managed services model with predictable costs, a multi-year subscription, and the ability to flex to meet changing objectives.  
2. Strategic collaboration: Seek an integrator who focuses on interoperability and how it can enable your strategic priorities. For example, solving complex business problems � from sales to supply chain � depends in part on your ability to get the correct reports out of the system. Your integrator should help you aggregate data from different sources and perform the right analytics.
3. Multidisciplinary knowledge: To serve as a consultative business partner, your systems integrator should have robust knowledge about SaaS platforms, plus domain expertise in the business processes of your industry, including strong credentials in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. This is especially critical when, in some cloud transformations, the integrator becomes the de facto technology department for a business function, handling on-demand integration and configuration after implementation.
4. Organizational change management: The best integrators can anticipate the implications related to software updates and manage the cross-functional impacts on business processes. Moreover, they can help you determine which new functionality to adopt based on your strategic priorities and which to forgo.
5. A mindset for growth: To support the ongoing cloud journey, choose an integrator who can turn SaaS into a scalable platform for innovation � in areas like GenAI, analytics, and security. Your platform should also be a growth enabler, whether it’s through improved operational resilience, regulator trust, customer experience, or fast response to market changes.

To observe these attributes in action, see this ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø client story on finance transformation, in which ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø served as the systems integrator from implementation through ongoing evolution.