Data integration has quietly become one of the biggest drivers of digital efficiency in 2025. Whether a company runs everything on legacy ERPs or is fully cloud-native, the need for accurate, unified, real-time data continues to grow.
At its core, data integration is simply the ability to connect different systems so they can “talk” to each other. But with modern supply chains, omnichannel operations, and B2B ecosystems expanding rapidly, this simple function now requires powerful tools that can manage APIs, EDI, files, data pipelines, analytics, and more — all without slowing down the business.
This guide cuts through the noise and breaks down how data integration tools work, what features actually matter, and the top 15 tools worth evaluating in 2025.
What Are Data Integration Tools?
Data integration tools help businesses pull data from different sources — ERPs, CRMs, databases, APIs, EDI systems, warehouse apps, and even spreadsheets — and bring that information together in a consistent, usable format.
These tools are essential for:
- Automating manual workflows
- Eliminating silos
- Improving decision-making
- Supporting real-time operations
- Scaling integrations as the business grows
Think of them as the “connective tissue” that keeps modern operations efficient and aligned.
How Data Integration Tools Work
Most tools follow four core steps:
1. Data Extraction
Pulling data from ERPs, CRMs, databases, APIs, EDI systems, TMS/WMS platforms, and more.
2. Data Transformation
Cleaning, mapping, de-duplicating, validating, and standardizing data so different systems understand each other.
3. Data Loading
Moving transformed data into a target system like a data warehouse, BI tool, or another application.
4. Monitoring & Error Handling
Good tools validate data continuously, flag errors, and enable transparent troubleshooting.
Modern cloud platforms automate much of this and offer both real-time and scheduled workflows. Some, however, only excel in one step (e.g., ETL only), so it’s important to evaluate tools holistically.
Why Data Integration Tools Matter More in 2025
Companies adopting strong integration platforms can:
Eliminate Silos
One place for all data means fewer inconsistencies and faster workflows.
Improve Decision Making
Reliable, clean data equals stronger, quicker decisions.
Save Time & Reduce Errors
Automating data flows eliminates manual work and human mistakes.
Enable Real-Time Insights
Teams operate with the latest information — crucial for supply chain and logistics operations.
Scale Easily
New apps, ERPs, or partners can be connected without starting from zero.
Improve Customer Experience
Unified data gives support teams and sales teams an instant 360° view.
Strengthen Supply Chains
Data from ERPs, WMS, TMS, Project44/FourKites, and partner platforms becomes fully visible.
What Businesses Should Look For in a Data Integration Tool
When evaluating tools this year, make sure the platform delivers on:
1. Scalability & Flexibility
Can it support hybrid, on-premise, and cloud environments as your integrations expand?
2. Multi-Integration Support
APIs, EDI, files, legacy systems — the tool should handle all of them.
3. Real-Time Processing
Live insights matter more than ever.
4. Ease of Use
Low-code/no-code interfaces empower business users and reduce IT dependency.
5. Strong Data Quality Tools
Mapping, validation, cleansing, and enrichment are critical for accurate reporting.
6. Monitoring & Alerts
Look for real-time visibility and error notifications.
7. Pre-Built Connectors
Faster onboarding = lower cost + quicker value.
8. Security & Compliance
SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, encryption, RBAC — non-negotiable.
9. Cost Efficiency & ROI
The platform must deliver measurable impact — not just technical capabilities.
10. Automation & Orchestration
Workflows, triggers, and scheduled tasks streamline operations.
Top 15 Data Integration Tools of 2025
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the best tools available today and who they’re right for.
1) Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC)
For companies looking for a complete ecosystem integration suite, Cleo Integration Cloud stands out. It supports EDI, APIs, files, partner onboarding, and real-time visibility — all in one place.
As a cleo cloud integration partner, Globus often sees CIC chosen by logistics, distribution, manufacturing, and enterprise businesses that need both reliability and speed.
Best For: End-to-end B2B ecosystem integration
Why It Stands Out: Pre-built connectors, real-time dashboards, strong transformation engine, flexible managed services, and leading cleo support partner.
2) SnapLogic
A versatile, low-code integration tool ideal for connecting applications and data pipelines. Simple to use, but may not go deep enough for complex B2B environments.
Best For: Mid-sized businesses automating workflows
Watch Out: Limited transparency for highly complex integrations.
3) Workato
Automation-focused platform with event-driven workflows and pre-built templates.
Best For: Teams that need straightforward app-to-app automation
Limitation: Not ideal for heavy EDI or large ecosystems.
4) Jitterbit
Great hybrid integration support, connecting both cloud and on-premise systems.
Best For: Companies with mixed environments
Limitation: Can be challenging for non-technical users.
5) Celigo
Known for simplicity and pre-built flows, especially for SaaS-to-SaaS integrations.
Best For: Mid-sized companies with simple processes
Limitation: May struggle with enterprise-scale integrations.
6) Boomi
A cloud-native iPaaS with strong hybrid integration capabilities.
Best For: Enterprises connecting both legacy and cloud systems
Limitation: Steeper learning curve and higher cost at scale.
7) Informatica
Advanced capabilities for managing large, complex data ecosystems.
Best For: Enterprises with big data volumes and diverse sources
Limitation: Requires experienced teams.
8) IBM App Connect
Enterprise-grade integration with real-time and batch capabilities.
Best For: Complex, enterprise workflows
Limitation: Setup can be intensive.
9) Tray.ai
Flexible low-code automation platform with strong API connectivity.
Best For: Marketing, operations, and IT teams building custom workflows
Limitation: Limited pre-built templates.
10) OpenText B2B Integration Enterprise
Strong compliance and security features; good for regulated industries.
Best For: Healthcare, finance, pharma
Limitation: Overkill for smaller businesses.
11) MuleSoft
Robust API management and integration platform with support for both EDI and APIs.
Best For: Enterprises modernizing their legacy systems
Limitation: Requires deep technical knowledge.
12) Oracle Data Integrator
Comprehensive connectivity, particularly strong for Oracle ecosystems.
Best For: Large enterprises running Oracle-heavy stacks
Limitation: Higher cost of ownership.
13) Talend
Open-source-focused tool with strong data governance and quality capabilities.
Best For: Big data, analytics, and data engineering teams
Limitation: Higher configuration complexity.
14) Zapier
Simple automation for small and mid-sized businesses.
Best For: Quick, no-code automation
Limitation: Not suitable for heavy data volumes or EDI/API integrations.
15) Integrate.io
Specialized in ETL and data pipelines, especially for cloud data warehouses.
Best For: BI and analytics-heavy companies
Limitation: Limited real-time and API/EDI support.
Choosing the Right Data Integration Tool
With so many options, the right choice depends on your ecosystem needs. Ask:
- Do we need real-time visibility?
- How many systems must we connect?
- Do we rely heavily on EDI, APIs, or both?
- What’s our ideal level of automation vs. control?
A well-chosen platform will help unify your data, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term digital transformation.
Need Guidance from a Cleo Integration Expert?
If your team is exploring Cleo or looking for a more unified integration approach, Globus Systems can help.
As a seasoned cleo cloud integration partner, we assist companies with:
- Cleo setup & onboarding
- Partner mapping & integrations
- API + EDI workflows
- Real-time visibility dashboards
- Troubleshooting, optimization, and ongoing cleo support
- Hybrid cloud and modernization projects
Reach out to Globus Systems for a consultation — we’ll help you simplify your data landscape with a solution built around your ecosystem needs.
