Integration, configuration or custom development?

Choose configuration when the product already supports the process and the difference can be expressed through fields, roles, rules or templates. It is usually easier to maintain through product upgrades than code that replaces standard behaviour.

Choose integration when two systems should keep owning different records but must exchange selected information. Define the authoritative source, timing, authentication, error handling and recovery before selecting a connector or building an API.

Choose custom development when the required workflow, decision logic or user experience creates real operational value and available products cannot support it safely. Budget for testing, hosting, security updates and ownership after launch.

Evaluate implementation effort together with licences, vendor limits, change frequency, support skills and exit options. The smallest initial build is not durable if every normal business change later requires a workaround.