Standardise your processes, use interoperable solutions, and align vendor goals with your business objectives. Clear communication and integration testing are key to avoiding friction.

A key aspect of vendor selection is compatibility of culture and ethos. That does not mean no conflict, but it can reduce conflict and improve resolution. Create a clear responsibility matrix and integration process to ensure unambiguous collaboration and avoid finger pointing.

To ensure seamless integration despite vendor conflicts, organizations should focus on clear communication and enforce detailed SLAs, while leveraging frameworks like TOGAF and ITIL to align vendor systems with the overall IT strategy. Using middleware, iPaaS, and API management tools ensures compatibility between systems, while adopting a vendor-neutral, modular approach avoids reliance on a single vendor. Governance frameworks and collaboration tools help manage vendor relationships, and third-party consultants or mediators can resolve persistent conflicts. Continuous testing, pilot programs, and tracking KPIs such as system uptime and data flow consistency ensure successful integration.

Assess and evaluate compatibility of vendors and platforms to determine standards, protocol and API’s that facilitate integration. Define very clear objectives and expectations to vendors to achieve integration goals. Probe potential middleware or integration platforms to bridge systems and applications. Create a governance framework and encourage collaboration to resolve.

Encourage a collaborative approach by involving vendors in joint planning sessions. Promote a culture of teamwork and shared goals among all stakeholders.