Zapier - Your Integration Superstar

A known limitation in Financial Advice software is that native integration between core apps (such as AdviserLogic and Midwinter) are limited, meaning that your app stack can become quickly disjointed and manual handling of data is required. However, all three systems offer connections to thousands of apps through Zapier - this bridges the gap and helps you to streamline all of your information, saving lots of time.

Whilst this is a fantastic option, its worth noting that whilst Zapier is made to be no-code, it can still be technically complex - especially when things go wrong. Before taking the leap to have Zapier set up, it is worth ensuring that it will be a viable ongoing option. Because set up is only one piece of the puzzle - when it comes time to part ways with your consultant, you want something that you will be able to effectively maintain and won’t leave you feeling like its more of a burden than a support.

We break down if Zapier is the right fit for you and your firm and the best integrations you can connect with it.

If you want to learn more about integrations, see my All About Integrations blog post!

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WTF Is Zapier?!

Zapier is a connector tool that allows you to connect software together. With over 9000 apps and software that can be connected, theres a good chance that whatever your need, theres something that will connect to Zapier.

I Can See That My System Offers Integrations - What's The Difference?

The core difference between a native integration (one that is built into the program) and Zapier is that the connection is managed by yourself. You (or a consultant) are responsible for setting up the steps in a Zapier automation, testing it to make sure it functions and actioning any failures in the process. With a native integration, in most circumstances it is much simpler - connect and go, with guided support if something doesn’t work as anticipated. This is why software that offer a wide range of integrations (such as XPlan) have such big user bases - being able to connect and go as opposed to ongoing integration and cost is a real selling point for people who want a super efficient system.

What Can Integrate

Setting up Zapier allows you to connect thousands of apps with one another, which reduces manual data entry, can automate workflows and streamline your app experiences - no complex coding skills required.

The connections you can choose are based on your primary Financial Advisory CRM:

• XPlan - Offers a huge range of native integrations, but can also connect to Zapier for external applications that do not connect natively.

• ‍AdviserLogic - AdviserLogic’s primary integration method is via Zapier, meaning they have very limited native integrations.‍

• MidWinter - Only has native integrations with a small volume of programs, none of which are focused on workflow. It also does not integrate with Zapier. It does offer an API gateway option, but this route would require comprehensive software development to set up.

How We Help

We can help you:

• Figure out whether your apps integrate and make recommendations on ones that do

• Setup both native and Zapier integrations

• Build/set up Zapier workflows and test them to ensure they are ready to go

• Train on maintainence and functionality in Zapier, so you arent left on your own once its set up

• Provide ongoing support for the maintainence of Zapier integrations. 

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