Most associations and unions use a mix of systems to keep things running: a CRM for members, a finance system for payments, an email platform for communications, and maybe a learning management system for training.
The problem?
These tools don’t always talk to each other.
That means staff end up exporting spreadsheets, retyping data, or trying to manage duplicate records. It’s time-consuming, frustrating, and error-prone.
That’s where iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) comes in. iPaaS is a cloud-based tool that connects your systems so data flows automatically between them. Instead of chasing information, you and your team can focus on delivering value to members.
iPaaS definition
iPaaS is a hosted integration platform that lets organisations connect different applications through a central hub. Instead of building one-off, point-to-point integrations, you use iPaaS to design, manage, and monitor integrations in a structured way.
Think of iPaaS as a digital connector box. It sits in the middle of your systems and makes sure they share information smoothly.
iPaaS example
A new member joins through your website. iPaaS can automatically create their record in your CRM, add them to your finance system for invoicing, and sync their details with your email platform for a welcome message.
iPaaS Use Cases
To connect systems, organisations typically look to developers to write code to integrate the solutions. These would be custom, meaning they would have to be made for each connection used. iPaaS solves this challenge.
Some common examples include:
- Associations and unions: Connect membership databases (like iMIS) with finance systems, learning platforms, and member portals.
- Marketing automation: Sync CRM data with email platforms and track engagement.
- HR and payroll: Ensure employee data flows between recruitment, payroll, and compliance systems.
- E-commerce: Link online stores with stock, finance, and logistics applications.
In short, iPaaS works anywhere you need to ensure systems share accurate, real-time data.
Key Features of iPaaS Platforms
While each vendor has a different offering, most iPaaS solutions provide:
- Pre-built connectors for common systems (CRM, ERP, HR, finance, and marketing).
- Data mapping and transformation tools to align information across systems.
- Workflow automation to trigger actions when data changes.
- API management for building, securing, and scaling integrations.
- Monitoring and alerts to track data flows.
- Security and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2), vital for regulated sectors.
Key Benefits of iPaaS
Organisations researching iPaaS are usually looking for business value, not just technical features.
The main benefits include:
- Faster time to connect systems – no need for lengthy custom development.
- Lower integration costs – pay for the platform instead of multiple bespoke projects.
- Cleaner data – reduce duplicates and errors by syncing information across tools.
- Future-proofing – adapt more easily when you add or switch applications.
- Accessibility – low-code interfaces make integrations achievable for business users, not just IT teams.
iPaaS Solution – Introducing Cloudtoolz
Connect, innovate and automate. Simply.
Cloudtoolz brings together your membership system with all the other best-of-breed apps, in one place and allows you to quickly create new apps that streamline processes, minimise risk and reduce cost, with no need for code!