Functional vs. nonfunctional requirements

Regarding application integrations, two requirements must be considered: functional and nonfunctional. Both types are important to ensure that the integration solution meets the needs of the business and its users. In this article, we will explore the differences between functional and nonfunctional requirements and how they impact application integration.

Functional requirements

Functional requirements describe the specific functions that the integration solution must perform. They define what the solution should do, how it should do it, and what results it should produce. In the context of application integration, functional requirements focus on the data and processes that must be integrated between two or more systems.

Example: Customer data from eCommerce platform X must be integrated with customer relationship management (CRM) system Y.

Functional requirements are important because they ensure that the integration solution works as expected and meets the business needs. They are usually defined through a process of requirements gathering and analysis, where stakeholders identify the specific functions that the integrated system must perform.

Functional requirements are usually more concrete and easier to define, since they address the explicit business-critical goals of your integrations. Once you define functional requirements, they can serve to guide the design, development, and testing of the integrated system.

Nonfunctional requirements

Nonfunctional requirements, on the other hand, describe the qualities that an integration solution must possess to meet the needs of its users. They focus on the performance, usability, security, and other characteristics that are not related to specific functions.

Nonfunctional requirements are important because they ensure that the integration solution is reliable, efficient, and secure. They are usually defined through a process of stakeholder consultation and analysis, where stakeholders identify the specific qualities that the integrated system must possess.

As a result of that process, nonfunctional requirements are often more subjective and harder to measure. They require careful consideration of user needs and expectations to ensure that the integrated system meets their needs. Once nonfunctional requirements are defined, they too can be used to guide the design, development, and testing of the integrated system.

Complementary roles 

In conclusion, both functional and nonfunctional requirements are equally important to the success of an integration solution. Functional requirements ensure that the solution performs the specific functions that are required by the business, while nonfunctional requirements ensure that the solution is reliable, efficient, and secure. By carefully considering both types of requirements, stakeholders can ensure that the integration solution meets the needs of the business and its users.