What does system integration in automation involve?

System integration in automation primarily involves combining various subsystems into a functioning whole. This process ensures that different components, which may operate independently, work together seamlessly to achieve a unified goal. By integrating various systems, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce data silos, enhance communication between systems, and achieve better overall performance.

The essence of system integration is to create a cohesive environment where data and processes flow smoothly across different automated systems. This can lead to benefits such as improved operational efficiency, enhanced real-time decision-making, and streamlined workflows, making it vital in modern automation efforts.

In contrast to this approach, maintaining separate operations or upgrading individual components without integrating them does not leverage the capabilities of system integration. Similarly, isolating systems to avoid errors counters the very purpose of integration, as it prevents the collaborative functionality that would enhance the system's performance as a whole.