System Integration 101: Connecting Your Marina Tech Stack

Most marinas use 5-10 different software systems that don't talk to each other. System integration creates a unified data layer that makes all your tools work together seamlessly.

The Typical Marina Tech Stack

A modern marina typically uses:

• Property management system (PMS) for reservations and billing
• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
• CRM or customer database
• Point of sale system for fuel and retail
• Maintenance tracking software
• Email marketing platform
• Payment processing system
• Access control and security systems

Without integration, data has to be manually copied between these systems, leading to errors, wasted time, and incomplete information.

What Integration Solves

System integration creates a unified data layer where:

• Customer data automatically syncs across all platforms
• Financial data flows directly from PMS to accounting
• Service history is accessible everywhere it's needed
• Reporting pulls from all systems automatically
• Changes in one system update all connected systems

Common Integration Patterns

1. PMS to Accounting

Automatically sync invoices, payments, and customer data from your property management system to your accounting software. No more double-entry or reconciliation headaches.

2. CRM to Email Marketing

Customer segments and behavior data flow to your email platform, enabling automated, targeted campaigns based on actual usage patterns.

3. Access Control to Billing

Track facility usage and automatically bill customers for gate access, pump-out services, or other amenity usage.

4. All Systems to Analytics

Pull data from every system into a unified analytics platform for comprehensive business intelligence and reporting.

Integration Approaches

There are several ways to integrate systems:

• Native integrations: Some software has built-in connections
• API connections: Direct system-to-system data exchange
• Integration platforms: Middleware that connects multiple systems
• Custom data pipelines: Tailored solutions for complex needs

Getting Started with Integration

Start with your highest-value connections:

1. Identify which manual processes waste the most time
2. Map out where your data lives and where it needs to go
3. Prioritize integrations based on ROI and complexity
4. Start with one or two critical integrations
5. Expand your integration layer over time

The Long-Term Benefits

Once your systems are integrated, you unlock:

• Single source of truth for all business data
• Automated workflows that span multiple systems
• Real-time reporting and analytics
• Reduced errors from manual data entry
• Ability to add new systems easily
• Better customer experience from unified data