# Basics {% embed url="" %} **Xentral Connect** is an independent **iPaaS solution (Integration Platform as a Service)**that is used for integrating and automating IT systems. The platform makes it possible to **connect, control, and automate data-driven processes between different systems**. *** ### Core functions of Xentral Connect Xentral Connect serves as a platform for: * Integration of various IT systems * Exchange of data via APIs, databases, or file-based interfaces * Transformation and validation of data * Automation of business processes *** ### Automation of processes At its core, Xentral Connect supports the classic **“if-then principle”**: * If an event happens in system A\ → then an action is triggered in system B (or multiple systems) #### Examples: * Data transfer between ERP and shop system * Synchronization between CRM and other applications * Automated process chains across multiple systems *** ### Workflow and integration options With Xentral Connect, both: #### Simple processes * Standard integrations * Classic automations #### Complex scenarios * Multi-step workflows * Nested system landscapes * Data buffering * Validation and transformation logic ➡️ This makes Connect function as a **central data hub** within an IT landscape. *** ### Area of use #### Origin: E-commerce * Xentral Connect was originally developed with a focus on **e-commerce processes** developed * Close connection to the Xentral ERP system #### Today: platform-independent However, the platform is not limited to e-commerce: * ERP systems * CRM systems * PIM systems * Marketplaces and shops * Custom IT systems ➡️ Systems can be flexibly combined with one another — regardless of the use case. *** ### Connection to the Xentral ERP system Xentral Connect is closely connected to the **Xentral ERP system** connected: * Foundation for modern standard integrations * Support for individual customizations (customizations) * Automation of internal ERP processes At the same time, Xentral Connect can also be used: * completely **standalone** used * integrate other systems without an ERP system *** ### No-code approach A key feature of Xentral Connect is the **No-code approach**: #### Advantages: * No classic software development required * Visual modeling of workflows * Faster implementation of integrations * Greater transparency of processes * Better maintainability ➡️ Processes are traceable and documented in a way that is understandable to business users. *** ### Differentiation from classic development Xentral Connect is particularly suitable when: * processes need to be maintained and further developed over the long term * transparency and traceability are important * business-critical processes need to be controlled *** ### AI and agent capability * Xentral Connect is **agent-ready** * Partially **AI-native developed** * Integration with external agent tools (e.g. Cloud Code) is possible ➡️ The results are always displayed visually and traceably in the system. *** ### Target group Xentral Connect is aimed at: * Small and medium-sized businesses * Enterprise environments with complex system landscapes *** ### When is Xentral Connect the right choice? The platform is particularly suitable when: * multiple systems need to be integrated * processes are complex or business-critical * transparency and control are required * maintainability and extensibility are important *** ### Summary Xentral Connect is a powerful no-code iPaaS platform that: * connects systems with one another * transforms and automatically processes data * visually maps complex workflows * can be used both in e-commerce and across systems --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://connect.xentral.com/connect/connect-en/getting-started/basics.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.