Do I Really Need a Direct Integration for SaaS Usage Data?

How well are your SaaS apps being used? If you don’t have access to usage data, you’re left in the dark. And that means there’s no way to effectively optimize licensing or make the most of your software investments. In this episode, Ben Pippenger debunks the myth that direct integrations reign supreme and how to get usage data you can act upon.Have a question you’d like answered on SaaSMe Anything? Submit yours here. Key Takeaways[00:21 - 01:07] Gartner — Companies spending $244 billion on SaaS in 2024, 2023 SaaS index shows that $82 billion of that is wasted[01:08 - 01:37] The importance of usage data[01:36 - 01:56] Pure cost savings, understanding the value of SaaS applications used in your business[] [01:56 - 02:12] Rationalizing overlapping applications[02:18 - 02:44] A risk factor, understanding where you're over licensed and people no longer need access[02:44 - 03:06] Definition of a direct integration[03:06 - 03:35] Regularity in data flow, always up to date without needing an admin to pull it[03:35 - 04:39] Out of the box insights, drawbacks[04:37 - 05:08] A direct integration for usage data, not necessary and other ways exist to gather like SSO[05:06 - 05:45] SSO a great way for quick visibility, drawbacks include data misrepresentation[05:42 - 06:02] API connections for data gathering[06:00 - 06:28] Admin panels[06:27 - 06:52] Report imports[06:51 - 07:21] SaaS app automation[07:19 - 08:13] In review: ask questions about data and direct integrationsSaaSMe Anything is the bi-weekly podcast that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, hosted by your resident SaaS expert and Zylo co-founder Ben Pippenger. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.