Overview
Element451 offers a variety of ways to connect with the other systems on your campus, from out-of-the-box native integrations to fully custom API builds. This article is your launching point: explore our integration offerings, see which platforms are covered, and learn how to build your own connection.
When it comes to connecting Element451 with other systems, the answer is almost always yes; what varies is the amount of setup. Native and managed integrations offer the fastest, most seamless connections to the systems we support directly. For everything else, flat file and API integrations can exchange data with virtually any system, with more custom setup involved. Integration platforms like Zapier and Make sit in between, offering no-code automation without building a direct connection.
🚀 Pro tip: Planning an integration? Start with our Pre-Integration Readiness Checklist to make sure your team and data are ready before you build.
Integration Types
Element451 offers four types of integrations. Understanding the differences helps you determine how your systems connect and what level of support or setup you’ll need.
Native Integrations
Native Integrations
Out-of-the-box integrations designed for quick, self-service setup. Native integrations power the Courses feature in Element451, connecting to popular systems via API to sync course and enrollment-related data.
Learning Management Systems (LMS):
Student Information Systems (SIS):
Customer Relationship Managers (CRM):
Salesforce (Beta)
Managed Integrations
Managed Integrations
Full-service integrations between Element451 and an external system, built via API or flat file. Managed integrations are tailored to your specific data needs, often involve syncing with your Student Information System (SIS), and require coordination between your institution and Element451, plus setup and maintenance fees as outlined in your contract.
Student Information Systems (SIS):
Flat-file Integration Templates
Flat-file Integration Templates
Ready-made templates designed to facilitate batch imports and exports between Element451 and an external system. Built to the third party's file specifications (for platforms such as Common App, Apply Texas, Scoir, and Parchment), templates can be quickly added to your Import + Export tasks so you don't have to build the mapping from scratch.
See the Integrations by Platform table below for the platforms with templates available.
REST API
REST API
Best for institutions with in-house technical resources. Element451 offers a full, public REST API for real-time, system-to-system integration. External services can read and write most data in Element451, especially contact data, which makes it possible to build almost any custom integration: pushing inbound leads into your CRM, syncing records with your SIS, or connecting a campus system without a native integration. API integrations require technical resources to build and maintain, either on your team or through an Element451 services project.
Integrations by Platform
Explore the platforms currently supported by an Element451 integration product or service. Don't see your platform? Ask your account manager, or build your own integration using the tools below.
Platform | Flat-file Template | Managed Flat File | Managed API | Native |
Anthology Blackboard Learn |
|
|
| ✅ |
Anthology Blackboard Ultra |
|
|
| ✅ |
Anthology Student |
|
| ✅ |
|
Apply Idaho | ✅ |
|
|
|
Apply Texas | ✅ |
|
|
|
Brightspace D2L |
|
|
| ✅ |
CFNC |
|
| ✅ |
|
Common App | ✅ | ✅ |
|
|
Common Black College Application | ✅ |
|
|
|
EAB Enroll360 | ✅ |
|
|
|
Encoura | ✅ |
|
|
|
Ellucian Banner |
|
| ✅ | ✅ |
Ellucian Colleague |
|
| ✅ | ✅ |
Instructure Canvas |
|
|
| ✅ |
Parchment | ✅ |
|
|
|
Populi Admit |
|
| ✅ |
|
Salesforce |
|
|
| ✅ |
Scoir | ✅ |
|
|
|
Scribbles | ✅ |
|
|
|
Workday Student Management |
|
| ✅ |
|
ZeeMee | ✅ |
|
|
|
Build Your Own: Integration Tools + Platforms
If your platform isn't covered by one of the offerings above, these tools let you build and monitor your own connection.
Flat File Integrations
Flat File Integrations
Flat file integrations move data between Element451 and your other systems by exchanging .csv files, typically delivered via SFTP. On a schedule you define, Element451 can ingest .csv files generated by another system (such as your SIS) and create .csv files for other systems to pick up, keeping both systems in sync without a direct connection.
Because you control the file contents, field mappings, and schedule, flat file integrations are a flexible way to connect systems that don't have a native or managed integration. You can build your own flat file integration using the Imports + Exports module.
Zapier
Zapier
Using the Element451 Zapier App, you have the option of creating your own integration. Creating a connection to your instance, setting up an integration, and running your “zap” (the process you created) is simple. This does require a Zapier feature token from Element451 to connect to your instance.
Make
Make
Using the Element451 Make App, you have the option of creating your own integration with a variety of software services. Creating a connection to your instance, setting up an integration, and running your “scenario” (the process you created) is simple. This does require a feature token from Element451 to connect to your instance.
Webhooks
Webhooks
Webhooks allow Element451 to communicate with other systems, enabling efficient data exchange and, most importantly, event-driven interactions when combined with rules.
Integration Log
Integration Log
The Integration Log empowers partners by providing transparent, detailed insights into their integration syncs. This feature helps to quickly diagnose and resolve integration issues, ensuring smoother and more efficient data integration processes.
Plugins
WordPress
WordPress
Bolt Discovery + Messenger Plugin
The Element451 Plugin for WordPress allows you to effortlessly add Bolt Discovery (AI-powered search) and Messenger (live chat) to your WordPress site.
Easily embed Bolt Discovery anywhere on your site using a block or shortcode.
Automatically enable the Messenger widget on all site pages, with visibility controlled in Element451.
Event Plugin
Powered by Spark451, the Element451 Event Plugin for WordPress connects your CRM with your WordPress site, making event management easier than ever.
Display events directly from your CRM with no coding required.
Real-time sync ensures your site always shows the most up-to-date event information.
Highlight featured events to draw attention to the most important activities.
Zoom for Events
Zoom for Events
The Element451 + Zoom integration makes it easy to host your events in Zoom and to automatically take attendance for the students who log into the Zoom-hosted event.