Read-only integration commonly refers to a connection between systems in which one system can access, query, or receive data from another system without being allowed to create, update, or delete records in the source system.
In manufacturing and regulated operations, this usually means an application such as MES, reporting, analytics, quality, or dashboard software can pull or display data from ERP, PLM, historians, equipment systems, or other business applications, but cannot write changes back through that same integration path.
What it includes and excludes
A read-only integration can include data retrieval methods such as API calls, database views, file exports, replicated datasets, or reporting connectors, as long as the consuming system has no permission to modify the source records through that interface.
It does not mean the data itself is static or unchangeable. The source system may still be updated by authorized users or other interfaces. Read-only only describes the permissions and behavior of the integration path.
How it appears in operations
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An MES displays item masters, routings, or order data pulled from ERP but cannot alter ERP records.
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A quality reporting tool reads inspection or nonconformance data for analysis without changing the original quality records.
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A plant dashboard reads machine, batch, or production status data from source systems for visibility only.
This approach is often used when organizations want visibility, reporting, or cross-system context while limiting the risk of unintended changes in systems of record.
Common confusion
Read-only integration is often confused with one-way integration. They are related but not identical. One-way integration describes direction of data flow. Read-only describes permission level. A one-way feed is often read-only from the receiver’s perspective, but the terms are not exact substitutes.
It is also commonly confused with view-only access. View-only access usually refers to a user interface or user role, while read-only integration refers to a system-to-system data connection.