¶ Integration, Automation, Orchestration, and Interoperability Concepts
This page introduces the foundational layers of execution in the eTag Fuse platform:
Integration, Automation, Orchestration, and Interoperability.
These are not buzzwords. They represent a layered execution model that governs how work happens in Fuse — across systems, policies, roles, and human interactions. Fuse elevates these layers into a platform for multi-domain interoperability, enabling entire ecosystems to collaborate with shared purpose and traceability.
What This Is Not
This is not a basic integration tutorial. Fuse is not an ESB, an API gateway, or a workflow builder.
It’s a platform for orchestrating logic, identity, AI, and governance — across composable domains.
¶ 1. Why This Page Exists
The terms "integration", "automation", and "orchestration" are often used interchangeably — and incorrectly. Without clear distinctions, it’s difficult to understand how Fuse works or how to design with it effectively.
This overview will help you:
- Understand what each execution layer governs
- Speak a shared language across architecture and implementation teams
- Explore how domains operate through these layers
- Use the right conceptual building blocks when evaluating or designing with Fuse
¶ 2. Understanding the Layers of Interoperability
Fuse executes all logic through four composable layers, each of which builds on the previous:
| Layer | Description | In Fuse |
|---|---|---|
 Integration |
Connecting systems to exchange data | Connectors, adapters, webhooks, file ingestion, EDI |
 Automation |
Executing rules and logic in response to triggers | Pipelines, conditions, schedules, event-driven flows |
 Orchestration |
Coordinating multi-step processes with structure and policy | Workflow builder, HITL steps, retry logic, escalation |
 Interoperability |
Governing how systems, domains, and actors work together | Context awareness, token governance, semantic alignment |
Each layer controls a distinct dimension of execution. Fuse ensures these layers work together seamlessly to unify logic, systems, and teams.
Figure: The collaboration layers that power Fuse — from foundational integration to full multi-domain interoperability.
¶ 3. Where Domains Fit In
If the layers describe how execution happens, domains define what interoperates.
A domain in Fuse is a modular unit of capability — such as AI, Messaging, Security, UI, or Governance. These domains are not passive modules. They are governed, composable entities that plug into workflows, policies, and layers.
- Want to run an AI model? That’s the Intelligence & AI domain.
- Need to collect form input and route to approval? That’s the Interaction & UI domain.
- Applying policies based on roles and risk? That’s the Security & Trust domain.
- Logging, auditing, and alerting? That’s the Observability domain.
All domains execute through the four core layers — gaining runtime orchestration, automation triggers, policy enforcement, and interoperability context.
Explore Domains of Interoperability — Understand what capabilities Fuse organizes into modular, interoperable scopes.
¶ 4. Who Should Read This
This page is designed for:
- Solution Architects — Designing layered, reusable flows across systems and domains
- Developers — Building connectors, orchestration logic, or domain extensions
- IT & Platform Teams — Managing secure, traceable execution at scale
- Product Owners & Stakeholders — Understanding how execution, identity, and governance collaborate in Fuse
- New Users — Developing a mental model for how Fuse builds composable digital ecosystems
¶ 5. Explore the Concepts in Depth
Start with the layers:
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Layers of Interoperability — Execution model overview
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Interoperability Model — How layers and domains interconnect and govern execution
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Interoperability Layer Comparison — Understand how Fuse layers differ in execution, scope, and governance
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Integration — System connection and data movement
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Automation — Event-driven triggers and rule execution
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Orchestration — Workflow coordination and policy branching
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Interoperability — How domains collaborate with meaning, identity, and governance
Then explore:
- Domains of Interoperability — AI, UI, Messaging, Security, Storage, and more
- Interoperability Maturity Model — Assess where your organization stands
- Interoperability Roadmap — Build a plan to evolve across phases
- Use Cases — See real-world orchestration of domains and flows
- Glossary — Look up definitions of key terms and platform concepts
¶ 6. Additional Resources
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eTag Fuse Platform
Learn how Fuse supports multi-domain collaboration, governed execution, and explainable orchestration. -
Audio Summary: Integration, Automation, Orchestration, and Interoperability
“True digital transformation doesn’t happen at the level of integration.
It happens when systems, services, and stakeholders can interoperate with shared purpose.”
— eTag Fuse Platform Philosophy