Software is used in system protection for a variety of reasons such as data management, performing short circuit simulations, and automating tedious work, all aiming to empower engineers to continue developing reliable protection schemes for an increasingly complex power grid. We have found that interoperability between software packages such as the short circuit model, relay setting database, and automated relay setting calculation software, enables sophisticated, streamlined processes. With seamless interaction between software, data is accurately and efficiently exchanged, engineering resources are less strained, and compliance requirements such as NERC PRC-027-1 [5] R1 and R2 are more easily met. We present a case study of Oncor Electric Delivery's software integration efforts, describing both methodology and benefits realized. Oncor utilizes multiple software tools which are com-posed together to implement standardized, automation assisted workflows for system protection activities. Beyond the standard capabilities of each application, the company realized substantial benefits from these efforts, avoiding the common inefficiencies and errors that exist at the boundaries and interactions of such tools. This more holistic, integrative approach is made possible by next-generation application programming interfaces (APIs) that expose greater access to the capabilities of each software solution. In addition to more efficient data transfer, these APIs allow one program to more directly interact with another, requesting actions be performed (e.g., fault simulations) on its behalf. Novel functionality can thus be created, leveraging each application's strengths to create a single, automated process. We present a relay settings development process (PRC-027-1 R1) with automated settings calculation software that interacts with the short circuit model, generates reports as well as relay configuration files, and stores results in the database. Second, grid model consistency is ensured by a novel algorithmic approach to relay database and short circuit model linking, enabled by integrative analysis of both assets from the database and grid model topology inspection. We next discuss lessons learned and then describe ongoing work using interoperablity for wide area coordination studies (PRC-027-1 R2). This work is based on automated analysis that empowers engineers to visually resolve issues which are then documented in automatically generated, per relay reports that are stored in the database. We then conclude with future work discussion. In summary, we aim to convey that software integration in system protection is both necessary and beneficial to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and equip utilities to handle the increasing complexity of engineering activities.