The digital age has changed how we communicate. From emails to social media, the web connects us to one another. But that’s not all. The web connects our systems as well.
Application programming interface, or most commonly known as API, allows two applications to talk to each other. For example, you may have seen the log-in using Facebook, Twitter, or Google functionality when signing in to websites. Incredibly convenient, but how does it work? The way it works is simple. Every time the application loads, it will use an API to check whether you are already logged in by whatever means you chose. If not, a pop-up will open to confirm your login credentials. In this case, the API gives the application the necessary identification information so it knows who is logging in.
But you may be asking yourself, how does this apply to my organization? If you have third-party solutions to manage your warehouse, eCommerce, or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for example, it’s necessary to have an API to connect all your data sources. Your ERP system is responsible for a significant amount of your operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and visibility. However, for your ERP system to connect with other applications and third-party tools, an API is invariably required. If your organization uses a CRM system, you may want to integrate it into your ERP system to track critical customer data in your ERP and to share financial data contained within the ERP to your CRM. Another use case may involve your quote-to-order system enabling you to sync product data across your CRM and ERP.
When considering APIs, there is one API that excels over the rest for the industry. That is the REST (Representational State Transfer) API. Not only are they easily implemented into existing ERP systems, but also offer better flexible communication and display of information across the web while using less bandwidth so it doesn’t take up valuable resources. Choosing an ERP system that uses a REST API will allow your other applications to easily integrate with your ERP and vice versa. If your ERP system is missing an API, it’ll greatly reduce the scope of what can be done with your system. A REST API will allow you to use many HTTP functions, including GET to access and retrieve your data, PUT to update your data, POST to create a resource, and DELETE to remove a resource. Another added benefit is caching. REST API can cache frequent data requests to ensure you’re maximizing productivity by speeding up your processes even more.
Having the right tools to help your business will lessen the burden of maintaining and using technology. A powerful and simple REST API allows you to tap into the vast resources available to you to ensure that you’re making smarter, data-driven decisions to increase productivity and efficiency on your shop floor.
Modernize Your Processes With Advantzware
Designed to help you connect all your data sources, Advantzware’s robust integration features allow ease-of-deployment across your organization and support your business as it grows. The powerful REST API facilitates communication with other applications and third-party tools, enabling you to programmatically create, update, or read data in different modules. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you seamlessly implement API features to your existing ERP system to connect and transform your business.
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