What is API, and why should you care

    

 Application Programming Interface, or API, enables applications to easily communicate with each other. As opposed to writing code completely from the start, API provides developers with pre-existing operations to use. This has taken away the burden on developers of writing code from scratch and allows them to easily transform the value proposition of their application into reality. As the marketplace is becoming increasingly saturated, having a competitive advantage is key. APIs are an area that should not be overlooked by organizations.

 

There are 4 key types of APIs:

  • Open/Public APIs: Available for use to the public. 
  • Internal APIs: Used within organizations to support operations and connect systems. 
  • Partner APIs: Available to specific developers, often to foster B2B activities (ex. SaaS). 
  • Composite APIs: Combine multiple APIs to handle complex operations 

 

In this blog post, we will share 3 benefits of using API at your organization:  

 

  • Easy Integration

Thanks to APIs, native integrations can be utilized to move data from one system to another. Your organizational needs would determine if one-way or two-way integrations may be required.

One-way integrations enable information to migrate from one application to another, whereas two-way integrations syncs information between multiple databases. This easy integration can help improve communication within your organization.

With APIs connecting the otherwise disparate software solutions at your organization, such as your CRM or ERP, it can improve productivity and connectivity. As technology and software are demanded in many organizations, this is a strong benefit of using API. 

  • Automation of Tasks

Being able to integrate applications allows for the ability to automate. Due to the effortless communication between applications that API enables, these automations can help you perform otherwise manual tasks. With automation comes enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and overall improved performances at an organization. All of which are salient traits of a competitive organization. 

  • Enhance Customer Experience

With the endless possibilities of APIs due to all the systems they can connect together, APIs have potential to significantly enhance the customer experience, and in turn, business performance.

For one, APIs can help businesses gain insights for more informed business decisions. However, many companies are also using API as a way to enhance customer experience by improving delivery time. APIs enable organizations to interact with their customers in more ways.

Due to the innovative nature of leveraging APIs, they can be used across the organization to help enhance the customer experience in various manners. This can include better meeting customer expectations (like faster delivery times) or improving the customer buyer’s journey (like making better product better recommendations based on the customer’s shopping history). 



Overall, APIs are being leveraged across multiple industries. It has enabled organizations to improve their performance and achieve higher levels of competitive advantages. Especially when technology is being leveraged more than ever, APIs can help set organizations up with the potential to grasp their business goals. 



 



BAASS Author

About The Author

BAASS Author

BAASS Business Solutions customer-centric, collaborative approach has enabled us to expand our team and office locations throughout the years. BAASS has over 20 locations throughout Canada, the US and Caribbean. Our success has been built on a simple formula - deliver what we promise and build long-term win-win relationships.