What are APIs?
API is an abbreviation for application programming interface. It’s a set of definitions and protocols for building and integrating application software. In non-geek speak, APIs let your product or service communicate with other products and services without having to know how they’re implemented. Just like human languages, there are many programming languages. APIs are basically a mediator that allows one language to communicate with another language via a mutually agreeable syntax, or structure.
What are Software Integrations?
Software integration refers to the process of combining separate software programs or elements into one system allowing these multiple programs to share one database with one seamless connection.
So why are APIs and integrations so important? There are two main reasons: first, they allow you to automate tedious tasks; and second, they make it easy to scale your business.
APIs Save Time by Automating Tedious Tasks.
One of the main advantages of using APIs is that they automate repetitive tasks. For example, let’s say you run an online store that sells products from multiple vendors. Whenever a customer places an order, you have to log into each vendor’s website separately to check inventory levels and see if the product is in stock. If it is, you have to manually update your own inventory levels accordingly. This process is time-consuming and error-prone. But with an API in place, all of this can be automated. The API will automatically check inventory levels and update your own records accordingly— freeing up your time to focus on more important tasks.
Integrations Make It Easy To Scale Your Business.
As your business grows, you’ll inevitably need to start using more (and more) software applications to run various aspects of your business—such as accounting, CRM, eCommerce, shipping, etc. Without integrations in place, these different applications will exist in silos— making it difficult (if not impossible) to get a holistic view of your business. But with integrations in place, all of your data will be accessible from one central location— making it easy to track performance metrics and make informed decisions about where to take your business next. Integration eliminates data silos so that businesses can make better decisions by having all their data in one place that can be easily accessed and analyzed.
There are many benefits to using APIs and integrations to streamline your business. Some of these benefits include:
- Time savings: By automating repetitive tasks, you free up time to focus on more important things—like growing your business!
- Reduced errors: Human beings are imperfect creatures (shocker, I know). We all make mistakes from time to time. But when you automate tasks using APIs and integrations, you reduce the possibility for human error.
- Improved efficiency: When different software programs talk to each other automatically, it eliminates the need for manual data entry and other inefficient processes. This makes your whole operation run more smoothly.
- Increased profits: When your business is running efficiently, that usually translates into increased profits!
Now that we have answered the question of “what are APIs and integrations”, you can now appreciate why we are so proud of our system, Automation on a Mission. We really have done the heavy lifting for you freeing up your time to focus on more important things—like growing your business! And who doesn’t want that?
