I know not another acronym. Here it is, API or application programming interface. An appropriate word, interface, because your business is connecting with one right now without you realizing it.
An API facilitates software and device connections where none usually exist. Your CRM doesn’t speak to your accounting software? They don’t need to as an API visits your financial software and gathers the information your CRM requires.
How is this useful? Customer service doesn’t have to walk over to the accounting department and ask for a report that they combine with the CRM data for the required sales report. An API churns out the final report for sales.
Your customer service person spends their time serving your customers, not juggling data and reporting. How can you use these apps to enhance your business strategy?
First, you need an overall plan for API implementation. Locate the reporting and data gaps because of the discordant software programs running your business. Start with an API to pull together all the missing reports and corresponding data.
There are APIs to speed up deliveries and payments. APIs to give your customer a more personal experience. Your company might create an API that generates cash flow.
Zapier automates your web app information sharing. Paypal with their REST services lead in payment API, but Stripe and Square offer solutions. Companies such as elastic.io and Mulesoft offer API solutions in B2B integration.
Identify the logjam, and there’s likely an API to fix it.
Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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