I)What is an API?
It's a system that allows two applications to communicate with one another to access data
Today’s back office teams depend on apps for everything. The average company uses more than 30 applications for day-to-day operations, although tech-heavy organizations could use literally hundreds of different apps.
While these software programs are useful on their own, the silos separating the data from other parts of the company results in significant inefficiency.
One way that businesses address this is by using an Application Programming Interface (API) to connect apps to share information and create an interconnected digital ecosystem that empowers better business intelligence management and smarter business operations.
II) Example Use case: Using Hubspot API
Advantages
The key advantages:
- Ability to create your own process
- High customization
- High volume and precision
Limits
The limits:
- Coding experience required
- High quality of Sanity checks and Development tests in order to avoid critical mistakes
- Maintenance and follow up of APIs update
III) Why use an API
In this vein, integrations are the keys to modernizing different back office tasks, like:
Content Management System: Your CMS is an important part of your company's workflows, and you can tie it into your other systems with APIs. For example, you can set up your email so you can attach content directly from the application, allow project management software to share files directly to it and link a publishing calendar so everyone on your team can see content availability.
Accounting: Human error in accounting often leads to nightmare situations. You can avoid many of these by tying critical accounting systems together and reducing the data entry required. Many processes can be partially or entirely automated to mitigate risks further.
Process Improvement: Digital transformation needs a massive overhaul of your existing processes, but it’s hard to pinpoint the exact spots that require the most attention. When BI is integrated with your back-office systems, you can see changes in productivity in real time and optimize processes throughout your organization.
Talent Development: Many companies struggle with recruiting talent with in-demand skills, but you can often find employees within your organization capable of becoming experts. BI integration shows you performance reports on employees and identifies likely candidates for further training.
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