What’s an API and why should you care? Read on for everything you need to know about APIs, including their potential to transform your operations.
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Learn why this technology has changed the game, particularly in warehouse management.
You’ve probably heard of an “API.” You might even know a very general sense of what it is. But could you explain it to someone? Could you explain the differenc between that and EDI AS2 (Electronic Data Interchange) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?
Fundamentally, an API's purpose is the same as those older technologies: “It connects two systems. It’s fast and reliable.” But let's get more specific.
Here’s the easy answer: an API is an Application Program Interface. The longer answer? An API is a set of tools for creating software applications. APIs dictate how software components work with each other. Think of them as a window into a software’s programming or database, not simply a mechanism for passing data between two programs. In an “Open” API, the window is unlocked for virtually anyone to create an access key and start developing against an API’s software.
Direct access to an application’s program level in an Open API is what has created the internet and mobile device environment that we use today. Open an app on your phone to check the weather; it instantly calls the API of some weather forecasting service and presents that data to you. API use is virtually everywhere today and a big reason why the data we want is instantaneous.
Here's the key: APIs aren't just some newer way of passing data that's no better or worse than the old way. Think about the level of opportunity we have in business when all the different software programs we utilize are open to each other at the base program level.
These APIs allow us to create our own custom business processes with the same basic technology everyone else is utilizing. It's like implementing universal charging ports for all phone types — useful, highly compatible, easy to swap and move around. In short, it's not exactly hard to make a business case for APIs (though we have).
In warehousing and distribution, thanks to APIs, the moment a consumer orders product online (via Amazon, eBay, or Walmart.com) that order is visible to the warehouse staff. By using the API to access those online sales channels, you can dictate which warehouse is instantly aware of it. An order placed in California goes to the west coast warehouse. An order for 5 items lands in the warehouse that has all those items in stock. Should you send this package via FedEx, UPS, or Postal Service? No problem—you can ask each of those carriers for a rate and have the warehouse management system automatically select the cheapest one. How? You guessed it: API.
All these steps happen in a blink of an eye. You can now customize your business operations by connecting the software you use to run a warehouse with the software you use to sell and ship a product thanks to APIs.
Think about your business and all the different technologies you’re utilizing—accounting, inventory, sales or CRM, production software, an online store, or a website. It doesn’t matter what type of business you’re running; there’s generally a good case for using APIs to keep all the different parts of your business in sync.
We've compiled a list of the top six examples (though there are many more) of how APIs streamline operations within warehouse management:
SKU Consistency - Maintain SKU consistency across all platforms - One system feeds all the others.
Sync Inventory - Your inventory management software tells all the other software how much stock remains.
Shop Parcel Rates - Feed projected order information to many carriers and bring forward all the options into one place; automatically choose a carrier or service based on lowest fare, service type, or delivery windows.
Customize Reporting - Pull all data from different technologies into a single report or data analytics tool.
Real-time Financials - Instantly feed receipts, orders, shipments and adjustments to your accounting software. Turn a 3-week monthly close cycle into 3 days.
Sales and Purchase Orders - As a 3PL, getting these two critical pieces of data from your customers to the warehouse can be time-consuming and expensive. Using APIs makes it instant, consistent and affordable.
In particular, an API's ability to boost sales is critical. They can influence everything from customer retention and remarketing to inventory management, so that you never sell anything that isn't on your shelf — check out the full list here.
APIs are virtually limitless. These are just a few of the advantages to help give you an idea of the impact APIs can have on your business.
You’ve probably heard of an “API.” You might even know a very general sense of what it is. But could you explain it to someone? Could you explain the differenc between that and EDI AS2 (Electronic Data Interchange) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?
Fundamentally, an API's purpose is the same as those older technologies: “It connects two systems. It’s fast and reliable.” But let's get more specific.
Here’s the easy answer: an API is an Application Program Interface. The longer answer? An API is a set of tools for creating software applications. APIs dictate how software components work with each other. Think of them as a window into a software’s programming or database, not simply a mechanism for passing data between two programs. In an “Open” API, the window is unlocked for virtually anyone to create an access key and start developing against an API’s software.
Direct access to an application’s program level in an Open API is what has created the internet and mobile device environment that we use today. Open an app on your phone to check the weather; it instantly calls the API of some weather forecasting service and presents that data to you. API use is virtually everywhere today and a big reason why the data we want is instantaneous.
Here's the key: APIs aren't just some newer way of passing data that's no better or worse than the old way. Think about the level of opportunity we have in business when all the different software programs we utilize are open to each other at the base program level.
These APIs allow us to create our own custom business processes with the same basic technology everyone else is utilizing. It's like implementing universal charging ports for all phone types — useful, highly compatible, easy to swap and move around. In short, it's not exactly hard to make a business case for APIs (though we have).
In warehousing and distribution, thanks to APIs, the moment a consumer orders product online (via Amazon, eBay, or Walmart.com) that order is visible to the warehouse staff. By using the API to access those online sales channels, you can dictate which warehouse is instantly aware of it. An order placed in California goes to the west coast warehouse. An order for 5 items lands in the warehouse that has all those items in stock. Should you send this package via FedEx, UPS, or Postal Service? No problem—you can ask each of those carriers for a rate and have the warehouse management system automatically select the cheapest one. How? You guessed it: API.
All these steps happen in a blink of an eye. You can now customize your business operations by connecting the software you use to run a warehouse with the software you use to sell and ship a product thanks to APIs.
Think about your business and all the different technologies you’re utilizing—accounting, inventory, sales or CRM, production software, an online store, or a website. It doesn’t matter what type of business you’re running; there’s generally a good case for using APIs to keep all the different parts of your business in sync.
We've compiled a list of the top six examples (though there are many more) of how APIs streamline operations within warehouse management:
SKU Consistency - Maintain SKU consistency across all platforms - One system feeds all the others.
Sync Inventory - Your inventory management software tells all the other software how much stock remains.
Shop Parcel Rates - Feed projected order information to many carriers and bring forward all the options into one place; automatically choose a carrier or service based on lowest fare, service type, or delivery windows.
Customize Reporting - Pull all data from different technologies into a single report or data analytics tool.
Real-time Financials - Instantly feed receipts, orders, shipments and adjustments to your accounting software. Turn a 3-week monthly close cycle into 3 days.
Sales and Purchase Orders - As a 3PL, getting these two critical pieces of data from your customers to the warehouse can be time-consuming and expensive. Using APIs makes it instant, consistent and affordable.
In particular, an API's ability to boost sales is critical. They can influence everything from customer retention and remarketing to inventory management, so that you never sell anything that isn't on your shelf — check out the full list here.
APIs are virtually limitless. These are just a few of the advantages to help give you an idea of the impact APIs can have on your business.
APIs are fantastic — but not all are created equal. We live and breathe APIs, so we put together this infographic to guide you through the ten must-have features, including specific technical aspects, to look for when shopping for a solution.
We've demystified a common tech term that's becoming increasingly foundational in the warehousing world. At their core, APIs are a way to pass information — they're just a far more advanced, promising, streamlined option than we've had before, which is why you can create true data hubs for your business operations like with Infoplus.
