APIs: Giving Your Business Automation Superpowers

Ever found yourself stuck doing the same repetitive task and thought, "I wish a computer could handle this"? Whether it's fetching info from one system to input into another or regularly sending Excel files to stakeholders, there's a solution for that – enter APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

In everyday terms, think of APIs as the language that allows software to communicate. For example, imagine smoothly transferring data from SalesForce CRM to Microsoft Office applications for reporting – that's the magic of APIs. They provide a standardized way for different software to talk to each other, simplifying integrations across multiple platforms. But how exactly does this tech wizardry actually work?

Grasping APIs in Action

When engaging with APIs, envision actions. The primary functions encompass GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE commands. In practical terms, GET retrieves data, POST creates data, PUT edits data, and DELETE removes data. Picture an insurance company providing a weather alert service via SMS, so that drivers can drive slower when expecting noteworthy weather events. It’s a simple problem to solve by utilizing a free API like the National Weather Service to GET the weather forecast, processing the data for targeted zip codes, and subsequently POSTing a notification via a SMS to the targeted users (using a service like Twilio). Like that, you have an end-to-end solution, generating a streamlined business process that eradicates the need for manual inputs, ensuring precision and efficiency.

Is it safe?

Similar to accessing specific software, APIs use a "Security Token" for authentication – a digital counterpart to a login and password. Two factor authentication is also available for some APIs. This allows for the APIs to have the same level of security, as a user would have when accessing a software.

Exploring API Capabilities

Not all APIs are created equal in capabilities. While larger companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft boast robust APIs mirroring most user interface functions, smaller and legacy companies may offer varying levels of functionality. Delve into the "Developers" section on a company's website to explore available API capabilities. Understanding the potential of your chosen API is fundamental to maximizing its efficacy for specific business requirements.

Cost Considerations

In most cases, API access is included in the software subscription cost, rendering it a cost-effective means to enhance automation.

Acknowledging Limitations

Like many things in life, APIs have their limitations. In most cases, APIs are used to share text data between two platforms. Your data must be in a format that the receiving endpoint (where the data goes in the destination software) can understand. Once you've set up your API call correctly, remember there are size limits. Unfortunately, you can't send or receive huge amounts of data in one go (i.e., gigabytes). To handle this, you need to know the size limits of both systems and organize your data accordingly to avoid mistakes.

Automation and Programming Languages

Eager to set APIs in motion? APIs are compatible with various programming languages and are likely to integrate seamlessly into your company's current tech stack. If your company's IT and Analytics operations are on-premise, utilizing orchestration tools native to programming languages is the best option. These tools enable you to schedule specific tasks, like running processes every Monday at 6 am or triggering actions when new data is available. For businesses operating off-premise, leveraging cloud computing capabilities opens doors to platforms such as Databricks and Snowflake. These platforms can host your data and code, automatically allocate computing resources, and schedule jobs based on specific times or triggers. This option is particularly appealing to smaller companies, since it involves minimal upfront investment and allows you to pay for actual usage.

APIs for All

APIs are not exclusive to tech experts – they empower businesses to streamline operations, save time, and unlock new possibilities. Embracing APIs as a foundational element of your business strategy can lead to increased innovation, heightened efficiency, and a competitive edge.

Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll dive into the technical realm, providing a code overview of setting up API GET commands, processing data, and POSTing to another API. Prepare to unlock the full potential of APIs for your business, taking a stride towards a more automated and efficient future!