Smart Business Magazine, November 2020

60 Smart Business November 2020 Businesses should use data they collect to validate decisions measure performance and find areas of improvement To do that data should be visible consistently formatted and shareable But its typically not Business data often needs to be formed into a better more consumable shape says Mehul Kenia a product architect at EOX Vantage Thats usually because its stored in discrete systems even when companies take a cloud based approach to storage That makes data hard to link for a clear holistic picture Enter Application Programming Interfaces APIs This data management solution can add value to data offer real time data and generally make things more efficient At their core APIs are really about getting apps and systems talking to each other and sharing data effectively Kenia says Smart Business spoke with Kenia about APIs what they are how theyre used and why companies should implement them in their organizations to improve how information is shared and utilized WHAT ARE APIS AND HOW CAN THEY HELP A COMPANY MORE EFFECTIVELY USE ITS DATA APIs are not new but theyve grown in popularity and use since at least the early 2000s At its core API is a software layer that acts as a bridge to help various software programs and systems exchange data with each other in a structured format Typically organizations use different lists for inventory orders addresses contacts and other business information Some of these are stored in a CRM some in isolated databases some on paper and others on spreadsheets Having data locked away in disparate sources where it cant be easily accessed and shared is an especially bad way to do business APIs easily connect with disparate apps and databases to create a customer application cluster ecosystem with a centralized data source It means in part real time access to data enabling companies to publish accurate reports and updates HOW ARE APIS IMPLEMENTED Companies that use APIs can utilize other data services without building their own and they have a low implementation expense for integration For example companies that are building an application that has a mapping function dont need to store location data or try to capture satellite or street images Instead they could utilize Googles mapping service to do that Its not necessary to understand all the technical and business aspects of the domain or know the details of how they are coded to effectively use APIs With real time data access and updates any change can be automatically pushed out even if the applications are in different formats or use different coding WHY IS THIS SOMETHING COMPANIES SHOULD DO NOW APIs are in use within many companies and their prevalence is growing in almost every industry Many companies struggle to establish connected networks of systems or actionable data API integration and personalization enable companies to gain otherwise unseen insights into users and how they interact with a companys apps and systems They are a great solution toward creating integration and visibility and they help companies leverage data and expand their customer base APIs help streamline operations by minimizing issues that require technical skills and leveraging the power of connectivity As more employees work remote APIs can improve data security and validation which is important because storing shared information in multiple places can create exposures Companies that are building a new application should build an API based architecture User interfaces are evolving every day with all the new devices coming out Having the business logic behind the API gives companies flexibility to support multiple user interfaces and quickly create or change a user interface Those companies that arent already using APIs should connect with a service provider that can help them achieve operational efficiencies by tapping into the benefits of cutting edge software Creating a business workplace with improved technology can help any company stay ahead of the curve and focus on growth instead of concerns over sustainability Mehul Kenia Product Architect EOX Vantage 8882467211 ext 133 mehul@ eoxvantage com INSIGHTS Digital Transformation is brought to you by EOX Vantage INTERVIEWED BY ADAM BURROUGHS INSIGHTS Digital Transformation FOLLOW UP Start your digital transformation Contact EOX Vantage today at eoxvantage com digital transformation solutions On the same page How APIs improve connectivity visibility in data