The Benefits of APIs in Business Software
In today’s business environment, the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has become essential for improving efficiency in handling and transferring key data. APIs enable different software systems to communicate and exchange information, allowing for the automation of processes such as generating purchase orders, goods receipt notes, generating sales orders and raising invoices.
Traditionally, these processes relied heavily on manual input, resulting in increased chances of errors and delays. With the introduction of APIs, data can be transferred automatically between systems, reducing the need for human intervention.
Our most recent example of this, is with our long-standing customer and friends over at CB Heating (EDF Heat Pumps).
Prior to the feature going live, they would manually update their purchase prices (per supplier) and manually raise POs to be submitted to their suppliers. As often found with manual processes, there were often incorrect prices or data submitted, forcing a reconciliation step to be implemented at the point of receiving the invoice.
We now have a live price feed from their biggest supplier and once PO’s are generated (on the fly based on requirements for a specific job or a low-stock-reorder) they are automatically sent across directly to the suppliers’ systems with no human element required from either side.
As a secondary, we also check stock availability in real time to make alternative decisions where necessary before we even send the Purchase Order.
This latest feature has been transformational for CB Heating in managing their Purchase Order processes and is a testament of the true value in the use API’s in business systems.
(You can find out more about our partnership with CB Heating in our Case Study here)
Key Benefits of using APIs:
Increased Efficiency: APIs automate tasks that were once manual, such as invoice generation and purchase order processing, reducing errors and saving time.
Real-Time Data Transfer: Systems connected via APIs exchange data in real-time, ensuring that all transactions and updates happen instantly.
Legacy System Integration: Older systems can be integrated with modern software through APIs, allowing businesses to streamline operations without replacing existing infrastructure.
Cost Savings: By automating repetitive tasks and reducing errors, APIs help cut down on labour costs and avoid costly mistakes.
Data Accuracy: Information is consistently transferred between systems with minimal errors, improving the overall accuracy of business data.
Scalability: As businesses grow, APIs allow for easy scaling of processes like order generation and inventory management without significant system changes.
Compliance and Reporting: APIs can help ensure that all relevant data for reporting and compliance is accurately compiled and transferred between systems.
Improved Customer Experience: Faster processing of orders and accurate data ensure that customers receive timely and error-free information.
Application of APIs in MPX:
APIs have practical uses across various business operations within MPX, such as:
Purchase Orders: Automating the creation and processing of purchase orders between procurement systems and suppliers.
Receipt Notes: Automatically generating receipt notes upon the delivery of goods.
Invoices: Automating invoice creation in response to transactions, saving time and improving accuracy.
Sales Orders: Generating sales orders from third party channels such as Amazon, Backmarket, Shopify & WooCommerce.
If you want to find out more about what we do at MPX, if you’ve got any questions, or if you’re busy planning your next move and wondering what happens next, we’d love to hear from you and see how we can help.
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Email us: letstalk@mpx.co.uk
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