You may be familiar with the far-ranging features available in Acumatica. Still, one feature whose technical specifics may elude you is Acumatica’s API. What is an API exactly, and what can it do for your business? Let’s start with some basics, then transition into specifics about just how Acumatica APIs can help you.
What is an API?
API stands for application programming interface. This interface contains a set of protocols and definitions for integrating software applications so they can send data to one another. By using an API, a product or service can communicate with other products and solutions without seeing “behind the curtain,” so to speak.
API integration saves time and money for solutions during the development cycle. But also makes it easier to access new opportunities and benefit from third-party solutions as your business grows and its needs change.
The Acumatica API: The Specifics
First off, Acumatica’s APIs are “open” APIs. This means that they provide open interfaces, allowing for seamless integration with other solutions. Some cloud-based APIs are (yes) “closed,” giving some companies what they think is an advantage in their niche.
Beyond that, Acumatica’s API designers offer three types of APIs: screen-based and contract-based APIs and RESTful APIs. Thus, placing the API management decision in the hands of the user, allowing them to choose the type that best fits their business entity’s needs.
Screen-based APIs (exposed as a SOAP or Simple Object Access Protocol interface), the API are easy to use, Acumatica specific and flexible. However, as a screen-bound interface, any change incurred in the screen changes the API itself.
That’s why Acumatica also offers contract-based APIs, which include support for OData (open data protocol). Contract-based APIs are not bound to a specific screen. Instead, they operate with business logic objects and their methods and properties. They use an object model the web services API provides. They do not change based on system localization, customization, or other adjustments made to the ERP, such as form edits.
Finally, in 2017, Acumatica became a REST-based system, in keeping with industry-wide trends. This flexible, scalable, and portable approach to APIs offers some of the easiest and most dynamic ways to integrate with other solutions. For a closer look at how each of these APIs work and what they can do for your business, check out the Acumatica API documentation.
Benefits of Acumatica API
Integration with other systems
The Acumatica API allows you to integrate your ERP software with other systems, such as your e-commerce platform, CRM, or marketing automation tool. This integration enables you to share data between different systems and eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
Customization
The Acumatica API enables you to customize your ERP software to suit your business needs. Applications, automate workflows, and reports could be created, customized and developed to provide insights into your business operations. The API also allows you to modify existing Acumatica features to fit your unique business processes.
Improved efficiency
With Acumatica API, you can do repetitive tasks automatically such as data access, report production, and inventory management. This automation also helps improve the effectiveness of your business operations and prevent risk errors.
Real-time data
The Acumatica API includes real-time data, and permits you to make informed decisions based on most updated information. You can control your business operations in real-time and deal with any issues or opportunities in the quickest way.
Accessibility
The Acumatica API is accessible from anywhere, allowing you to manage your business operations from any location. This accessibility helps remote workers to communicate and collaborate with other team members.
Scalability
The Acumatica API is designed to deal with huge amounts of data and could be scaled to integrate the goals of businesses. As your business enlarges, new features and functionality can be easily added to your ERP software using the API.
Case Study: How Acumatica API Transformed Mous’ Operations
Mous, a London-based supplier of electronic components and tech gear direct-to-consumers, soared to success with its premium phone cases and innovative marketing strategies. However, as the company expanded its product range and international reach, its fragmented systems hindered scalability and efficiency.
Challenges Faced
Mous faced several challenges due to its disparate systems:
- Limited data visibility and reporting capabilities.
- Manual data manipulation leading to errors and inefficiencies.
- Lack of integration between e-commerce platforms, financial systems, and logistics
- Difficulty in managing multi-currency transactions and tax compliance.
Solution Implemented
To address these challenges, Mous implemented Acumatica Distribution Edition with Commerce Connectors and Manufacturing. This comprehensive ERP solution provided:
- Centralized data management, offering real-time insights and eliminating data silos.
- Seamless integration with multiple e-commerce platforms, streamlining operations.
- Customization options to tailor the ERP system to Mous’ unique business processes.
- Multicurrency support and robust reporting capabilities for enhanced decision-making.
Benefits Achieved
The implementation of Acumatica API brought significant benefits to Mous:
- Centralized data in a single solution, providing real-time visibility and accurate reporting.
- Increased data analysis capabilities, leading to actionable insights and informed decision-making.
- Streamlined operations and improved efficiency, reducing manual tasks and errors.
- Enhanced scalability and flexibility to support Mous’ future growth and expansion plans.
Future Growth and Outlook
With Acumatica API powering its operations, Mous is well-positioned for continued international growth and product expansion. The platform’s scalability and robust features ensure that Mous can adapt to evolving market trends and customer demands without limitations.
What Acumatica ERP APIs Mean for You
How does all this translate for you in your business? With Acumatica’s forward-thinking approach to open APIs, we give your company the ability to develop the ERP solution that works best for your needs. If there is a third-party niche solution that is an absolute must in your space, chances are it can “play nice” with Acumatica. Connected businesses are successful businesses, and Acumatica supports that.
Want to learn more about Acumatica and how it can change your business? Dive deeper into the fastest growing cloud ERP with a demo. Or learn more about how its APIs can support your business goals with this video.
