* that is Application Program Interface and it’s the best way to transfer delivery data to your TMS provider.
API is a simple way software, apps and systems have to communicate and exchange data between one another. It is the same technology that allows you to log into an app or website using Google or Facebook – API is almost everywhere.
When resorting to digitize solutions to optimize, track and report your delivery needs there are several solutions to transfer data between your system and your management system: manually, via excel (.CSV) or – the fastest and most efficient – by means of an API integration.
What data are we talking about? The data comprises all the information you collect from your client and what you need to deliver to them. It’s their name, address, product information, etc.
The data flow goes from Your Client -> Purchase Website -> Your System -> TMS. This exchange, specifically between your system and the TMS you are using can be automated with an API integration, saving time and errors.
Three reasons why API integration prevails over manual data transfer or excel:
1. API integration is automated: data exchange becomes automatic, without the need for human intervention to decide what data should be sent or received. This saves time on laborious manual excel files and keeps the data always updated.
2. It allows you to send and receive data: API integration connects the systems both ways. This is how you can see real-time updates on the tasks or track a parcel.
3. Your developers will thank you: API integration is not always plug-and-play, but only needs to be set up once to match your specific needs, such as data requirements or daily recurring tasks. After that, it is ready to go.
Interested in learning more about how API integration can facilitate your delivery data exchange with your TMS? Check out the ways URBANTZ uses API integration to improve our customers’ experiences.