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What is an API and how can it grow your business

· 5 min read
Sebastián Romero

What is an API?​

An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a manual that allows different applications to talk to each other.

Think of Lego blocks: you have a box with basic blocks and want to build a car, but you're missing the engine. Your friend has an engine in their Lego pieces and lends you a manual with instructions so you can incorporate it into your car.

Similarly, an API often comes with documentation where you find all the instructions to easily connect your applications without having to create everything from scratch.

What are APIs for?​

APIs can be extremely useful for automating and improving many processes in your business. Here are some practical ways you could use them:

Process Automation​

APIs allow applications to perform repetitive tasks automatically, saving you time and avoiding errors.

Automated Invoicing​

Imagine you have an invoicing system—like Bsale—and need to collect outstanding invoices from your customers. You can set up a task, also known as a cron job, that checks for pending invoices and sends reminders via email or WhatsApp to your customers. Additionally, you could integrate a payment gateway with an API so these messages include a direct payment link.

  • Invoice Reminder: Every week, the scheduled task checks pending invoices and sends a reminder email to customers.
  • Payment Link: The email includes a link generated through a payment gateway API (like Khipu, Ventipay, or ETPay), facilitating immediate payment.

Integration with Payment Gateways​

Connecting your invoicing system with a payment gateway via an API allows you to manage payments automatically.

For example, every time you issue a sales note or quote, you can use your invoicing system's API to generate a payment link and send an email or WhatsApp message to your customer so they can make the payment via transfer or card.

This not only simplifies the collection process, as bank reconciliation is automatic and practically instantaneous, but also enhances the customer experience by offering simple and secure payment methods.

Connection with Digital Services​

APIs facilitate integration with various digital services, expanding your business capabilities without having to develop everything from scratch.

Make and Zapier​

Make and Zapier are platforms that allow you to create workflows and automations without needing to know how to program. These platforms can connect multiple applications, making it easy to integrate common services like Instagram, Facebook, and invoicing systems.

Cloudflare Workers​

If you need more specific solutions or want total control over how your application communicates with different APIs, Cloudflare Workers allows you to automate tasks using programming languages like JavaScript, Rust, and Python.

It's a powerful tool for creating custom solutions that run on Cloudflare's infrastructure, ensuring speed and security.

Best of all, to get started, you have a free plan with very generous limits.

Using Webhooks​

Webhooks are tools that allow APIs to communicate through events and notifications. A webhook is like a call made from one application to another in response to a specific event.

Order Notifications​

For example, you could set up a webhook to receive a notification every time someone places an order on your website. This notification can trigger several actions:

  • Confirmation Email: Automatically send an email confirming the order along with the corresponding invoice and freight order.
  • WhatsApp Message: Send a WhatsApp message to the customer with the order details.

Logistics Management​

APIs can simplify logistics management by connecting your invoicing system with delivery and inventory management systems.

Integration with Logistics Systems​

Connecting your invoicing system with logistics systems via API can automate delivery creation, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

In Chile, there are systems like Envíame or Shipit that allow you to quote and generate labels for numerous logistics operators (Starken, Bluexpress, Correos de Chile, Chilexpress) automatically through their APIs.

There are also platforms like Simpliroute, which allow you to manage fleets and organize deliveries with your own vehicles.

  • Automated Label Generation: Every time you issue a dispatch guide, a notification is triggered in your invoicing system's webhook, and through your logistics operator's API, a delivery is automatically created in the delivery system like Simpliroute or sent to various couriers like Starken or Bluexpress.
  • Shipment Tracking: Provide customers with real-time information about the status of their shipments. Most platforms have webhooks that notify every status change in your shipments. This is very useful if you want to send real-time notifications about the status of their shipment to your customers or even proactively communicate when there is a delay or issue with their delivery.

How to Apply APIs in Your Business​

  1. Identify the processes you want to automate: Analyze which repetitive tasks you could improve through automation. For example, if you have a high volume of orders, you could automate shipment tracking and notifications to customers.

  2. Explore available tools and APIs: Research which APIs and platforms can help you connect and automate your processes. Consult resources like Make.com, Zapier, and the documentation for the APIs you plan to use.

  3. Implement and test: Use tools like Postman to test integrations before implementing them in your business. This will allow you to identify and solve potential problems before they affect your daily operations.

  4. Monitor and optimize: Once implemented, monitor automations and adjust as necessary to maximize efficiency.

APIs can be your allies in the pursuit of a more agile and efficient business. Imagine being able to automate tasks that used to take you hours, freeing up time to focus on what really matters: growing your company and taking care of your customers.

Think about areas where you could simplify processes and improve your service. With a little curiosity and the right tools, the possibilities are endless.

So, let's get to work!