What is an API and how do two software tools communicate?

REST, SOAP and GraphQL APIs are three styles for getting software to communicate. REST is simple and widespread, SOAP is more formal and common in older management systems, GraphQL asks only for the fields needed. With companies in Como and Brianza we choose based on what the system offers.

A webhook is an automatic message that one piece of software sends to another when an event occurs, such as a new contact or a change to an order. It aligns systems immediately, without constantly asking for news: we design it in Cantù for companies in Como and Brianza.

Real-time integration is for data that changes often, such as product availability; interval-based integration is for stable data such as a price list. For companies in Como and Brianza a mixed approach is often best, decided flow by flow.

To integrate an ERP without APIs you use alternative routes: periodic file exchange, controlled reading of the database or an intermediate layer that translates the data. Each solution has pros and cons and must be chosen after analysing the software, which our team in Cantù does case by case.

The quality of the management system's APIs matters a great deal: if they are documented, complete and stable, the link with the website is straightforward. If they are limited or poorly documented, more analysis is needed, or alternative channels such as exchange files. We check them before quoting, for companies in Como and Brianza.