Process automation is something that businesses are not thinking about adopting, but that they have already adopted or are in the process of doing so. This is because of the agility that automation brings to business operations. Agility is brought by the mitigation of repetitive and multiple business processes that slow down operations and end up consuming a lot of resources.
However, some businesses have lagged in their business automation efforts due to a lack of knowledge especially when it comes to the tools they are supposed to implement. Other businesses have invested heavily in their automation efforts and are already reaping the benefits associated with automation.
You can not talk about business process automation without talking about APIs (Applications Programming Interfaces). They are computing interfaces that allow applications to communicate with each other and share information. APIs are at the center stage in ensuring a secure and smooth automation strategy of business processes.
However, they also come with a catch. Businesses do not just develop and implement APIs and leave it at that thinking that they will do everything that they are supposed to do. Before fully adopting an API, businesses are supposed to test the API to make sure that it meets all their requirements. They automate their API tests for thorough and effective testing of all aspects of the API to avoid future failures.
An API that has been thoroughly tested is a recipe for the good performance of applications that implement it. It is the use of these applications that automate business processes. Businesses are using API automation solutions to overcome initial automation challenges such as;
Single Point Solutions
Initially, businesses deployed a single-point or a standalone solution when automating their processes. The challenge with this approach comes when they want to reuse existing resources to address broad business requirements. It also gets tricky when they want to integrate the existing systems or even modify them. In such situations, they might be forced to rewrite all the code from scratch.
However, the use of APIs has solved this and made it easier for developers to reuse resources as well as integrate systems with ease.
Code Usage
The automation of business processes involves filling any existing functionality loopholes in the entire business system. Custom code is used when filling these loopholes. However, developers lack visibility into this code making it difficult for them to modify the existing systems. This makes it difficult for businesses to automate their operations.
On the other hand, the use of APIs gives developers an edge since they have visibility into their code, can easily reuse code, and integrate applications to automate and streamline business operations.
Integration
In the process of trying to integrate their systems, businesses had been relying on point-to-point integration. However, this technique focussed more on service production compared to consumption and discovery. Furthermore, they lacked ways through which they could monitor access, resource consumption, and enforce governance. The adoption of APIs has offered solutions to all these challenges.
Benefits of Using APIs for Business Process Automation
- The use of APIs leads to higher productivity and efficiency due to improved insight and transparency.
- Businesses can remain stable while controlling the costs of operation.
- It makes sure that businesses implement the right technology solutions that play a crucial role in scaling their operations.
- Offers an opportunity for businesses to stabilize their software ecosystem.
- In case of modifications or changes in demands, businesses can easily change their applications to meet those demands.
- APIs make it easy for businesses to integrate new and existing systems and to make sure that the integrations work as expected.
- Businesses are able to make sure that there is consistency in all their data and information.
- Allows businesses to expand and integrate their systems with their partners with ease.
Conclusion
Today, customers want to access services from anywhere they are and at their own time. With the use of mobile devices and APIs, automation has made it possible for businesses to tap into mobile technology to transform their businesses. Businesses that have not implemented APIs have either lagged or a closing shop since they are not able to offer what their customers need.
