How Custom API Solutions Can Solve Your Integration Challenges

When your business systems can’t communicate, efficiency suffers. Whether it’s transferring decades of data or automating real-time updates, manual workarounds just aren’t sustainable. They are a drain on time, resources and morale, affecting your team and customers alike. 

That’s where a custom API solution comes in – a purpose-built tool that bridges the gap between incompatible software, tailored to your specific business needs.

Sounds good? Then check out this article in which we explore the challenges of disconnected systems, how custom APIs provide the solution and how our managed service can simplify your workflow while driving better results.

Table of contents:

1. What is a custom API?
2. Common challenges businesses face
3. Why choose a Managed API Service?
4. Case study: solving Sage-to-HubSpot integration
5. How our process works
6. The benefits of a custom API solution
7. Ready to build your bridge?

What is a custom API?

A custom API (Application Programming Interface) is a tailored software solution designed to connect two or more systems that, like a bickering couple, are struggling to communicate. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, a custom API is purpose-built to align with your unique business goals, processes and technical requirements.

It’s the bridge that ensures seamless data flow, automating processes and eliminating the need for manual data entry.

Common challenges businesses face

While the challenges you face will always be specific to your business, rest assured you are not alone. There are a number of universal roadblocks many people encounter when systems fail to integrate effectively:

Disconnected platforms

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, accounting systems, e-commerce platforms and inventory management software often operate in silos, creating inefficiencies.

Manual data entry

Repetitive tasks such as manually transferring data between systems waste valuable time and increase the risk of errors.

Lack of real-time updates

Delayed or fragmented access to data can lead to poor decision-making and missed opportunities.

No off-the-shelf solution

Existing software may not address specific business needs or provide seamless integration, leaving gaps in functionality.

Why choose a Managed API Service?

Our Managed API Service ensures you’re not left navigating complex integrations alone. From discovery to deployment, we handle every step of the process:

• Expert discovery: We assess your current systems, challenges and goals.
• Tailored development: Build an API designed specifically for your software.
• Ongoing support: If needed, we can provide monitoring and updates to ensure the API performs optimally, simplifying your wider workflows and improving operational efficiency in the process.

Case study: solving Sage-to-HubSpot integration

The challenge: A client needed to transfer decades of sales and business data from Sage to their new CRM, HubSpot. Unfortunately, the two platforms weren’t compatible and no off-the-shelf solution existed to bridge the gap.

The solution:

1. Discovery phase: We explored existing solutions in the market, but none fit their needs.
2. Custom API build: We developed an API that:
   • Pulled data from Sage at regular intervals.
   • Converted the data to a format compatible with HubSpot.
   • Transferred the data into HubSpot automatically.
3. Outcome: The client’s historical data and ongoing real-time updates now flow seamlessly into their CRM, saving countless hours of manual input and improving data accuracy.

As a HubSpot Gold Partner, we’ve solved this challenge for businesses across industries, enabling them to focus on growth, not technical roadblocks.

How our process works

1. Discovery: Understand your systems, challenges and goals.
2. Evaluation: Assess existing options and propose the best solution.
3. Development: Build your custom API, ensuring it aligns with your needs.
4. Deployment: Integrate the API with thorough testing and refinement.
5. Support: Provide continuous maintenance and optimisation.

Our process ensures a seamless experience from start to finish, minimising disruption and maximising impact.

The benefits of a custom API solution

• Automation: Eliminate manual data entry and errors.
• Efficiency: Real-time data flow keeps your team focused on growth.
• Scalability: Solutions grow with your business needs.
• Expertise: Benefit from our years of experience in custom API development.

Ready to build your bridge

Disconnected systems shouldn’t hold your business back. If you’re struggling with software that can’t talk to each other or need to automate data migration, our custom API solutions are the bridge you need.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can help transform your business.