Top Technology Trends for IBM i Professionals: Part III
According to a recent Imperva survey, API calls make up more than 70% of all internet traffic. Most Fortune 500 companies are using APIs to transform their companies and their entire way of doing business. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable seamless integration of data and application functions from multiple systems within an organization, between a company and its customers, and across the entire supply chain. By leveraging API-based workflow automation, organizations can significantly enhance customer experiences, streamline business processes, and drive revenue growth. Here are three compelling examples of how API integrations can achieve these goals:
Enhance Customer Experience
In today’s competitive market, providing a personalized and engaging customer experience is crucial. One of our customers found an innovative use case for APIs by leveraging an AI-driven process to generate custom thank-you notes for new orders. When a customer places an order, the system triggers an API call to an AI service, which crafts a personalized thank-you note based on information about the customer and order. This note is then sent to the customer, adding a thoughtful, personal touch to the transaction. This gesture delights customers and fosters loyalty and positive brand perception.
Automate Business Processes
Finding opportunities to automate business processes is critical to improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. We work with a food distributor that has implemented an automated workflow for order fulfillment. Upon receiving an order, the system automatically searches all the company’s warehouses to find the one closest to the customer with the required items in stock. Next, it calls a weather API to check if a refrigerated truck is necessary for shipping. It then sends out requests for quotes to its shipping partners. This comprehensive automation reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and ensures timely and cost-effective delivery.
Increase Revenue
Tracking customer behavior and proactively engaging with them can significantly boost sales. A credit union, for instance, uses API-based automation to monitor member activity on its website. The system initiates a sales process if a member checks mortgage or car loan rates multiple times within a week. This process might include sending personalized offers, follow-up emails, or scheduling a call with a financial advisor. The credit union can effectively increase conversion rates and drive revenue growth by identifying potential leads and acting on them promptly.
As these examples show, APIs are powerful tools that enable businesses to integrate data and functions from various systems, both internal and external. By harnessing API-based workflow automation, organizations can enhance customer experiences, automate complex processes, and ultimately increase revenue. These integrations improve operational efficiency and provide a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment. Embracing API-driven automation is a strategic move that can lead to sustained business success.
With extensive experience across various industries, we’ve helped IBM i customers use APIs to improve customer experience, automate business processes, and increase revenue. Contact us to explore how you can leverage the power of APIs.
