API and data-driven junction may be the answer you so desperately want. Are you looking for operational efficiency? Cost reduction and profit optimization? All this with safety, speed and quality?
So it is! Every manager seems for this, but there are no shortcuts, tricks, or magic buttons. What exists is a technological intelligence solution. Want to know more details and find out how to convince senior management to implement the data-driven API once and for all? So just read to the end!
API, And How Does It Work?
API is the acronym for Application Programming Interface, which stands for Application Programming Interface. Refers to protocols and definitions for developing and integrating application software.
This set helps write routines and patterns for programming applications or web-based platforms. In addition, the API has the function of enabling the programming of products associated with the leading solution.
An API provides communication with other products, even without knowing how they were developed. Thus, it is possible to add different features and integrate them without the need for large and complex lines of programming. Among other things, the tool serves to:
- manage a set of solutions;
- make changes flexible;
- simplify the design.
What Is Data-Driven?
On the other hand, data-driven means data-driven management or, in free translation, data-oriented management. But why do we necessarily have to rely on data to make business decisions?
Digital transformation, massive use of cell phones and the Covid-19 pandemic. These three actors are protagonists in a scenario that produces countless data every day. To ignore this is to turn a blind eye to the current world and stay on the sidelines of competitors. Data shows past events, real-time actions and business perspectives.
Why Is It Important To Be Data-Driven?
If you found a few arguments, let’s go to an inevitable demand: the General Law for the Protection of Personal Data. If your company is not paying enough attention to data, the risk can now be much greater than the loss of competitiveness. If you don’t implement a data-driven culture already, you are subject to:
- make your business insecure;
- suffer administrative and financial sanctions;
- lose reputation;
- be doomed to inefficiency.
How To Make The Data-Driven API Join Happen?
We talk about data-driven culture, which brings a general mindset to the organization of the importance and need to have data-oriented management and action.
In this context, more and more tools and innovations emerge to improve this model, and the use of APIs is one of the most strategic solutions. See now some of the most critical points in this junction.
Set The Goals
Let’s start setting clear goals now. That’s right! How about opening a blank document and beginning to define general intentions for change and the evolution of the business? It is worth remembering that these determinations will be essential to establishing KPIs (key performance indicators).
Use Realistic Data
The next step is to bring your vision as close to reality as possible, and this is where the importance of data for business strategy begins. In a data-driven API, it is possible to gather information using complex and advanced sources.
Several innovations can be helpful in this scenario, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data, which help identify data more accurately and reliably without disregarding the importance of its integration and integrity.
Test Positive And Negative Results
The testing phase is essential in this digital scenario, as there are no ready-made formulas for success. Each niche, consumer, and market can have particular, precise and particular nuances and changes.
You only master this with data-driven tests. Through technology and the use of APIs, it is possible to identify ineffective errors and actions. In addition, you can find best practices and improve them.
Data-driven API tests should generate:
- comprehensive validation of application logic;
- accurate performance metrics;
- efficient use of technology stack;
- synchronization with Agile Software delivery techniques;
- tests ready for automation.
Use Data To Generate Dynamic Statements
We are using assertions projects API requests. Through this, it is possible to evaluate application behavior and improve quality metrics flexibly and comprehensively.
Track API Responses
Another phase in data-driven management is tracking responses from the data-driven API solution. As we said, you must establish KPIs and set realistic goals to evaluate the evolution of the business and implement the best decisions.
Make Evidence-Based Decisions
Moving into the evaluation mindset, use the data-driven API to find evidence of your results. Here, we have an essential basis for improving the decision-making process. The API will not decide for you, but it will show you what is happening.
Train The Teams
It’s also essential to train your team to work in a data-driven model. Each company should have its perception of staff needs, but you should primarily focus on:
- teach them to interpret data;
- promote culture change initiatives;
- invest in effective technological solutions for data management.
Also Read: Learn More About The Importance Of Digital Security
