How to integrate an API with a BI system for maximum efficiency

Few innovations in the business intelligence (BI) space have been as impactful as the application programming interface, or API. An API allows BI tools to exchange data with other software applications in a standardized format, making it possible to share information and insights across disparate systems.

Integrating a business tool with a BI system can offer a number of benefits, including increased efficiency, improved data quality, and greater flexibility. But how can your organization go about integrating an API with its BI system?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of integrating an API with a BI system, step by step. We’ll also provide some practical examples of how this integration can be beneficial.

So let’s get started.

What is an API?

An application programming interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that allow software applications to communicate with each other. APIs are used to exchange data between applications in a standardized format.

A BI system can use an API to exchange data with other software applications, such as databases, CRMs, and ecommerce platforms. This allows BI tools to access data that is stored outside of the BI system and to share data with other applications.

For instance, an API can be used to connect a BI system to a database that stores customer data. The BI system can then use the customer data from the database to generate reports and dashboards. Or, an API can be used to connect a BI system to an ecommerce platform. The BI system can then use data from the ecommerce platform to generate reports on sales and customer behavior.

How does an API work?

An API consists of a set of rules and protocols that define how two applications can communicate with each other. When an application makes a request to an API, the API will process the request and send a response back to the application.

The rules and protocols of an API are typically defined in a document known as an API specification. This specification can be used by developers to create applications that work with the API.

API specifications usually include details on how to make requests to the API and how the API will respond to those requests. They also include a description of the data formats that can be used with the API.

Overview of integrating an API with a BI system

Integrating an API with a BI system can offer several benefits, including increased efficiency, improved data quality, and greater flexibility.

API integration can be used to connect a BI system to data sources that are outside of the BI system. This can include databases, CRMs, ecommerce platforms, and more. The API integration can also be used to connect a BI system to applications that are used by other departments in an organization, such as accounting or HR.

API integration can also be used to automate tasks that are performed by the BI system. For instance, API integration can be used to schedule reports to be generated and delivered on a regular basis. In cases where data is updated frequently, API integration can be used to trigger reports to be generated automatically when new data is available.

A guide to API integration

Step 1: Determine the data that you want to access

The first step in integrating an API with a BI system is to determine the data that you want to access. This data can be stored in databases, CRMs, ecommerce platforms, and other software applications.

It’s important to identify the specific data that you need in order to avoid retrieving too much data, which can impact performance. Once you’ve identified the specific data that you need, you can proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Choose an API that provides access to the data

There are many different APIs available, each of which provides access to different data sources. In order to find an API that provides access to the data that you need, you can search for APIs on public API directories.

For example, Google Ads has both a normal and a BigQuery version of their API. The two APIs aren’t interchangeable, and businesses can’t use one to accomplish tasks that require the other.

When searching for an API, be sure to check the documentation to confirm that the API provides access to the type of data that you’re interested in. Once you’ve found an appropriate API, you can proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Register for an API key

Most APIs require you to register for an API key before you can make requests to the API. An API key is a unique identifier that is used to authenticate your requests to the API.

API keys are typically generated by the provider of the API. In some cases, you may need to provide your contact information and agree to the provider’s terms of service in order to receive an API key. Often, some sort of senior user credentials are required.

For BI API integration, you will likely need to generate an API key from your BI system. Once you have an API key, you can proceed to step 4.

Step 4: Construct your API requests

API requests are typically made using the HTTP protocol. The HTTP protocol defines a set of request methods, such as GET and POST, that can be used to fetch data from or send data to an API.

In order to make a request to an API, you will need to specify the URL of the API endpoint that you want to access. Endpoints are specific URLs that are used to access different resources within an API.

You will also need to specify the HTTP method that you want to use and any data that you want to include in the request body. The request body is the portion of the request that contains the data that you’re sending to the API.

Step 5: Handle the API response

Once you’ve made a request to an API, the API will respond with data. This data will be returned in a format that is specified by the API.

In most cases, the data will be returned in JSON format. JSON is a popular data format that is used by many APIs.

The data that is returned by the API will typically be in the form of an array or object. An array is a list of values, while an object is a collection of key-value pairs.

Once you’ve received the data from the API, you can proceed to use it in your BI system.

Many BI tools automate some or all of these steps. In many market-leading tools, for example, users don’t need to construct API requests manually or personally handle the API response as long as they’re using a vendor-built data connector.

Avoid these API pitfalls

Not all API integrations are created equal. There are a few common pitfalls that you should avoid in order to ensure that your integration is successful.

One of the most common mistakes is not specifying the data that you want to access. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to identify the specific data that you need in order to avoid retrieving too much data, which can impact performance.

Another common mistake is not using the proper authentication credentials. Many APIs require you to register for an API key before you can make requests to the API.

If you don’t have a valid API key, your requests will likely be denied. Be sure to check the documentation for the API that you’re using to confirm that you’re using the proper authentication credentials.

Finally, make sure that you handle errors properly. API integration can be tricky and things can go wrong.

When something goes wrong, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will handle the error. This plan should include steps for how you will notify the appropriate parties and how you will resolve the issue.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set your API integration up for success.

The bottom line

API integration can be a great way to extend the functionality of your BI system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your integration is successful.

When selecting an API for integration, be sure to confirm that the API provides access to the type of data that you’re interested in. You will also need to generate an API key and construct your requests properly in order to avoid any errors.

By taking the time to plan your integration carefully, you can ensure that it runs smoothly and provides the data that you need. But your BI API integration can only work as well as the API you’re using.