Interface development and connections

Interfaces, also known as APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), serve as intermediaries between different software applications, systems or services. They enable them to communicate with each other, exchange data and use functions.

Their implementation and maintenance requires not only technical know-how, but also an understanding of the underlying business logic of the systems. In the field of software development, the term API (Application Programming Interface) plays a central role. The terms “application interface” and “programming interface” underline the important function of the API in facilitating communication between different software applications and enabling them to seamlessly exchange data and commands.

Complexity of systems: Many Swiss SMEs have a variety of systems and applications that do not always communicate seamlessly with each other. Integrating this heterogeneous landscape can be a challenge.

Resource constraints: Smaller companies often have limited resources, be it financial or human. Implementing and maintaining interfaces can therefore be an additional burden.

Security concerns: In Switzerland, the protection of data and compliance with data protection regulations is taken very seriously. SMEs need to ensure that interfaces are secure and sensitive information is adequately protected.

Lack of expertise: Not all SMEs have in-house IT experts with sufficient expertise to develop and maintain interfaces. This can lead to delays and errors.

«Our systems do not exchange data»

«We need an interface to a third-party system»

«The standard connection is not sufficient»

We often hear sentences like this when companies reach their limits with existing software solutions. Standard software covers a lot, but not everything. Especially not when several tools need to communicate with each other or there are specific requirements in the company that cannot be solved off the shelf.

Individual interfaces provide a remedy here. They connect systems that do not actually belong together or supplement existing software with precisely those functions that are missing from the process. This can be an automated data exchange between ERP and an online store, a smart connection to an external warehouse management system or the integration of a CRM with a special solution.

The big advantage: existing software remains in place, it is simply extended more intelligently. This not only saves the cost of a complete change, but also ensures that processes finally run smoothly. Without detours, without isolated solutions, without duplicate data entry.

Interested in expanding your ERP, CRM, PPS or FIBU systems with individual software development? Let’s talk about how we can implement your specific requirements! Click here and fill out the contact form. We look forward to optimizing your business solutions!

APIs play a central role in the digital transformation of companies and are an essential part of their future-oriented strategies. Here are some reasons why APIs are crucial for organisations:

Integration of systems and services

Organisations often have a variety of systems and services that do not always communicate seamlessly with each other. APIs make it possible to integrate these heterogeneous landscapes and ensure smooth interaction between them. This allows companies to optimise their processes, use data more efficiently and improve collaboration between different departments and business partners. APIs are crucial for enabling communication between different software applications, which forms the basis for the integration and functionality of modern IT systems.

Accelerating the development of innovative solutions

APIs offer developers the opportunity to access existing functions and services instead of having to develop everything from scratch. This speeds up the development of applications and enables companies to react quickly to changing market conditions and offer innovative solutions for their customers.

Opening up new business opportunities

By providing APIs, companies can make their services and data accessible to external developers. This creates new business opportunities in the form of partnerships, integrations and the development of ecosystems around their products and services. Companies can tap into additional revenue streams and maximise their business potential.

Improving the customer experience

APIs allow companies to extend their services to different platforms and channels to provide a seamless and consistent experience for their customers. By integrating APIs into mobile apps, websites, social media and other channels, companies can extend their reach and improve interaction with their customers. Using APIs to improve the functionality and performance of websites, for example by integrating flight prices or property listings, is another example of the many uses of APIs.

Increasing efficiency and reducing costs

By automating processes and standardising interfaces, APIs can increase efficiency and reduce costs. They enable companies to automate recurring tasks, reduce manual work and utilise resources more efficiently.

REFCO, an established Swiss company in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning technology, worked with soxes to develop the innovative “REFMESH” app, which is available on iOS and Android. This app enables technicians on site to connect to REFCO devices to read real-time data, generate customer reports and transfer saved measurements. REFMESH offers a variety of features to manage data and create reports that can be sent directly to customers. The app was developed with React Native, which enables cross-platform use. It communicates via an API with the Python-based back-end, which establishes a database connection. By introducing this digital solution, REFCO is taking an important step towards digitalisation and offering its customers an efficient tool to support their day-to-day work.

Reichmuth & Co. commissioned soxes to develop a digital consulting tool to optimise their processes in the financial sector. The tool, closely coordinated with the client, reduces the workload and the flood of documents. A specific requirements specification was created through a comprehensive UX workshop. The application uses a REST API in the backend, implemented with ASP.NET and C#, and an Angular-based user interface to retrieve data from the SQL server database. The client-server architecture improves scalability and creates a central control point for resources and sensitive data. Through continuous adjustments in the agile process, the tool is customised even more to the needs of Reichmuth & Co. and its customers.