If the site, CRM and accounting system do not exchange data, employees have to copy it manually. API integration transfers the necessary information between services according to agreed rules.
01What the script looks like
The client fills out a form on the site. The data enters the CRM, the system assigns a responsible manager, and the team receives a notification about a new request. If the client places an order, its status can be updated in the accounting system.
02What rules to agree on
First describe what data is transferred and at what time. Do I need to submit all form fields? Which system maintains the master record of the customer? What happens if the request is changed or the transfer fails?
It is important to agree on data names and formats. For example, the status "Paid" on the site must correspond to a specific status in CRM. Otherwise, the integration will formally work, but the information in the different systems will become inconsistent.
03Access and control
For APIs, limit access to data and do not store access keys in open source. The integration should be tested in a test environment and monitored for errors and repeated requests after launch.
The API does not automatically fix a fuzzy process. If the team doesn't have rules about statuses, responsible and duplicates, first you need to agree on them.
At Cligora, we develop site integrations with CRM, mail and accounting systems, first fixing data exchange scenarios.