You do not need to be technical to make good decisions about integration. You do need a clear mental model of what an API is and what an integration involves.
What is an API?
An API (application programming interface) is a defined way for one piece of software to ask another to do something or share information, for example, 'create this order' or 'give me today's stock levels'. Think of it as a service counter with a menu of allowed requests.
What is an API integration?
The working connection built on top of those APIs. It decides what data moves, in which direction, when, in what format, and what happens when something goes wrong.
Questions to ask before you start
- Does each system have a documented, supported API?
- What data needs to move, and which system is the source of truth?
- How quickly does data need to arrive?
- Who gets alerted when a sync fails?
- Are there usage limits or fees on the API?
- How will we handle changes when either vendor updates their API?
When there is no API
Some older systems lack one. Options include file exports and imports, database-level access where permitted, or reconsidering the tool. A good integrator will lay these out plainly.