By João Ricardo Gubolin, Chief Business Development Officer · December 22, 2022.

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API (Application Programming Interface) and RPA (Robot Process Automation) are different tools for software development projects that aim to use the latest technology to decrease applications’ time-to-market. Moreover, the efficiency gained by using those tools can reduce the lines of code needed to perform software tasks and provide automation workflows to users. However, what factors would an executive consider before choosing which technology to use in Trucking and Logistics Software?

API

An API can be applied to a scenario when the goal is to exchange information safely, timely, and from a structured source. For example, a trucking company needs weather forecast data to plan dispatches and schedules accessible in its TMS tool. With relatively low software coding efforts, this company can use a weather API to build this information into the screens already used for dispatches and schedules. In another example, if a logistics company needs real-time freight pricing information to plan its operation more efficiently in its software, it can use a freight pricing API to build this information into its system. Therefore, one would use APIs to exchange information with another source that supports (or have available) this technology in the cloud.

RPA

RPA can automate a repeatable, manual, digital task or workflow a person would typically perform – which then becomes a script. This is done using algorithms or platforms that allow RPA engineers to effectively design, build, test, run, and monitor those scripts. An example of an RPA application in trucking or logistics companies is an activity or workflow that requires a digital document to be retrieved from an online source, such as an e-mail or portal. Then its data is loaded into a structured database or software for further processing. RPA script developed for this purpose can quickly perform this activity and free up employees for more meaningful, value-added business tasks.

Conclusion – API or RPA

API or RPA can be used independently or in synergy, depending on the company’s goals with its trucking and logistics software projects. Trucking and Logistics companies must leverage technology accordingly to improve their operations and remain competitive. Nowadays, there are platforms, like Ghubee, that, besides APIs, also offer services to design, build, support, and customize APIs and RPA to best suit software trucking and logistics companies currently use or even create new software according to their needs.

Please let me know what your thoughts are in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this reading, leave a like, and share this article with someone who may find it helpful.

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João Ricardo Gubolin is the Chief Business Development Office of Ghubee.

Ghubee is a platform specializing in trucking logistics APIs, integrations, and intelligent systems. Our focus is to automate the communication-integrated systems of vehicles through next-gen networks, AI and machine learning, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, and 5G in the best possible way and at the lowest possible cost. Expanding a company’s culture to new technologies is necessary to remain in the current market. In addition to reducing costs and increasing productivity, integrating digital services into the organization’s systems is essential in the new economy. To schedule a free consultation, click here or visit https://ghubee.com.

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