Most organizations are prioritizing digital transformation to remain competitive. To achieve this competitive advantage, the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) is skyrocketing — and not just among tech companies. Today, there are many industries that use APIs.
APIs are being implemented across nearly every industry to satisfy the internal needs of companies, meet consumer expectations, and ensure regulatory standards. Whether you’re in telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, or one of many other fields, now is the time to join the industries that use APIs to avoid getting left behind.
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The Use of APIs Is on the Rise
Application programming interfaces are the building blocks of digital transformation. They also play a pivotal role in the most successful digital companies. Whether your goal is to enable better mobile experiences or encourage greater connectivity on the web, APIs open many doors.
Although many companies are now adopting an “API economy” mindset, this concept is over a decade old — and no longer only applies to companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google. Companies of all sizes, across all industries, are now seeing the value of APIs. For example, industries such as healthcare and financial services use APIs because of regulation, whereas others, like media, retail, and entertainment, use APIs for disruption.
There are now more and more industries that use APIs. So, the mandate of an API economy is no longer a question of if but how.
More companies have prioritized digital transformation than ever before in recent years, with APIs at the core of their strategies. IDC predicts that spending on these projects will reach $6.8 billion between 2020 and 2023, resulting from a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%.
Discover 5 reasons why your business needs APIs and how you can get started with DreamFactory.
Some of the Top Industries That Use APIs
As of 2022, APIs are no longer only for tech companies. Industries that use APIs are experiencing the value of digital transformation, building a competitive edge.
Research shows that more and more industries are now adopting APIs, and rightfully so. Any industry that relies on accurate, actionable, and timely data — a long list —will benefit from API integration. Of the industries that use APIs, companies can achieve a wide range of industry-specific objectives, building APIs based on their unique operations and objectives.
For example, the travel and transportation industry uses third-party APIs to show you the best hotel and airline deals. An API then confirms your booking with the hotel or airline you choose.
Another example is streaming services in the entertainment industry. Companies like Netflix have implemented API usage to help their customers discover content they’ll enjoy, enhancing the user experience. From banking to the automotive industry, APIs are everywhere.
The State of APIs survey collected 2,200 responses from over 130 countries. Many of these respondents were professional developers. Among these respondents, 59.3% said participating in the API economy is a top priority, and an additional 17.7% plan to prioritize APIs soon.
Of those who are already making APIs a top priority:
- 67.1% work in financial services
- 61.2% work in software development/internet
- 60.0% work in manufacturing
- 59.2% work in telecommunications
- 55.6% work in healthcare
- 52.8% work in professional services
- 44.4% work in the government
API Use Cases
Specific industries are leading the way concerning API development and implementation. In some cases, this is based on mandatory implementation (e.g., healthcare and financial services). However, APIs are now crucial for many businesses, ranging from Uber to Stripe and Salesforce to Twilio.
Depending on your industry, APIs have varying roles. Here are a few examples of how APIs contribute to several industries.
E-Commerce
Over the past two decades, the e-commerce industry has exploded. The rise of SaaS, mobile, cloud, big data, social media, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other technologies has changed consumers’ expectations, especially after the pandemic. To ensure an optimal customer experience, APIs are unifying data to achieve omnichannel commerce.
For example, APIs connect e-commerce platforms with several backend systems, such as a company’s customer relationship management (CRM) or point-of-sale (POS) system.
Learn more about how the DreamFactory API platform helped this print shop enable communication between a backend MYSQL database, the shop floor, and a proprietary e-commerce portal.
DreamFactory can help your company build modern API-driven apps in record time. Read more stories here.
Healthcare
Recent regulations drove several industry-specific adoptions of APIs, such as within the healthcare industry. For example, the 21st Century Cures Act requires healthcare providers to allow patients to access their personal information. Those that do not comply may not be able to participate in Medicare. To meet these standards, organizations and healthcare providers are adopting APIs.
There are several examples of how the healthcare industry works with DreamFactory to achieve various goals. From patient kiosks to insurance claims, APIs are revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Of the industries that use APIs, healthcare is evolving rapidly.
Manufacturing
More intelligent production processes are driving the manufacturing industry, with a core focus on modernization, functionality, optimization, and automation. However, the average manufacturing supply chain still lacks the level of digitalization to take the manufacturing ecosystem to the next level. By implementing APIs, manufacturing companies can connect with and serve customers better, grow partnerships, empower employees, innovate, and benefit from real-time monitoring.
Related: Transforming a Manufacturing Chain? Consider the Benefits of APIs
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DreamFactory Can Help You Achieve More
DreamFactory can help you integrate everything with auto-generated APIs regardless of your industry.
DreamFactory offers simple API generation and comprehensive API management, yielding endless features and benefits. From instant API creation to application deployment, with DreamFactory, you can now connect your enterprise data sources with ease.
Have questions about the industries that use APIs? Want to learn more about APIs can benefit your business? Please speak to our integration experts and request a demo today!
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