Energy and utilities providers are currently facing more uncertainty than ever before. Volatile prices, geopolitical instability, new technologies and more demands for going green are threatening the future of the entire industry. As a result, their IT teams are under tremendous pressure to start powering digital transformation through productivity improvements, capital efficiencies and development of new revenue streams.
The energy and utilities sector focuses mainly on improving refining processes to aid in the most efficient energy production and consumption possible. To make this happen, the way data is accessed and managed requires constant changes. This is where application program interface (API) technology makes all the difference. Power providers depend on IT for consistent deployment, smooth integration and precise implementation, as well as access to data, data analysis and real-time data processing. The only cost-effective way to reach these objectives is through digital transformation.
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APIs Revolutionize the Power Industry
The digital world is constantly changing as new technologies are invented and implemented. This creates a need for integration. Data, content and algorithms need to be conveyed to mobile devices and other types of applications beyond the internet. APIs play a critical role in digital transformation. They can, in fact, transform the entire creation process.
APIs allow disparate applications to communicate with each other. This revolutionizes the way consumers access and interact with energy and utility providers, which is enabling the powering of digital transformation. Power companies have traditionally relied on a more service-oriented approach to integration. Although this has always been a convenient way of dealing with slower-paced mass delivery or the quick delivery of a single project, it is unsustainable in today’s market. This becomes more apparent when you factor in concerns such as customer service or availability in the field, which are more complicated and unpredictable.
When the consumption and processing of data is the goal, API tools provide convenient, controlled and reliable connectivity. Another critical factor is how quickly and seamlessly the service can be adapted to the needs and preferences of the customer.
APIs Create a Triple Layered Network of Agility
Companies in the energy and utilities sector have an interconnected network of complex components. This makes it vital for them to stay structured, maintain order and clear communication. APIs are designed to create this network with three separate parts that improve agility, speed and flexibility. This triple-layered structure provides enough speed and agility for team members, customers, analysts and anyone else involved.
The first layer is the foundation. It is the system layer and core component of the record and system APIs that allows you to retrieve data in a more conventional format. The middle layer is the underlying business processes that communicate with this data. This section needs to be contained independently, apart from where the data originated, as well as where it is destined to go. Process APIs have specialized functions to perform and allow access to non-central information.
The third layer controls how the data is conveyed to various channels and platforms. The platforms all need the same data but in different forms. The API allows the data to be reconfigured to make it more accessible and easier to understand by all target audiences. Why is this important? Because all of the data now comes from a single source instead of a different source for each platform.
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APIs are an Indispensable Tool for Productivity
Once you understand how APIs work, you will see why they are so important to the power industry. Whether you work for an energy company, are an employee of a utilities provider or the end consumer, APIs are an indispensable tool for accessing and delivering data. In the first place, it allows developers to be more productive because the system is complementary to a service-oriented approach, but with the added benefit of logic. This logic is reused and applied across a number of applications. It is also a tailored approach, which greatly reduces replication, but rather gives developers the opportunity to build on each other’s work.
As each developer applies a different application that is allowed to communicate, the API ensures modular logic, thereby allowing developers to plan, estimate and alter delivery changes without much fuss or bother. This results in a much broader and deeper operational insight from beginning to end. This means a more comprehensive view of the connectivity. This is not possible in a superficial setting.
For more information about how you can power your company‘s digital transformation, contact the experts at DreamFactory today.
The Biggest Benefit of APIs
The most significant benefit of digital transformation is the absolute agility of API connectivity. This agility means changes can be applied to the core systems of records, without interfering with the ability to replicate these actions for end-user systems, like internet and mobile apps. You get a cost-efficient system that will increase your profits and open up new revenue-earning opportunities.
Power companies can further personalize services because of the data they receive. Knowing info such as quantity consumed, units of power used and exact location of consumption enables the company to adapt services to better meet the needs of the customer.
The energy and utility sector is constantly changing to keep up with the times. This requires the creation of innovative business methods. How effectively and efficiently you implement your digital transformation will be the deciding factor between success and failure.
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How DreamFactory is Powering Digital Transformation
Let DreamFactory help you power your own digital transformation. A solid API is the first building block for a fully integrated, connected organization. We can help you streamline your existing workflows and add new, exciting functionality with our API management system.
Want to start powering digital transformation? You’ll need to develop an API. Let DreamFactory do the heavy coding for you. Our 14-day free trial comes with a guided tour and all the resources you’ll need. Sign up today!
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