At its most basic level, an Application Programming Interface (API) is code that allows two software applications to communicate effectively. APIs are an accessible way to extract data within and across organizations.
What Is Application Programming Interface (API)?
How Are APIs used in transportation management?
How to Use APIs in Transportation and Logistics Process and Workflow Automation
APIs save time and reduce manual work by combining data from different – and often disparate – sources to automate processes and manage workflows. Examples of this include APIs that support container tracking, claims and billing, carrier onboarding, and contract management.
Real-Time Data Transmission
Using APIs, businesses can access real-time data that helps improve the accuracy of shipping quotes, tracking, and capacity. Using this information, companies can improve customer service by providing updates on shipment status, location, and route through a variety of vendor portals and communication methods.
Supply Chain Visibility
APIs support control tower functionality, which helps transportation companies improve visibility, decision-making, reporting, and overall supply chain management.
What Is the Difference Between an Application Programming Interface (API) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?
EDI technology facilitates the computer-to-computer exchange of standardized electronic business forms, such as purchase orders or freight bills. This technology is primarily used to exchange information between older computing and technology systems.
API technology uses newer connection points to centralize information and unify data seamlessly. APIs integrate with many technology systems and are essential in leveraging automated logistics capabilities.
Connect Your Supply Chain with MercuryGate APIs
How MercuryGate TMS Improves Efficiency with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
Businesses and the supply chain move faster and more efficiently than ever, and technology is the foundation for responsive and effective transportation operations. API integrations for MercuryGate TMS deliver powerful tools and expansive capabilities to improve transportation and logistics results.
Key Areas for API Integration in Transportation Management
- API-driven Digital Freight Marketplace.
- Automated claims and payment processing.
- Control tower visibility and event management.
How Shippers, Carriers, Brokers, and 3PLs Can Use APIs
- Shippers with MercuryGate TMS can leverage the Digital Freight Marketplace to quickly find pre-onboarded, multimodal carriers for spot, contract, and private fleet shipments. Using API-based solutions, companies can skip phone calls and emails in favor of cost- and time-effective options. Through the marketplace, shippers gain a consolidated view of thousands of carriers to choose from, allowing them to book quickly according to available capacity and real-time market rates.
- Carriers and digital freight providers gain access to new customers through MercuryGate’s Digital Freight Marketplace, which applies automation to enhance productivity and minimize manual activities. Utilizing automation helps businesses reduce empty vehicle miles, consolidate loads, and view real-time market rates.
- Brokers and 3PL providers can access various capacity alternatives through MercuryGate’s API-driven Digital Freight Marketplace. As a digital freight partner, businesses can fill capacity, build relationships with freight shippers, and access capacity from thousands of pre-onboarded multimodal carriers.
Gain efficiency across your supply chain with API integrations from MercuryGate.
