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Plan Deliveries Faster With the Dispatch API

Let’s face it, logging into multiple applications to manage your deliveries can be tedious. Getting your customer information from one platform to another can be time-consuming, and inconsistencies in data between applications can hinder the delivery process. An API integration is your solution!

Jennifer Juarez

August 31, 2021

Let’s face it, logging into multiple applications to manage your deliveries can be tedious. Getting your customer information from one platform to another can be time-consuming, and inconsistencies in data between applications can hinder the delivery process. An API integration is your solution!

What the Heck Is an API Anyway?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is the technology that allows two separate systems to communicate with each other. It improves the process of getting data from your existing business applications into our platform –– ultimately lessening the need for manual data entry and automating processes.

"What Is an API? How APIs Work" does a good job of explaining how an API integration works without the technical jargon."

“The API is the middleman between the application and the web server, and the API call is the request. And every time you use software to communicate with other software or online web servers, you’re using APIs to request the information you need.”

A light switch (API) functions as the go-between with the power source (Dispatch web server) and the lightbulb (your internal system). When the light switch is on, the lightbulb makes continuous requests for electricity. As long as the light switch stays on, the power source will send electricity in response. Once the light switch is on, the requests become automatic.


To learn even more related terms check out our A-Z API Glossary.


What Our API Does For You

We offer an API integration for both our Marketplace and Connect products to help solve a variety of problems — at no additional charge.

Here are more details on the benefits of incorporating the Dispatch API into your business! Some of these include:

  • Creating estimates allowing you to compare Dispatch to other delivery services. Spoiler alert: Dispatch wins! 
  • Opening up new delivery options for your customers through checkout integration.
  • Automating delivery creation.
  • Getting updated statuses automatically as a delivery progresses.
  • Eliminating the need for manual data input and verification within the Dispatch platform by keeping data synced between your tools and our products.
  • Increasing overall data accuracy by reducing human error in the data entry process.
  • Obtaining branch-level information about a specific delivery by location ID.

What’s New and Exciting

We’ve added some recent API upgrades we’d like to share with you.

First, let’s define a multi-tier organization. A multi-tier organization is a company that has multiple branches that are using Dispatch. Now there is only one API key needed for these multi-tier organizations. Branch levels can then generate their own API keys that allow them to access the API level of their hierarchy only. It’s similar to assigning user access levels within a product.

You have the ability to view data as a whole organization, as well as at the branch level. You can also see a list of all the branches beneath the main company. In addition, you can place an order at the branch level. With our step-by-step guides, your engineering or development resources will be able to write the code necessary to connect your system to ours.

Lastly, you can cancel and edit deliveries using the API.

Ready to begin the process or have additional questions? Send us an email!

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