Integration Options
There are 4 primary ways that you can interact with the API. The right choice will depend on several factors, including but not limited to: what you're trying to accomplish, your security sensitivities, your proficiency with software development, and budget. Below are a list of considerations for each option.
1. The Integration Platform
The integration platform (powered by Workato) is a low-code option for building integrations. It allows you to connect to TrackVia, and hundreds of other systems, through a drag and drop interface. This is typically the best option for integrations.
Pros
- Speed to solution - Most integrations can be created in a matter of minutes.
- Ease of use - Most integrations can be created by someone with little to no coding experience.
- Accessibility - The integration platform is accessed directly through your TrackVia account.
- Robust feature set - The integration platform manages hosting, logging, versioning, and analytics for your integrations.
Considerations
- Cost - Accessing the Integration platform is an additional cost to your base TrackVia subscription. Contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager for more information.
- Workato is a third party software provider so you may have additional security considerations.
2. Zapier
Zapier is another low-code option for building integrations. Similar to Workato, it allows you to connect to TrackVia and hundreds of other applications through a drag and drop interface.
Pros
- Speed to solution - Most integrations can be created in a matter of minutes.
- Ease of use - Most integrations can be created by someone with little to no coding experience.
Considerations
- Cost - Accessing the Integration platform is an additional cost to your base TrackVia package. Contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager for more information.
- Accessibility - You will need to sign up for a subscription to Zapier, a third party software provider. In order to use the tool, you will need to log into their software.
- Security - Zapier is a third party software provider so you may have additional security considerations.
3. Microservices
Microservices are small, individual, interconnected services written in Node.js that are uploaded directly to TrackVia and executed as a result of record actions. These services greatly expand the capabilities of TrackVia by executing code in a self contained environment.
Pros
- Hosting - Because the Code is uploaded to TrackVia, you don't need to worry about all the hassles that come with hosting (ensuring uptime, running servers, logging errors, etc.)
- Invoking - Easily attach the microservice to any table in your TrackVia account and specify when the integration will run. All microservices are also assigned a custom API endpoint so they can be invoked externally.
- User experience - Microservices are the the only integration option that allow you to configure the process to run synchronously with the end user's action.
- Development - Node.js, comes with access to the worlds largest software repository npm (Node Package Manager). This includes many packages that can be used to create a microservice rather than starting completely from scratch.
Considerations
- Must be written using Node.
- High code - Must have software development experience to use this option.
4. Custom API
Partial to doing things on your own? Feel free to use our OpenAPI documentation to build your own client to interact directly with our API.
Pros
- Cost - API access is free.
- Control - You own everything from the code to hosting to logging.
- Flexibility - Write the code your own way.
Considerations
- High code - Must have software development experience to use this option.
- Maintenance - custom API integrations can be more difficult to make updates to and troubleshoot than the low-code options.
- Limited support - TrackVia support will not be able to review and debug your code.