EOLAS API Integrations
case study
EOLAS API Integrations
The Problem:
This client, like many businesses in the marketplace today, was dependent upon 3rd party systems for various processes within the organization. The challenge was that these 3rd party systems were not connected to their business management platform in any way, which caused issues such as: duplicate data, incorrect/ transposed data, and missing data.
One such disconnected 3rd party system at play was the cloud-based materials testing solution the client had recently acquired. It needed to be integrated for operational efficiency.
The client wanted to be able to move data more efficiently between their Laboratory Management Software, and the 3rd party materials testing solution.
For example, the client had a compression machine that tests materials such as concrete, brick, etc. The new software we installed on the PC controlling the machine allowed us to integrate the machine’s data via API with the cloud-based solution. This transfer of data was critical as the client routinely needed to send specifications of all materials to be tested within the next 24 hours, from their lab management system into the 3rd party program. After the tests had been performed, the client again had to retrieve the results. The tool we installed automatically and routinely checked for new results, syncing them back to the client’s system.
The Consulting Process
Our team met with the client as well as the 3rd party vendor’s integrations team. The vendor supplied us with API documentation detailing the process of connecting and authenticating into their system as well as reading and writing data to their system.
Our team fleshed out requirements with our client regarding what data needed to be sent and received, how often, and in what form. We mapped out the matching up fields between systems needed to integrate, we then built a prototype that sent data from the clients Lab Management System into the 3rd party software based on certain criteria and on a schedule. The plan included the ability to retrieve specific required data on a schedule as well. If needed, manual sync was also an option we built into the tool.
Roadmap of Implementation:
- After the prototype was developed and put into a live test phase, unexpected issues arose with the 3rd party vendor’s API and platform.
- We quickly found the source of the problem and remedied the issue.
- Staff training for the client’s end users was conducted, so they would know how to use the sync tool.
- We continue the support of our client’s implementation as needed, making improvements and additions when requested.
Development, Implementation, and Results:
This web application was built completely from scratch by the Hawkins team, using PHP, MySQL, and Bootstrap as the core technologies. The platform’s web server is hosted on Microsoft Azure. All requirements gathering, design, development, testing, configuration, and deployment was done by Hawkins.
We use Agile/Scrum Software Development Methodologies to deliver working prototypes early and often to test in collaboration with our clients. From there our team iterates the product working with the client and to shape and guide further development and improvements.
Through routine client demos, the Hawkins Team was able to provide valuable process improvements to the client’s internal users. Their lab staff no longer had to manually transpose data from paper to the machine, note the results, then enter that back into another computer. With hundreds of test samples conducted per day, this time savings was a crucial improvement to their efficiency.
The Reaction:
The laboratory managers were happy with a modernization of their process, as well as with the time savings realized after eliminating paperwork and administrative effort
The Business Impact
The laboratory managers were happy with a modernization of their process, as well as with the time savings realized after eliminating paperwork and administrative effort.
Learn More About Hawkins Consulting
The laboratory managers were happy with a modernization of their process, as well as with the time savings realized after eliminating paperwork and administrative effort