Scheduling Software and API: A Quick Start Guide

The integration of Ganttic’s resource scheduling software with API will bring about a number of benefits for our users. Plus, it will open up endless possibilities for how you can use Ganttic in conjunction with in-house software or third-party software.

This beginner’s guide will go over the basics of API, and explain how you can get started with Ganttic’s API right now.

What is an API?

The acronym stands for application programming interface. A simple definition of API is a set of functions, protocols, and tools used for building software applications. But usually it has come to be understood as the way in which applications or software communicate and receive data from each other. 

API has been defined as “the part of the server that receives requests and sends responses.” On the web, which is a network of connected servers, an API is like a data epicenter.

In the globally connected business world, API is becoming a prerequisite for programs. This is because it’s a convenient way to deal with and organize information that’s often strewn across multiple platforms. Plus, it helps simplify your scheduling processes and cut off the more tedious, time-consuming activities.

Maybe you’ve seen the term thrown around in conjunction with your favorite apps. Or maybe you’ve stumbled across some documentations, but weren’t sure of the real-world, tangible benefits it offers. Instead of adding to the confusion, at Ganttic we’re here to help.

What does API do?

APIs enable your software to interact with each other.

Basically, software that has an API can connect to other applications and tools. This allows them to “talk” with one another. When using an app on your phone, you’re most likely using an API. If you send a query via your Facebook app for example, it will connect to the server. But only small bits of data, and only what is necessary. That means your phone’s data is never fully exposed to the server and vice versa. As such, APIs offer an additional layer of security to the integrated programs.

You can think of APIs as the mail carriers of cyberspace. Delivering packages of information between communicating entities. And with an API you can leverage your data via integrations.

Examples of API

You’re probably using an API right now, and don’t even know it. Have you ever shared a Google doc on Slack? Or checked the weather in your city on Google? Both are common examples of its usage. Any software you use that connects to third-party apps is probably utilizing an API. 

Ganttic API: Scheduling software with Rest-style API

Ganttic has some big news! The resource & employee scheduling software you use and love is about to get a whole lot better. How? Well, through the implementation of our REST-style API, that’s how.

If you’re already familiar with what API can offer, skip to the end where we explain how you can start using Ganttic API’s features right now.

• Check out our Help Desk walkthrough on Ganttic API
• Or head over to our Github documentation here
• Read Part 2 on the specific features and functions of Ganttic API

What can you do with Ganttic API?

For the more technologically inclined, you can see Ganttic’s API documentation on GitHub. That will tell you everything you need to know.

For the rest of us, the important thing to understand is that Ganttic’s API is open. Which means that there’s the opportunity to connect it with any other piece of software which utilizes API.

There’s 2 main things this will allow you to do:

1. If you developed your own in-house software you can easily connect that to Ganttic. That way you can sync the 2 programs together in any way that you wish. For example, if you’ve created a form to fetch you specific data, link that to Ganttic and that data will appear on your Gantt chart or planner.
2. Connect any other app with API to Ganttic API. Connect it to your ERP software or any other tool you use on a daily basis. All your data will be in one easily accessible location

How does API improve scheduling software?

As you can guess, APIs provide limitless ways to connect your applications and let them communicate with each other. This means that a piece of scheduling software with an API does not have to be used as a stand-alone tool. While this is especially important for developers and makes their jobs easier, it’s also useful for anyone who uses a smartphone or computer. In your everyday life, you can probably spot some of these benefits. Sharing, communication, usability, and better reporting are all advantages of this integration.

More customization

APIs significantly elevates the level of customization in scheduling. That’s because it provides organizations with the tools to tailor their planning processes according to specific needs and workflows.

With the API, users can integrate Ganttic’s flexible resource scheduling capabilities seamlessly into their existing systems, allowing for a personalized planning experience. Because the API enables the extraction and manipulation of data, it gives users the freedom to create custom views, filters, and reports that align precisely with their unique requirements. This level of customization empowers businesses to adapt Ganttic’s scheduling functionalities to suit diverse industries and project types. Moreover, Ganttic’s API empowers organizations to craft a scheduling solution that not only meets their current demands but is also adaptable to future challenges and evolving business needs.

Quicker sharing

APIs often work to sync programs together. That means that a calendar event or a booking you create in your Ganttic planner can easily be shared on another platform. Users can share data more quickly and easily, which is useful for your personal life and in the business world. For international companies, especially, the ability to share data between different branches, across continents, and among various pieces of software is a huge plus.

Clearer communication

Because APIs allow your programs to communicate with one another, this helps data to move from one to the other more seamlessly. Now, you’ll only need to input data once, before it shows up on the rest of your platforms. No need to manually add it to every piece of software. This decreases the chance for errors. And speeds up information exchanges.

Smoother staff scheduling

Ganttic API proves to be an invaluable tool for enhancing staff scheduling processes. With the Ganttic API, organizations can streamline and automate the scheduling of staff, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and improved operational efficiency. The API facilitates real-time communication between Ganttic and other HR or staffing spreadsheets, allowing for the synchronization of data such as employee availability, skills, and workloads. This integration enables businesses to create dynamic and responsive schedules that take into account changing priorities, unforeseen circumstances, and evolving project requirements.

There’s other ways that using an API can help with scheduling. For example, integrating your scheduling software with specialized applications, such as Circuit’s seamless proof of delivery app, facilitates smoother operations and streamlines the delivery management process. This not only improves scheduling but also enhances overall workflow efficiency.

Enhanced usability

While it’s important not to confuse APIs with UI, the former can make your programs and tools more user-friendly. Logging in to new applications is simple and less time consuming. Plus, when things are connected to an API, you’ll find yourself with endless, customizable options. You can create an interface that’s meaningful to you and lets you use your data in the way you see fit.

Easier calendar app integrations

By integrating Ganttic’s powerful resource planning features through the API, organizations can effortlessly synchronize and update calendar schedules in real-time. This integration allows for a centralized view of all events, tasks, and appointments, enabling teams to manage their time effectively and avoid conflicts. Ganttic API also facilitates the incorporation of external data sources, ensuring that calendar schedules remain accurate and up-to-date. This results in improved coordination, reduced scheduling errors, and ultimately a more streamlined and effective approach to calendar management.

Better reporting

API gives you more access to more data. From this raw data you can gain a lot of insights. Create more specific reports with the data you find useful. Customize your reports for stakeholders, clients, or team members, with the right info for each. Generate better visualizations and charts for meetings and let them do the speaking for you. This also helps with data backups so you’ll no longer need to worry about losing important information.

Get started using scheduling software with API!

By now, I bet you’re saying, “sign me up for this API”! Well, actually you’re in luck. Ganttic API is free for clients who have a Pro account.  For our users with free accounts, you’re welcome to use Ganttic API by first upgrading to one of our Pro packages.

If you’d like to find out more benefits of API integration or you need help choosing the right package for you, write to our support team at support@ganttic.com.

See our walkthrough on Ganttic API at our Help Desk. You can also check out our API documentation on GitHub for more details.

And if you want to learn more about the main functions of Ganttic API and what you’ll be able to do with it, check out our blog post here.

Embrace the future. Want to learn more about Ganttic API? Contact our Support team for a 1 to 1 demo!