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API integration vs manual exports between CRM and ERP
Copying records by hand costs more than a REST connector once volume grows. An API is a contract on data, direction and errors — not a magic link.
In short
An API integration aligns customer, order and statuses between CRM and ERP. Spreadsheet exports replicate duplicates and delay. Start from one measurable flow, not “everything”.
- First: customer records with a shared key (VAT / internal code)
- Then: deal → order; statuses need a map
- Avoid dual master: one system is source for each object
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Export / email | No project | Errors, delay, no audit |
| REST API | One truth, retries, logs | Needs docs and tests |
| Files / read-only DB | When there is no API | More fragile than an HTTP contract |
Questions
Do we need realtime?
For stock and payments, often yes. For accounts, a job every few minutes is enough and easier to debug.
What to map first?
Customers, orders, statuses. Deal notes and attachments can stay in the CRM.