API development & integration

MakeBeacon builds APIs and connects business software so information can move between systems reliably. Projects can include data mapping, scheduled or event-based updates, webhooks, and connections to third-party services with available APIs.

When business systems do not share information cleanly, teams often re-enter data by hand or work from records that have fallen out of sync. MakeBeacon develops APIs and integrations to move agreed information between systems and support the workflows that depend on it. Work can include designing API endpoints for an application, connecting existing services, mapping fields between different data formats, and handling authentication, failures, and repeat attempts. Before development, MakeBeacon defines which system owns each piece of data, when updates should happen, and how exceptions should be handled. The scope depends on the access and documentation available for each system. Deliverables include the agreed integration or API, technical documentation, and handover instructions.

Problems this solves

• Staff re-enter the same information in multiple systems.
• Data in connected tools becomes inconsistent or out of date.
• A business application needs to send or receive data from another service.
• An existing API integration fails without a clear record of what went wrong.
• Different systems use different field names or data formats.
• A process needs updates to happen automatically when an event occurs.
• Internal software needs a documented API for other applications to use.

What is included

• Review of available API documentation and access requirements.
• Definition of data flows, field mappings, and update rules.
• Custom API endpoints for agreed application needs.
• Integration with third-party services that provide usable APIs.
• Webhook setup for event-based updates, where supported.
• Authentication and credential handling for the agreed integration.
• Error handling, logging, and retry behavior as scoped.
• API documentation and handover instructions.

Typical deliverables

• Working API or system integration for the agreed scope.
• Source code and configuration.
• Field mapping and data flow documentation.
• API reference documentation, where applicable.
• Setup and credential configuration instructions.
• Notes on known limits, dependencies, and handover requirements.

Technologies & tools

• Python
• Requests
• REST APIs
• JSON
• HTTP
• Django
• Flask, where appropriate
• SQLite, where required for local data storage