What is an API?

An API in very simple terms is a way for one software program to exchange information with another source.

Send a Request. Get a Response.

We use APIs for everyday things like:

• Checking the weather forecast.
• Buying something from Amazon (where the supplier uses Amazon's API to list their
• stuff).
• Using our smartphone to set the temperature at home using our connected thermostat.
• Checking airfares on a travel site.
• Using an app to reserve a table at a restaurant or a seat at a movie theater..
• Paying for things online.
• Checking the sports scores

An API lets a developer make a specific “call” or “request” in order to send or receive information. It can also be used to make a defined action such as updating or deleting data.

There are four basic request methods that can be made with API:

1. GET – Gather information (e.g. Pull all Materials in PPG -- with a filter applied)
2. PUT – Update pieces of data (e.g. Update a Material in PPG)
3. POST – Create a new record (e.g. Add an Order Line to PPG)
4. DELETE –Delete a record (e.g. Remove an Order Line from PPG)
   

What PowerPick components are required for the ItemPath API?

ItemPath requires one PowerPick CEU Web Services Interface module which enables one login for the API to access the program.

This API provides a bridge and a REST interface for the PowerPick databases and hardware. This information is collected from the PowerPick database, formatted, and exposed via a TCP IP connection.