ERP Selection · Odoo glossary
Application Programming Interface (API)
An API defines how software systems exchange requests and data; its availability alone does not establish that an integration is ready.
Definition
In general ERP practice
An application programming interface (API) defines operations and data structures that software can use to interact with another system. It can support integrations without users manually re-entering each transaction.
An available API is only one integration prerequisite. Authentication, data mapping, ownership, error handling, duplicate prevention, and operating limits also affect whether the exchange is reliable.
In Odoo
When evaluating an Odoo integration, confirm the target version, hosting model, subscription conditions, and supported interface. API access conditions should be checked for the actual proposal.
The implementation team should explain what is exchanged, which system owns each record, and how failed or repeated messages are handled.
What to check in an ERP project
Data contract
Define records, fields, directions, and update timing.
Failures
Agree how errors and duplicate messages are detected and resolved.
Ownership
Identify who maintains the connection when either system changes.
Official Odoo documentation
The Odoo-specific explanation above is based on the documentation for Odoo 19. Features and workflows can differ in other versions.
Related glossary terms
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