With Plunet BusinessManager you can integrate all key workflows of your translation management in a single solution. In addition to numerous CAT tool integrations, Plunet’s own API gives you the opportunity to seamlessly integrate third-party software and adapt your work with Plunet to your company’s requirements.
Our API Specialist Alex explains how the Plunet API works and the benefits it can bring for your everyday work and the future of your company.
What is an API?
API stands for “Application Programming Interface”. Nowadays, APIs are provided by most enterprise applications, particularly web-based products, enabling interoperability with other software components and thus a high level of flexibility. Data can be read or modified within a software via an API.
What is the Plunet API?
The Plunet API is the programming interface for Plunet BusinessManager, the leading business and translation management system. It enables reading and writing access to the Plunet data pool. This takes place programmatically, via a background application, which the user generally does not notice. Users only see the results on the user interface.
Why should I use the API?
The Plunet API is the tool of choice if you want to automate the workflows between Plunet and other products. This means that if you want third-party software to access or evaluate Plunet data, then the Plunet API is the perfect solution.
Which use cases are there?
Essentially, the Plunet API use cases can be illustrated with four different workflows, which I will describe in detail.
1. Reporting and business intelligence
In this use case, the data are usually accessed in read-only mode. This enables reports to be compiled that cannot be mapped or only partially mapped via queries on the Plunet interface. In many cases, a business intelligence tool such as Microsoft BI can also be used and data can be fed into it via the Plunet API.
2. Synchronization with third-party applications
The Plunet API is also useful for translation agencies and language services that are already using business software to manage their processes. This is usually accounting software or CRM products. However, it may be the case that other workflow management solutions are being used alongside Plunet. The Plunet API makes it possible to keep the data set consistent between Plunet and other applications.
3. End customer integration
In another use case, an end customer can order language services in their usual IT environment – for example, the intranet, SAP, or in a specially created tool – without having to log into Plunet BusinessManager. As soon as the end customer has specified the order in their own application and provided the necessary documents, these are automatically sent to Plunet and a new request is generated or an order is created directly.
Especially in the case of widely used tools, the corresponding data record of new customers is usually also entered in Plunet via API.
4. Automation for business and translation management processes
Process automation takes full advantage of the power of the Plunet API – this is therefore also the most advanced use case. The Plunet API enables a high degree of automation, especially in combination with other Plunet modules such as AutomationManager or EventManager. For example, projects can be generated automatically using predefined project templates, resources can be preselected in jobs, and quotes can be sent automatically.
Which benefits do I have?
There are different benefits depending on each use case. As a general rule, the integration via the Plunet API only needs to be programmed once and is usually low-maintenance, which means that there are few running costs. The investment pays off quickly because efficient reporting can reveal opportunities for process optimization, and customer satisfaction increases through individual integrations. You save time and also money if data do not need to be maintained separately in different tools. Once a certain degree of automation has been reached, project managers can take care of other tasks instead of setting up projects that always have the same configuration.
As a small language service provider, am I the right target group?
Yes! The Plunet API is not only suitable for translation departments in large companies and enterprises but should give every user the option to programmatically access the Plunet data pool. Smaller language service providers and translation agencies also often have regular customers who will be keen to integrate their translation partner into their intranet.
I still have some questions...
We’re happy to help! Ask your account manager for a trial of our Plunet API. You can take your time to evaluate whether you would like to benefit from the Plunet API’s functionalities or if a planned use case can be realized. The functional scope of the Plunet API is continually being expanded in order to cover as many potential use cases as possible.
