WordCamp Tampa – WordPress and the Enterprise: API Driven Business System Integration by Chris Jenkins

Chris Jenkins

  • Most companies have a large divide between the main site and internal systems
  • Most WordPress to internal systems is done through sending email
  • Documentation for API interaction with WordPress is lacking
  • Example API
    • Lead collection : Collect complex pre-sales data and post it to the CRM. Create associated contacts, create an actionable ticket, assign it to the appropriate sales rep.  They used Method CRM.
    • Workforce Management:  Display task assignments, schedules and critical task details.  Allow staff to request assignments or decline assignments.  Provide relevant linked resources.
    • Client Interaction: Give clients the ability to view and manage their product and billing details, pay invoices, and order additional products/services.
  • WordPress can act as a data middleware to tie multiple data sources together
  • Benefits of using an API driven plugin over embedded scripts or system portals
    • Consistent brand experience
    • Single sign-on
    • Enhanced security – Hacker don’t directly know what backend systems you are using
    • Mix and match data sources
  • Pitching the decision maker
    • How do they currently do business?
    • What are the pain points currently?
    • Know the objections
    • Focus on the value