There are two ways that vendors can connect to the Ecosystem:
API
This is the best type of connection. Why?
Data transfer is automated
Data transfer is instant, happening when data changes
No humans are involved to make mistakes
API stands for 'Application Programming Interface'. In basic terms, APIs allow applications to communicate with one another.
While APIs are much better long term, they may take longer to setup, depending on the vendor's experience of using them
API Data Flow
API data flows in both directions:
Service orders and updates go to vendors
Updates come back from vendors
Technically, the Ecosystem hub sits in the middle, managing the data connections.
Hub Connector
The alternative connection
Hub connector works for vendors without the technical capabilities to create an API
This connection is low tech (csv file) and thus simple and quick to setup
The connection relies on vendor updates being made into the hub
Data can be dropped into the hub automatically or manually
Hub Connector Data Flow
When using the connector, data flows to the vendor via the traditional routes of email service orders and email updates
Vendors send updates back via the hub, allowing AssignmentPro to be updated automatically
Documents cannot be shared back via the hub connector