The Need for API and Integration Management Strategies in Building

Today’s high-tech tools for building officials can do more than ever, speeding up application timelines, centralizing data and making it possible to get to new levels of efficiency. But there’s one common hurdle to overcome before maximizing the power of these tools: fragmentation. Without a clear, connected ecosystem of software, portals and platforms that all work in sync with one another, the full potential of even the most advanced building systems will remain out of reach.

That’s why API management strategies, once an exciting and convenient possibility to explore, have become a necessity in 2025. At every level of government, leaders and staff members need to be able to effortlessly access up-to-date project tracking, property details and other important information — and know that these integrations will work when they need them.

Application programming interfaces (APIs) make this exchange happen by enabling software to work with each other and exchange data, opening the door to nearly limitless potential applications. For building officials, being able to link payment services with community development software, or easily manage and edit documents across platforms, can save time and provide better service to citizens.

APIs are more common than ever, and there’s a growing need for comprehensive strategies for managing integrations. Coming up with a clear plan and following best practices can keep information safe and unlock what today’s software can do for staff and citizens alike.

What APIs Can Do for Building Officials

Integrating data or services from other software can help local governments become more efficient and connected. Community development software like Cloudpermit uses its API to connect and interact with other software or products, sharing important data with permitting and licensing software.

Inspectors can generate daily work lists, create ad-hoc inspections during site visits and update inspection results in real time because of these integrations. Accessing accurate, real-time property details like lot size or zoning codes from the local GIS keeps everyone informed about development-related activity around the community.

Financial and payment systems can be integrated with Cloudpermit, which means citizens and stakeholders can easily make payments online while applying for a permit. Document management can be simplified, too, with Cloudpermit users able to upload and revise permit applications and instantly update metadata, all in one place.

Rather than waste time duplicating work or using disconnected systems, APIs and integration strategies look for worthwhile opportunities to make software work together. For citizens and staff members, online building software can do even more when it’s linked with other platforms and software.

Important Issues in API Management

Integration is at the heart of today’s software for local governments, and linking platforms and databases can improve how citizens are served while streamlining processes for staff members.

Modern building software can work with a wide variety of other programs, making it easier to collaborate and communicate with stakeholders, applicants and government staff.

With an estimated 200 million public and private APIs today, keeping everything working as intended has become a big job as software is updated or replaced with other products. A strong API and integration management strategy can help local governments improve efficiency and easily add on new tools and software in the future.

Data security is crucial, and any integration needs to share information with the right people while protecting sensitive data. Integration should also improve the customer experience and offer citizens a seamless way of working with local departments on building projects.

Flexibility is another major consideration because a software’s API can make it compatible with other platforms. An effective integration strategy that includes flexibility gives building officials more options for the other vendors and tools they’ll work with.

How to Maximize API Potential

Building officials need to know the APIs they use to do their jobs are safe and secure — and that the important things these integrations do will continue to work.

When choosing community development software, it’s important to consider not just what the platform can do on its own but also what it can offer when connected with other systems.

APIs make building platforms work smarter and more efficiently, bringing together things like payment systems, document management and real-time property information into one unified workspace.

Learn more about Cloudpermit’s API and what it could do for local governments by booking a demo today.

This article was originally published in the OBOA Journal Issue 145.