How Experts Use APIs and Microservices During Software Development

API development and Microservices are often confused with each other. This is a big misconception and a potential conceptual block during software development since they actually work together to boost the performance of a platform. 

Why is this important to know? The answer is simple: it will help you make better decisions when designing and developing your software application. Without that information, companies can expect some very challenging and expensive mistakes to say the least…

In case you’re unfamiliar with the terms “API” or “Microservice”, let’s break it down:

What is an API? (Application Programming Interface)

An API is essentially a toolbox full of routines and protocols that developers use when building software applications. There are several benefits they offer, but the key one is that they allow users to interact with software systems by exchanging and communicating information. 

Specifically, a developer would use an API to integrate certain functions and services into an application rather than creating one from ground zero. 

What are Microservices?

On the other hand, microservices are collections of independent services that are then used to design and operate the software with the help of APIs. Each microservice communicates with the other using APIs and offers unique benefits and capabilities that are highly beneficial to the platform.

For example, think of the shopping cart feature in an e-commerce store. When you add an item to your cart, the front-end application sends a request to the shopping cart microservice. The microservice then updates the cart and sends back a response to the front-end application that your item has been added.

By breaking down the functionality of the shopping cart into its own microservice, it becomes easier to scale and maintain the application as a whole. 

In addition, software developers use microservices so they can take a more Agile or DevOps-focused approach which in turn leads to an architecture that provides greater flexibility and scalability.

APIs + Microservices = ???

While it's true that microservices and APIs fall under the same umbrella in the broad scope of custom software development, each has its duties that make them super useful to one another. For instance, APIs are specifically designed to feed functions and data to different applications whereas microservices handle organizing the application's internal architecture. 

Ultimately, what you will have in this case is an application with various features for users to interact with (thanks to your API development) and then the microservices will handle what’s going on behind the scenes which is what allows the application to function so smoothly.

Differences and Similarities

By now you know that microservices need APIs to materialize an application, but then what makes it fair for us to say they are their own entities?

The interconnectedness of microservices depends on APIs to communicate which one could argue makes them perform in unison. However, APIs act as the link that enables different components of the tech stack to interact seamlessly, which, when working for a large-scale enterprise, is often a non-negotiable for their platform. 

Whether you’re a software developer or not doesn’t matter, this is information everyone in a business should know. With that being said, here are 4 differences and 4 similarities you’ll find when examining APIs and Microservices:

Differences:

• APIs enable communication between different software applications, while microservices form the application.

• APIs give life to a platform (by providing functions and services to various applications) while microservices keep it standing. 

• APIs can be used in a wide variety of contexts and architectures, while microservices are specifically designed to be used in more of a decentralized architecture.

• APIs tend to be more lightweight and simple than microservices, which can be difficult and require more resources to function properly.

Similarities:

• Both APIs and microservices are used in custom software development.

• APIs and microservices both rely on communication between various software components.

• APIs and microservices work together to create a seamless and high-performing software application.

• Both APIs and microservices improve flexibility, scalability, and agility during software development.

FinTech Example

When it comes to custom software development, knowing what tools to use and when to use them is probably the greatest possible advantage that development teams can have. However, to do this effectively, the team needs tunnel vision on the end goal. 

When it comes to APIs and microservices, the two work together to do many things, for example, if a FinTech company was building a payment processor, these are some of the tasks the tools would perform:

• Communicating with banks

• Database analysis

• Keeping the database up to date

• Scheduling recurring tasks

• The transaction process

• Generating PDFs for invoices

• Sending emails

What you see here are the tasks that the payment processor would rely on using API and microservice integration. Note that while each function works autonomously, they rely on APIs to communicate with each other. 

APIs can be used to activate a variety of tasks which is critical, but alone, they would not be able to fully operate the payment processor. Since the platform will need functions such as initiating charges, establishing customer profiles, generating invoices, subscribing to services, processing returns, and managing inventory, the processor would need the 6 microservices to do so.

What it Means to Have a High Functioning Software

While the process of building a sophisticated software architecture/system is complex, it is one of the most rewarding things any business can do in 2023. Why’s that? It is estimated that around 30% of business is done online in the United States alone. Without capitalizing on that, it means companies are only going to be able to achieve a maximum of 70% of their potential revenue gains. 

Consumers connect with online services that make their lives easier. A solid IT infrastructure is critical for making those services accessible. More importantly, it helps performance by:

• Minimizing downtime

• Preventing errors

• Preventing bugs

• Boosts data and traffic capacity

• Enhances security

What Have We Learned?

So does your software architecture need to look just like a FinTech payment processor would? Of course not! Custom software development is just that: custom. This makes what you learned in this article about APIs and Microservices just another set of tools to add to your arsenal during your digital transformation journey. Curious about how this could benefit your company? Reach out to book a free 30-minute discovery meeting with one of our lead software experts to talk about how you can apply custom software to your business.

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Why Some Businesses Are Not Ready For Digital Transformation

Digital transformation, as the world knows it, is an exciting concept, especially when companies that succeeded without it make the transition into utilizing digital platforms. However, when it comes to integrating new processes in any business, there is going to be a lot of gray area that needs attention and support. 

Any change that’s worth undergoing demands businesses to step out of their comfort zone and embrace it fully.

A great example of this is IKEA which traditionally required customers to visit physical stores to embark on the customer journey. Flash forward to now, with all the IT innovation the company has implemented, it is said that about 80% of customers start their buying experience with IKEA online.

Change in an organization is never an overnight effort and some studies even suggest it takes upwards of 5 years to a decade for significant change to unfold in a business. Obviously, in 2023, this isn’t an amount of time that any company could survive without implementing some form of digital solutions which means that the demand for guidance with IT solutions is beyond significant. 

With that said, the first thing we need to cover is some of the common struggles businesses generally face when beginning their digital transformation journey:

1. The leadership team may not fully understand or support the implications of digital transformation, making it difficult to get the necessary funding or resources for the project.

2. Some businesses may have an outdated IT infrastructure that cannot support their digital transformation goals.

3. Employees may be hesitant to adopt new technologies or processes, or they simply may not have the necessary skills or training.

4. Companies that lack proper data management processes and tools will struggle to handle the vast amount of data that digital transformation requires.

5. Some companies may be hesitant to invest in new technology or processes because they simply don’t have the budget or don’t know how much ROI they will see. 

6. Companies that are not prepared to handle cybersecurity risks may be hesitant to undergo digital transformation.

7. Businesses that lack a clear vision for either what they want to gain from digital transformation or how they will implement it are simply not ready to take it on. 

The common thread in all of these scenarios is the need for proper planning. Companies in any industry can mitigate these risks by simply delving deep into analyzing three things:

• Infrastructure

• Current processes

• Resources

With these aspects clearly identified, the organization can start to develop that vision for its digital transformation. When we talk about the “vision” for digital transformation, we’re talking about the big picture. This change is something that everyone in the organization must be aligned with for it to work. 

When we think about the companies who’ve completely remodelled the idea of how they deliver their service (like that of IKEA), we’re looking at companies who’ve done significant analysis and research of their market and resources at their disposal. With that in mind, now it’s time to go over what needs to be considered during analysis and how the findings will lead to execution.

Plan, Then Do

Analysis: The key inspiration for digital transformation is usually a belief that certain processes aren’t as simplified as they should be. Analyzing everything from the back-end infrastructure to the end of the customer buying journey will help identify the pain points. This analysis should ideally involve collecting and analyzing data on:

• Market trends

• Customer behaviour 

• The organization's operations

Execution: Once the analysis is complete, the next step is to create a roadmap for digital transformation that outlines the specific steps and timelines needed to achieve the vision. This roadmap should include:

• A prioritized list of initiatives and projects

• Required resources

• Potential risks

• Clear metrics and goals to track progress and ensure that the digital transformation is on track (KPIs and benchmarks for each initiative)

This breakdown gives a general sense of the ideal way a company would set itself up during their transformation but it is certainly not set in stone. Every organization has a unique vision and there are going to be points where they need to pivot and re-evaluate their purpose.

The Takeaway

Ultimately the most ROI from digital transformation stems from this aspect of the process, returning to the vision and understanding all the facets of the organization that need to work together. A solid IT infrastructure can only succeed if it’s aligned with the organization's overall business strategy and goals. 

No matter if we’re talking about a start-up, or a fortune 500 business, guidance when integrating IT services is something everyone will benefit from.

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

LIMS Pain Points and Solutions

 “I think LIMS is like a prehistoric tech environment that needs a total reinvention.”

- survey participant 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are the backbone of data and laboratory process management in numerous industries. Yet, despite their indispensable role, LIMS can often prove to be a double-edged sword, creating more headaches than solutions. Do you find yourself struggling with data management, navigating complex software, or dealing with outdated technology in your LIMS? If so, you're not alone.

In this article, we delve into the most common pain points experienced by companies using LIMS and explore the innovative solutions that can revolutionize the way you work. We interviewed a large group of professionals working in laboratory environments across all industries to find out the biggest challenges they face when it comes to the software they use. All quotes are directly from these professionals, ranging from scientists, researchers, and data analysts to laboratory owners.

From harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to leveraging cloud-based architecture, we discuss the latest advancements in LIMS technology that can help you streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and stay ahead of the curve.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we uncover the full potential of LIMS and show you how to turn your pain points into opportunities for growth and success.

1. Software implementation and migration

The implementation and migration of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) can be a daunting task for companies, often causing problems and disruptions that can significantly impact operations. The process involves extensive planning, coordination, and execution to ensure a smooth transition, which can prove challenging for organizations.

In our recent survey, respondents cited software implementation and migration as one of the most significant pain points they encountered while using LIMS: 

“The worst thing was migrating from one [LIMS] to another when our business was purchased by another company.”

 The task requires a deep understanding of the lab's workflow, data management processes, and technical requirements, making it a complex undertaking.

To navigate these challenges, our team of LIMS experts suggests that companies should plan their implementations and migrations carefully and seek adequate support from vendors. Whether laboratories are purchasing out-of-the-box software or having it custom-made, it’s important to find a software development company that specializes in LIMS and is backed by previous successful projects. It is essential for software providers to have experience in implementing LIMS and offer the necessary technical support to ensure a successful migration.

Moreover, organizations should ensure that their staff is adequately trained to use the new LIMS system and that data migration is completed accurately to avoid any errors or disruptions in their operations. Taking the time to plan and prepare for the migration can minimize the risk of unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the process.

2. Complex and hard-to-use software

In our survey, respondents identified software complexity as a challenge they faced while using LIMS: 

“[...] One major point of contention I've run into while using LIMS is [that there is] too much going on in the software itself.”

One of the key issues with complex LIMS software is that it can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate, leading to missed details and errors. Our laboratory software leaders recommended simplifying software designs and adopting a more user-friendly approach to improve the overall experience. They suggested taking a page out of Apple's book and focusing on design simplicity, where less is more. Of course, opting for customized software would allow this flexibility in design.

Simplifying LIMS software designs can help users focus on essential features, reduce the risk of errors, and make it easier to find necessary information quickly. By adopting a user-friendly approach, companies can streamline workflows and improve overall productivity, leading to better outcomes and increased success.

Our experts also recommended finding a company that would provide training and support to ensure clients have a clear understanding of the LIMS software's features and functionality. This can help users feel more confident in their abilities to navigate the software, ultimately reducing the risk of errors and enhancing productivity straight away.

3. Data management: Sample ID conundrums

One of the significant pain points experienced by companies using LIMS is sample ID management: 

“[...] Senior management doomed our LIMS project from the start by refusing to incorporate the vendor's method for sample ID. [This] crashed the LIMS system about 2 years after initiation. Then we had an utter albatross of a software system and went back to sample tracking with paper and excel.”

What is a sample ID, and why is it important? A sample ID (Identification) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific sample to distinguish it from other samples in a laboratory or research setting. The sample ID is typically a combination of numbers, letters, or symbols, and it may include information about the sample such as the date and time it was collected, the type of sample, or the location from which it was obtained. Sample IDs are used to track and manage samples throughout the entire testing or research process, from sample collection to analysis and storage, and they help ensure that data is accurately linked to the correct sample.

One company’s biggest complaint was senior management's refusal to incorporate the vendor's method for sample ID. This can cause severe issues in the LIMS system. Sample ID is crucial for data integrity, and any inconsistencies or inaccuracies can lead to data loss or incorrect data analysis. The lack of a standardized sample ID format can make it difficult to track samples, leading to confusion and delays in sample analysis. Therefore, it is essential to establish a standard sample ID format and ensure that all samples are correctly labelled and tracked.

When it comes to managing sample IDs, pre-built LIMS systems may have limitations in terms of the flexibility they offer to labs. These LIMS systems often come with a fixed set of rules and templates for sample ID management, which may not align with the specific needs and processes of a given lab.

By contrast, a customized LIMS system can be tailored to the unique requirements of a lab, including the specific methods they use for sample ID management. This can provide more flexibility in terms of how samples are identified, tracked, and linked to associated data.

For instance, a lab may have a specific format for sample IDs that they have been using for years, and changing that format to fit into a pre-built LIMS system could be time-consuming and require significant changes to the lab's workflow. By customizing their LIMS system, they can integrate their existing sample ID system and maintain their existing processes, while still benefiting from the other features that the LIMS system offers.

4. Limitations of LIMS and outdated technologies

The limitations of current LIMS technology are a major obstacle for many companies. The use of outdated technology can be costly and inefficient. Many organizations still depend on unreliable software from decades ago, leading to high operational expenses:

“One of the major pain points for us is that these systems have not evolved yet [...].Using AI, you should be able to avoid a lot of "transactions" and have the capability to track everything at all times while optimizing your processes. It is 2023 after all…”

To tackle this issue, our LIMS consultants recommended exploring more advanced solutions such as cloud-based systems. Cloud-based systems offer serverless and pay-as-you-go options, which can help companies reduce costs and avoid unnecessary transactions. Additionally, as our survey respondent suggested, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into LIMS can automate processes and streamline workflows, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

In addition to exploring advanced solutions such as cloud-based systems and AI, using customized software can help companies take full advantage of these innovations in LIMS. With a customized LIMS, companies can tailor their system to their specific needs and requirements, ensuring that the system works optimally for their processes.

For instance, a customized LIMS can be designed to work seamlessly with cloud-based systems, allowing companies to take advantage of the benefits of cloud-based technology without sacrificing the unique features of their LIMS.

Furthermore, a customized LIMS can be designed to integrate with other laboratory systems and technologies, providing greater flexibility and scalability for organizations. With a customized LIMS, companies can ensure that their laboratory management system is fully integrated with other laboratory technologies, such as instrumentation and automation, allowing for a more simplified and efficient workflow.

The Benefits of LIMS

If your laboratory or company is not using LIMS, don’t be scared off by the challenges listed above. Creating and implementing the use of a LIMS is more optimized now than it’s ever been before. Plus, starting with a clean slate is an opportunity to develop a system that uses the latest technologies, is adaptable & scalable, and is built with user-friendliness in mind. Keep this article as a reference if your company is ever overwhelmed by the options.

If you’re considering the use of custom LIMS, here are several benefits to using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). These benefits include:

1. Improved efficiency: LIMS can optimize laboratory operations by automating tasks such as sample tracking, data management, and report generation. This can save time and reduce errors in the laboratory.

2. Enhanced data management: LIMS can help manage the vast amounts of data generated in laboratories by organizing, storing, and retrieving data in a centralized database. This can help ensure data integrity and accuracy.

3. Regulatory compliance: LIMS can assist laboratories in complying with regulatory requirements by ensuring that data is tracked, stored, and reported in accordance with regulatory standards.

4. Improved communication: LIMS can improve communication between laboratory personnel by providing a centralized system for data sharing and collaboration.

5. Cost savings: LIMS can help laboratories save money by reducing the need for manual labour and reducing errors that can lead to costly rework.

If you’re specifically curious about the pros of custom-made LIMS software, these benefits include:

1. Tailored functionality: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to meet the specific needs of the laboratory, which can improve efficiency and accuracy.

2. Integration with existing systems: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to integrate seamlessly with existing laboratory systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving data accuracy.

3. Flexibility: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing laboratories to adapt to changing needs and technologies.

4. Competitive advantage: Custom-made LIMS systems can provide a competitive advantage by improving laboratory efficiency and accuracy, which can lead to improved business outcomes.

Overall, the benefits of using a LIMS system in laboratories are numerous, and custom-made solutions can provide additional advantages over off-the-shelf solutions. Laboratories should consider implementing a LIMS system to improve processes, data management, compliance, and communication, and explore custom-made solutions to meet their specific needs.

The Takeaway

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) play an indispensable role in managing data and laboratory processes across industries. However, the complexity of the software and the implementation process can lead to significant pain points for companies. The implementation and migration of LIMS require extensive planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, complex and hard-to-use software designs can lead to errors and missed details, and data management (like sample ID) can be problematic without a standardized format.

To address these pain points, LIMS experts suggest careful planning and seeking support from reliable vendors during implementation and migration, adopting a user-friendly approach to simplify software designs, and establishing a standard sample ID format to track and manage samples accurately. By leveraging the latest advancements in LIMS technology, companies can streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and turn their pain points into opportunities for growth and success.

If you need help implementing these technologies, our LIMS software specialists are available for a free consultation.

Written by Natalie Mansilla
-

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.