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Be it small businesses or global organisations, technology is helping everyone shape the future. And since we have spent the past decade mastering the most radical technologies of today, many of them are trusting our expertise in cloud, APIs, integration, software development, and other IT solutions to scale faster, become agile, and improve profitability!

Whether you want to streamline operations, implement cutting-edge technology, link up technologies, migrate to cloud, or improve your digital capabilities, we are here to guide you, every step of the way. We are API Connects.

IT and Development Services on Offer

Whether you are an NZ startup in need of Java programming support or an enterprise interested in AWS cloud migration, our team of IT engineers and technology consultants can lend the engineering support to materialise your technology goals. Discover some of the IT services we are widely consult for:

Pos System Installation in 2025: Importance, Installation Process, Cost, and Best Services Provider

POS systems have become a vital necessity for businesses of all sizes, thanks to the inception of digital transactions and streamlined operations. Yet there are enterprises who are unaware of why they should invest in one for their organization. Even those who are aware of its value often get confused about:

– How to install POS system?

– Whom to contact for such services?

Don’t worry, we are here to help you address these challenges! In this blog, API Connects will tell you everything about installing a POS system. Meaning, significance, installation process, costs, identifying best service providers – we will cover it all!

The goal here is to enable your business to thrive in 2025 and beyond. So, are you ready to learn about POS systems? Let’s go!

What is POS System?

A Point of Sale (POS) system involves integrating hardware and software using which businesses carry out sales transactions. You can think of it as the central location where customers go to finalize a purchase, be it in-store, online, or both.

Most POS system comprises cash register or terminal, card reader for payments, barcode scanner, and software. All these components help track inventory, sales, and customer data.

Enterprises can also amalgamate modern POS systems with other tools such as accounting software and loyalty programs. These provide them with a more streamlined way of managing operations.

Why Enterpises Need to Get a POS System Installed?

Now that you know what exactly POS system means, it’s time to discuss why exactly you need it. See, it is more than just a means of processing payments. It’s an IT solution for businesses seeking to optimise operations (securing data to operating efficiency).

Here are some reasons why enterprises should install a POS system:

1 Streamlined operations

From inventory tracking to real-time sales monitoring, a POS system integrates several operational tasks into one platform. Meaning, no need to seek multiple software solutions and manual processes. You can save time and reduce errors. IT teams benefit from centralized data, making system maintenance and upgrades more efficient.

2 Improved data security

Modern POS systems focus on the protection of data through encryption, tokenization, and adherence to rules such as PCI DSS. Data breaches are reduced to a minimum with a safe POS system. Your customers will love interacting more with your business since their payment information will stay secured from any unwholesome people trying to access it.

3 Scalability and integration

One of the biggest benefits for enterprises in 2025! A cloud-based POS system allows businesses to scale operations without any glitching as they continue to grow. Your hired IT team can also integrate your system with other tools like CRM, ERP, and inventory management software. This will create a unified ecosystem; ensuring smoother workflows and better resource allocation.

4 Data-driven decision making

Do you know that POS systems provide detailed analytics on sales patterns, customer preferences, and product performance? Yes, it’s true! Looking from an IT standpoint, this data can be harnessed by organisations to implement advanced AI-driven insights. It will enable businesses to make smarter, data-backed decisions for growth and customer satisfaction.

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5 Improved customer experience

Fast and reliable POS systems reduce checkout times and improve customer satisfaction. Contactless payments, mobile POS, smooth integration with loyalty programs – all these factors make certain your business stays competitive in a tech-savvy market. You can maintain system uptime and reliability, ensuring smooth operations.

6 Cost efficiency

Another advantage of having a POS system for your enterprise in 2025. Automated processes and cloud-based storage reduce the need for expensive physical infrastructure. You can focus on managing scalable and cost-effective solutions rather investing in extensive hardware maintenance.

7 Future-proofing business

And here’s the best part – as technology evolves, so do POS systems! Enterprises that invest in modern POS solutions are better positioned to adapt to emerging trends, such as AI-powered analytics, omnichannel sales, and personalized customer experiences.

Installing a POS system enhances the operational capabilities of enterprises and gives them a competitive edge through optimized IT systems. It is an investment in efficiency and long-term growth. Now that you’re aware of benefits, it’s time to address the elephant in the room – installation of POS system!

What is Installation Process of POS System?

It’s true that installing a POS system is no easy feat for any enterprise. The procedure is very daunting. However, if properly approached, you can make a cakewalk. Here’s the step-by-step procedure to getting your POS up and running successfully in 2025:

1 Define your business needs

Tony Robins once said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to visible.” We agree with this. Before diving into the installation, take a moment to identify your business requirements. Ask yourself questions like:

– Do you need inventory tracking?

– Do you want to leverage multichannel sales capabilities?

– How about detailed analytics?

Map out features that you think are crucial for your enterprise. Taking care of first step increases your chances of ensuring a safe deployment journey ahead.

2 Choosing right POS system

Done defining your needs? It’s time to choose the right POS system. One needs to understand that like all fingers of a hand, not all systems are created equal. Therefore, compare different providers based on scalability, integration options, and industry-specific features. For instance, retail businesses might prioritise inventory management. Restaurants, on the other hand, may need table-side ordering.

Look for providers that offer robust customer support and reliable software.

3 Procure necessary hardware

While having excellent software is one thing, you also need to arrange a functional POS system hardware. For instance, terminal, card reader, receipt print, and possibly barcode scanners (or any other auxiliary device, depending on size or complexity of your business).

Be sure to assess whether the installed software is hardware-compatible to reduce problems during installation.

4 Configure application

Once you set up the hardware, next step is to configure software. Ask your hired engineer to install POS application on your business devices. Do tell them to align it with your business workflows. This involves:

– Setting up product catalogs

– Pricing

– Taxes

– Access permissions for employees

Most modern POS providers offer cloud-based solutions. This can make configuration process quick and flexible.

5 Integrate with existing systems

Different enterprises use different tools such as CRM, accounting, and inventory systems. Integration of your POS system with these is important part of installation process. Make sure your developers run compatibility and integration tests to verify flawless operation.

6 Train your team

The fact is even the best POS system can fall short if your business team doesn’t know how to use it. Conduct training sessions to familiarise employees with key functionalities like processing sales, managing inventory, and generating reports. This ensures efficacy from day one.

7 Test and go live

And the final step! Conduct rigorous testing to figure out potential issues before launching. Check payment processing, data accuracy, and user interface. Once satisfied, go live with confidence; knowing your system is all set to handle real-world demands made by your enterprises as well as customers.

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What is the Cost of Setting up a POS system in New Zealand?

We know many readers here were wondering, “What’s the cost of setting up a POS system?” API Connects can’t give you an exact answer to this because it varies significantly according to the scale and requirements of an enterprise. On average, the full setup (with both hardware and software) will cost between NZ$1500 to NZ$ 5000.

A basic package for smaller businesses starts from NZ$1000. Full package for more complex setups and multiple terminals, on the other hand, can cost over NZ$10000.

Why API Connects For POS System Installation?

API Connects is a top choice for many enterprises in New Zealand when it comes to installing POS systems. We offer tailored solutions that emphasise efficacy, scalability, and integration. We have proven success in a wide range of industries. The answer to this lies in cutting-edge technology and a team of best engineers! We ensure transitions to modern POS system with minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Need example? One of our logistics client’s legacy POS system was in use for over two decades and was outdated and inefficient. It was causing operational risks such as transaction delays and data inconsistencies. Their traditional system lacked the flexibility to adapt to modern business requirements. Not to mention, posed a significant barrier to growth.

API Connects managed the entire design, implementation, and rollout of an enterprise-class POS system. Using our skills and decades of experience, we changed 20-year-old architecture and provided our client with much better solution.

Benefit? Their new system eliminated inefficiencies that used to mar operations and removed all operational risk factors. Our client was happy with the new streamlined workflow. We used custom APIs, POS Integration, and Cloud infrastructure for system deployment!

For enterprises, choosing API Connects = partnering with experts who are committed to your success.

POS Installation and Best Services in New Zealand: Final Words

There you go!

We told you everything about installing a POS system in 2025. Enterprises can see how much potential a well-designed system holds for improving workflow and customer experience. It’s no longer a luxury but necessity to competitive in today’s fast paced market.

If you’re ready to take your next step, API Connects is here to help. Let’s discuss your goals and create a POS system that can future-proof your business operations. A system that streamline processes like never before.

Email us at enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to initiate a conversation.

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DevOps Engineer vs. Software Engineer: Key Roles and Differences

A lot of business owners when confronted with the challenge of hiring engineering talent come across the terms ‘DevOps engineer’ and ‘software engineer’, and end up confused.

While these two roles are playing an important part in software development, deployment, and operations, young hiring professionals often have a hard time differentiating between the two. While there are a lot of commonalities between the duo, their core responsibilities, skill sets, and focus areas are different.

In this blog, API Connects – the leading IT services firm in Auckland – will share the key roles and differences between DevOps engineers and software engineers to help you make an informed hiring decision.

Let’s start!

Who is a Software Engineer?

A software engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications. Their work rotates around coding, debugging, and problem-solving. Software engineers use programming languages, structures, and tools to create software solutions that meet with the business’s needs and users’ requirements.

Key responsibilities of software engineers:

– Writing, testing, and amending code for software applications.

– Coordinating with teams to understand and enforce user requirements.

– Maintaining and improving software systems.

– Following the coding standards and best practices for software development.

– Working with tools like C++, Java, or JavaScript.

Core Skills of a Software Engineer:

– Mastery in programming languages like Java and Python.

– Knowledge of software design principles.

– Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

What is a DevOps Engineer?

A DevOps engineer focuses on crossing the gap between development and operations. Their goal is to simplify and automate processes to assure faster delivery and manageability of software applications. In simple terms, they build and maintain the infrastructure that allows software engineers to deploy their applications perfectly.

Key Responsibilities of DevOps Engineers:

– Robotic CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines.

– Manage and monitor the structure using tools like Docker and OpenShift.

– Ensuring manageability, performance, and accessibility of systems.

– Coordinating with development and operations teams to enhance the workflow efficiency.

Core Skills of a DevOps Engineer:

– Mastery of automation tools like Ansible and Puppet.

– Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

– Strong understanding of networking and system administration.

– Ability to work with monitoring tools like Grafana.

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DevOps Engineers vs Software Engineers: Key Differences

Now that we have an overview of both, let’s highlight the main differences between a DevOps engineer and a software engineer:

Focus: Software engineers develop applications, while DevOps engineers simplify workflows between development and operations.

Tools: Software engineers use programming languages like Java, C++, and Python. DevOps engineers depend on tools like CI/CD, Docker, and OpenShift.

Goals: Software engineers construct functional software, while DevOps engineers ensure seamless deployment and system reliability.

Collaboration: Software engineers work with designers and product teams, while DevOps engineers collaborate with developers and IT operations.

Automation: DevOps engineers work with automation and infrastructure, while software engineers focus more on coding.

Skills: Software engineers excel in coding, while DevOps engineers specialize in cloud, automation, and system management.

With these neat differences at your disposal, you will be able to make the right hiring decision with ease.

Engage DevOps and Engineering Talent

From a business perspective, software engineers and DevOps engineers are equally important for success. Software engineers run innovation by building products that meet customer needs. Without them, there would be no end product. DevOps engineers, on the other hand, assure that these applications are delivered quickly, and time-to-market is reduced, helping businesses stay competitive.

API Connects specializes in delivering advanced IT solutions for software development and DevOps automation. By using the latest tools and best practices, we help businesses improve their development and deployment processes. Here’s what we offer:

– Custom Software Development: Customized solutions to meet your unique business needs.

– DevOps Automation: Efficient CI/CD pipelines and seamless deployments.

– Cloud Integration: Expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for scalable infrastructure.

– Ongoing Support: Reliable maintenance and observation for most uptime.

When you partner with API Connects, you gain access to a team of experienced professionals dedicated to driving your success.

DevOps vs. Software Engineer: Endnotes

Both DevOps engineers and software engineers are essential in the modern technology landscape. While software engineers focus on developing products, DevOps engineers ensure that they are deployed and maintained competently.

Need expert guidance for DevOps or software engineering solutions? Email us at enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to schedule a consultation with one of our engineers. We will help you choose the right technologies and capabilities.

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Data Lakes vs. Data Warehouses: Which is the Right Storage Solution

“What should I choose between data lakes and warehouses?”

From customer interaction and financial transactions to operational analytics and market insights, the ability to store and analyze data efficiently is imperative to staying competitive. Yet, the type of storage solution a business chooses greatly impacts how effectively it can use the power of its data. Two of the most popular data storage architectures include data lakes and data warehouses.

While both serve as storehouses in which data can be archived, their nature, reason for existence, and uses are vastly different. API Connects – trusted for data analytics solutions in New Zealand – decided to help you out! In this blog, we will list all discrepancies between data lakes and data warehouses.

Let’s start!

What is a Data Lake?

Our first contender is data lake. A large repository for raw and unstructured data as well as semi-structured and structured data! Imagine a great reservoir where all sorts of data flow. Each waiting to be processed and later analyzed. Data lakes are constructed on scalable and cost-effective storage systems, most often in combination with a cloud platform such as AWS S3, Microsoft Azure Data Lake, or Google Cloud Storage.

What are Key Features of a Data Lake?

– Raw Data Storage: Stores data in its native format with no predefined schema.

– Scalable: Can be scaled when handling big data volumes.

– Versatile: Can store any type of data – text, images, videos, and IoT, etc.

– Support for Advanced Analytics: Enables machine learning, predictive analytics, and real-time processing.

What are the Advantages of Data Lakes?

– Cost-Effective: Cloud-based storage systems used for data lakes are usually more economical for large data sets.

– Flexible: Suitable for organizations that require storing heterogeneous data types without a predefined schema.

– Future-proof: Supports advanced analytics tools and frameworks such as Spark and Hadoop.

What are the Limitations of Data Lakes?

– Complexity: Requires highly skilled data engineers and tools to process and extract insights from raw data.

– Data Governance Challenges: Without proper governance, data lakes can become unmanageable “data swamps.”

– Performance Issues: Querying raw data can be slower compared to structured systems.

What is a Data Warehouse?

Finally, time to put a spotlight on our next contender of data lakes vs warehouse battle! The latter is a highly organized, structured repository designed for storing processed and refined data. Data warehouse is specifically engineered for querying and reporting.

A go-to solution for business intelligence and analytics, popular platforms for data warehouses are Snowflake, Google BigQuery, and Amazon Redshift.

What are the Key Features of a Data Warehouse?

– Structured Data Storage: Allows to arrange data in schemas tailored for efficient querying.

– Performance Optimization: Optimised for quick retrieval of analytical queries.

– Integration: Works seamlessly with business intelligence tools.

What are the Benefits of Data Warehouses?

– High Performance: Optimized for complex analytical queries and reporting.

– Better Data Consistency: Uses ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to ensure clean, structured data.

– User-Friendly: Easier for non-technical users to access and generate reports.

What are the Limitations of Data Warehouses?

Just like there are two sides to a coin, data warehouses also have their share of limitations:

– Burns hole in pocket: More expensive due to specialized hardware and software requirements.

– Limited Flexibility: Suitable for structured data so not that good at handling raw or unstructured formats.

– Scalability Challenges: Scaling is expensive and complicated as compared to data lakes.

Data Lakes Vs Data Warehouses: Right Choice for Your Business?

Selection between a data lake and a data warehouse is more about picking an option that supports your business needs rather than which one is “better” solution.

Choose a Data Lake If:

– You have data with different formats, including unstructured data (images, videos, sensor data, etc.).

– You are focused on advanced analytics, machine learning, or real-time data processing.

– Scalability and cost-efficacy are on top of your priorities list.

– You have a team of data engineers who can manage and process raw data.

Select a Data Warehouse If:

– Your primary need is to analyze structured data for business intelligence and reporting.

– You need fast, consistent query performance.

– Your team has analysts who need easy access to clean, organized data.

– You have the budget to invest in specialized storage solutions.

Why Choose API Connects for Data Lakes and Warehouse Management?

API Connects understands the critical role that data plays in driving business decisions. That’s why we help enterprises unlock full potential of their data via our robust and scalable data lake and warehouse solutions in New Zealand. Using cutting-edge technologies and best practices, we design, build, and manage data architectures that meet your unique business needs.

Our team of experienced data engineers and architects will work closely with you to:

– Ingest and transform data from disparate sources: Flawlessly integrate data from various sources including your databases, applications, and cloud platforms into your data lake or warehouse.

– Data quality and reliability: We make sure your data quality is robust and reliable. Also that your data is accurate and consistent!

– Optimize data storage and retrieval: We design efficient data storage and retrieval mechanisms that allow for rapid, reliable access to your data for analysis and reporting.

– Provide ongoing support and maintenance: API Connects in New Zealand offers ongoing support and maintenance services. Get optimal performance and security of your data lake or warehouse all the time.

Having us as your partner means you can take full advantage of your data power for innovation and your enterprise success!

Data Leaks vs Data Warehouse: Endnotes

The choice between a data lake and a data warehouse is basically about aligning your data strategy with your business objectives. Therefore, before making a decision, consider your organization’s current needs, data complexity, and long-term goals.

If budget allows, explore hybrid solutions that can cater to both raw data processing and structured analytics. With the right storage architecture, your business can unlock the full potential of its data and drive impactful decisions!

For businesses that require additional expertise, partnering with a trusted company like API Connects can further strengthen your API security strategy. With our comprehensive approach to API protection, you can ensure that your digital infrastructure remains safe, secure, and reliable in today’s increasingly connected world.

Drop us an email on enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to speak with one of our engineers and discuss your business objectives.

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Migrating Traditional Workloads to AWS: Everything Covered

Ask any entrepreneur how they find handling workloads within their organisation in 2025 and most of them will say, “Complex and expensive.” Sad but true. Traditional workloads actually pose significant challenges in today’s dynamic business environment; often hindering growth and innovation. While numerous solutions exist, a lot of enterprises are opting for migration to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

However, migrating to AWS can be daunting for those who are not familiar with it. In this blog, API Connects will talk about migration of traditional workloads to AWS platform. From core concepts to key benefits to process and expert insights, we are going to cover it all.

The goal here is to give enterprises the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding cloud strategy. So, are you ready? Let’s go!

What is AWS Platform?

Also known as Amazon Web Services, AWS is one of the most adopted cloud computing platforms offered by Amazon. It provides on-demand access to a wide array of computing resources including:

– Servers

– Storage

– Databases

– Networking

– Analytics

– Machine learning (and more)

Rather than owning and maintaining physical infrastructure, enterprises rely on AWS to scale their operations up or down as needed. They only have to pay for the resources they consume.

More benefits? Well, let’s discuss them in the next section!

What are the Benefits of Migrating Traditional Workloads to AWS?

Migrating traditional workloads to AWS offers a myriad of benefits to businesses seeking better performance, scalability, and cost-efficacy. Here are some of them:

1 Cost optimization

Literally the BIGGEST benefit! Enterprises can save huge amounts of money by not having to invest in hardware and other maintenance costs for traditional data centres. They can shift to a pay-as-you-go model. Meaning, better budgeting and no wastage of resources on idle infrastructure.

2 Better scalability and elasticity

AWS offers elastic scalability. It is possible to scale up resources depending on the dynamics of your business demand. Yes, you read it right! You can quickly scale up or down computing power to meet increased demands during busy seasons and avoid wasting resources during calm seasons.

3 Improved reliability and availability

Offloading infrastructure management to AWS frees up valuable IT resources for innovation and strategic initiatives. This platform has an extensive suite of services. All these enable faster deployment of new applications and services. Thereby, accelerating time-to-market.

4 Amazing security

One of the strong features of the AWS platform is security. This technology has a robust framework with multiple layers of protection. Starting from the physical security of data centers; moving up to advanced encryption and access control mechanisms. Overall, a safe environment for sensitive data and applications!

5 Global reach and accessibility

Thanks to the global infrastructure of AWS technology, enterprises can easily expand their business to reach new markets and serv customers around the world. Deploying applications close to end-users improves performance and reduces latency even if your system is operating in another corner of the world. Thus, improving customer experience.

6 Simplified management and automation

Another benefit of migrating traditional workloads to AWS is that it is simpler to manage and automate. Credit goes to a set of management tools and automation capabilities provided by this technology. AWS allows IT teams to automate routine tasks, improve efficacy, and focus on more strategic initiatives.

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What is the Process of Migrating Traditional Workloads to AWS?

API Connects has divided the whole migration process into 5 different stages. Here’s a deeper look:

1 Assessment and planning

Nathaniel Branden once said, “A goal without an action plan is a daydream.” It’s true. You can’t migrate your traditional workloads flawlessly unless you have evaluated your existing IT landscape and defined clear migration objectives. First, address these aspects.

Start by thoroughly discovering and inventorying all servers, applications, databases, and interdependencies. You will get a clear idea of of what needs to be migrated. Then conduct a detailed workload analysis. Check the application’s performance, and resource usage such as CPU memory, storage utilisation and compatibility in the AWS environment.

This analysis will help you determine the best migration strategy for each workload: rehosting (lift and shift), re-platforming, refactoring, repurchasing, or retiring. Finally, clear objectives and KPIs must be defined. Set SMART goals and migration and metrics to track progress and measure success.

2 Proof of concept (POC)

Before beginning a full-scale migration, do a proof of concept! How can you do it, you ask? Migrate small, non-critical applications or representative subsets of data into AWS. This will allow you to validate your chosen migration strategy in a real-world environment without impacting your production systems.

You can also identify potential technical challenges, refine migration plan, and build confidence in the process. POC will also give enterprises a chance to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of the AWS environment for their specific workloads.

3 Migration execution

Alright, this is the step you all were waiting for! Phase three marks the actual transfer of traditional workloads to the AWS platform. Now what goes into it totally depends on the migration strategy you created during step 1. Usually, migration engineers use rehosting (lift and shift concept) to move applications to AWS with minimal to no modifications.

This is the quickest approach and will likely allow you to make use of tools like AWS server migration services (SMS) and CloudEndure migration. But since you’re re-platforming, do take care of minor adjustments to business apps so that they can take full advantage of AWS services.

4 Testing and validation

Done with migration? Applications are up and running in AWS? Great but hey, there’s still a lot to take care of. You need to conduct multiple tests and validations. This ensures all applications are functional, perform, and maintain the required security posture.

Here are some common forms of testing that should be done among others:

– Functional testing: As the name suggests, it assures that all functionalities and features of your business apps operate as per their expectation once migration is over. Testers confirm that UIs, business logic, and integration into other systems behave perfectly.

– Performance testing: Application performance should meet performance requirements/SLA conditions at different loads. How can you assure this? By determining and simulating actual user traffic of response times, throughput, and resources utilization!

– Security testing: Make certain all security controls are properly applied and effective in the new AWS environment. Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability scanning as well as security audits. This way, you can identify all possible security vulnerabilities.

– User acceptance testing (UAT): Enterprises also need to allow end-users to test their migrated applications in a production-like environment. UAT will give you valuable feedback from the actual users’ point of view. You will be able to identify usability issues and functional gaps.

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5 Optimization and monitoring

The process of migration does not end with deployment and testing. One also needs to continuously optimise and monitor for maximizing performance, controlling costs, and maintaining security in the long run. Here are the steps that you need to consider during this traditional workload migration to AWS phase:

– Performance monitoring: Track CPU utilization, memory usage, network traffic, and application response times at all times. By doing so, you can find performance bottlenecks and improvement areas. AWS platform itself provides a range of monitoring tools such as CloudWatch to facilitate this.

– Cost optimization: Review resource utilization regularly. Identify opportunities to reduce costs. This can include right-sizing instances (choosing appropriate instance type and size), leveraging reserved instances or savings plans for predictable workloads, and optimizing storage usage.

– Security monitoring: Continuously monitor for security threats and vulnerabilities using AWS security services such as AWS Security Hub and Amazon GuardDuty. Make your way through security logs. Check for suspicious activity. Not to mention, prompt response to security incidents!

Need Help With AWS Migration? Contact API Connects Today

Above is everything important about migrating traditional workloads to AWS platform in 2025. We bet most enterprises have found this process very daunting. And we will not lie to you – it certainly is! You need a partner who can take this load off your plate.

*Enters API Connects*

Our Auckland engineers specialise in smooth and secure transitions to AWS platform. Meaning, your business can focus on innovation while we handle complexities of migration. Our team will assess your existing infrastructure and only craft tailored solutions, all while providing end-to-end support for a smooth migration journey.

Using decade spanning experience, API Connects uses industry-best practices and cutting-edge tools to transition workloads to AWS EKS. Here’s a work example:

A leading enterprise was struggling to migrate its traditional workloads to AWS platform. After multiple consulting sessions, we crafted a solution that helped them shift workloads to AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service, unlocking scalability and making it adoptive to containerized deployment.

Result? Its team was able to manage resources and meet modern application service’s needs without performance degradation.

With API Connects, you get a reliable partner committed to empowering your digital transformation. Ready to experience a hassle-free migration? Email us at enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to discuss your migration goals. Let us make it happen for you!

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10 Ways to Secure Your APIs and Sensitive Information

You’ve created a powerful SaaS application, users love it, and data is flowing like it should? But lurking in the shadows is a threat — cybercriminals waiting to take advantage of vulnerabilities and gain access to your sensitive data. Sounds like a nightmare? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be. Implementing suitable security measures can help you secure your APIs and keep your sensitive data protected.

In this blog, API Connects – a leading API integration service provider – will list 10 practical tips, strategies, and approaches for securing your APIs and technology infrastructure.

10 Ways to Secure Your APIs

APIs are at the core of modern digital ecosystems, and you must secure them to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The good news is that taking the right security steps can protect your data and help keep your systems up and running.

Here are 10 ways to protect your APIs and sensitive data, allowing you to remain one step ahead of potential threats while building trust with your users and stakeholders.

1. Use Secure API Authentication

One of the first lines of defense to protect your APIs against attacks is strong authentication. Implement strong authentication mechanisms such as OAuth 2.0, JWT (JSON Web Tokens), or API key-based authentication to ensure that only authorized users or applications have access to your API. Don’t use weak passwords, they are usually the easiest way for hackers to get access.

You can also enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to the authentication process, making it much harder for attackers to compromise your system.

2. Implement Rate Limiting

APIs are prone to brute-force attacks or denial-of-service (DoS) attacks if they are not rate-limited. Rate-limiting allows a finite number of requests to be made within a given time period, protecting your system from being inundated with traffic.

For example, you can limit API requests to 1000 requests/hour on an API, which not only protects your API but also ensures its performance for real users. This also mitigates the risk of a mischievous element sending requests to your API in an attempt to find weaknesses.

3. Encrypt Sensitive Data in Transit

Be sure to use encryption protocols like https or TLS to securely transmit sensitive information. This means that an attacker won’t be able even to read or tamper with data in transit if they manage to intercept it. Encryption technology is used to encrypt sensitive information like personal information, passwords, and credit card numbers to protect user data and prevent data breaches.

Make sure all your API endpoints are using encryption in order to ensure data security during the transmission of the data.

4. Input Validation and Sanitation

Security breaches are frequently instigated by code injections as an API fails to sanitize incoming data. This is commonly referred to as an injection attack. To secure your API and sensitive information, you must always validate and sanitize input data.

By checking that inputs conform to the expected format and rejecting any suspicious data, managers reduce the risk of attacks like SQL injections, XSS (cross-site scripting), and other malicious injections that can exploit your API’s vulnerabilities.

5. Use API Gateways for Additional Security Layers

The API gateway serves as a gateway between the client and your API services handling the traffic throttling, security checks, and route management. This enables you to enforce additional security measures such as access control, logging, and threat detection upon the API services.

API gateways help in stemming the tide of the heavy traffic while keeping sensitive information out of the hands of unauthorized personnel. It is also a good data security practice to establish rules regarding request management based on user roles and permissions to make the API more secure.

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6. Regularly Update and Patch Your API

Keeping your API up-to-date is among the easiest ways to avoid security breaches. Like any software, APIs require updates and patches to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Develop an update flow for API platforms and other third-party components to ensure they are always updated to the latest possible version.

Leaving your API vulnerable to attackers that could exploit these known vulnerabilities cannot be over-emphasized. Reinstate a protocol for checking patches frequently and applying them immediately after they become available.

7. Monitor API Usage and Logs

Monitoring API activity and logs can provide valuable insights into who is accessing your API, what they are doing, and whether there are any abnormal patterns that might indicate malicious behavior. By actively monitoring these logs, you can detect potential security breaches early and take corrective action.

Look out for sudden spikes in traffic, unusual IP addresses, or patterns of requests that might indicate someone trying to exploit your API. Prompt action can prevent a breach from escalating into a full-scale attack.

8. Leverage API Security Tools and Firewalls

Using API security tools that provide the option of firewalls helps secure APIs and critical information. This will ensure that malicious API traffic is detected and blocked. By doing this, these tools safeguard against a reasonably broad range of threats including SQL injection, brute force, and cross-site scripting.

Investing in API security solutions guarantees real-time threat detection and automated remediation with proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and API infrastructure.

9. Set Up Fine-Grained Access Controls

API security isn’t merely about keeping unauthorized individuals out; it’s about ensuring the right people or applications get the correct access level to the right resources that will prevent unlawful entry. By implementing either role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC), IT engineers set fine-grained permission systems for various users, ensuring that sensitive information is open to only those who need it.

A user in a basic role might have only read access to public data, while an admin might have sweeping access. Besides, it limits exposing sensitive data to just those that may or need to have access to it.

10. Secure the API Code and Infrastructure

One of the most critical steps in securing your APIs is ensuring the code itself is secure. Top API engineers recommend conducting regular code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential risks before they are exploited by attackers.

On top of this, secure your underlying infrastructure by deploying it in trusted environments, using containerization and virtualization technologies to isolate API workloads, and securing access to your servers and databases.

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Stay Vigilant and Secure Your APIs

Securing an API and sensitive information is not a one-time activity; rather, it’s an ongoing process that requires constant care, vigilance, and proactive steps. Implementing these 10 tried-and-true virtual security methods to secure your APIs protects sensitive information and earns the trust of users and customers.

As the digital landscape evolves, so do hackers. Keeping abreast of the latest API security trends and constantly upgrading your API protection will help safeguard sensitive information and assure the future success of your digital products.

So, whether you are a developer, an API provider, or someone handling sensitive data, it’s time to secure your API and sensitive information now!

From initial planning to ongoing maintenance, our API engineers will guide you through every step of the process. Call us at 098693444 or email us at enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to learn more about how we can help you harness the power of your data.

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Invoice Processing Automation: Why it Matters, Best Practices, and Solutions

Statistics suggest that 31% of companies have fully automated at least one function while 76% are using it for standardizing workflows, 58% for data reporting, and 36% for regulatory compliance. Invoice processing is also going through this transformation. And why wouldn’t it? After all, it’s a business function that is very crucial yet also often tedious.

However, some business owners and teams have limited knowhow of the massive benefits brought by this approach. In this blog, API Connects will talk about invoice processing automation, and will walk you through its relevance, key benefits and potential business impact.

Our automation engineers will also list best practices along with effective solutions to guide you in making a seamless shift towards automation in invoice management processes.

Let’s begin!

Why Invoice Processing Automation Matters?

Handling invoices on your own can be a time-consuming and error-prone task. But not when you automate them. Here are some key reasons why invoice processing automation matters:

1 Low cost of processing

Data entry, routing, approvals – these are some labour-intensive activities involved in manual invoice processing especially for big organizations. Automating them makes everything easier. By eliminating manual data entry, automating routing workflow, and making the approval process easier, it frees valuable staff time for strategic activities.

Around 80% processing costs can be reduced using invoice automation.

2 Reduced errors and increased accuracy

To err is human; to automate is smart. We all make mistakes but even one flaw in invoices can lead to wrong payments, delayed processing, and damaged relationships with stakeholders. Automated systems read data directly from invoices, and reduces the need for manual entry and chances of error significantly.

This increased accuracy helps enterprises build trust with suppliers over financial records.

3 Speed in processing times and efficacy

Those who run businesses or handle accounting know the fact how much time manual invoice processing can take. Days… even weeks for big teams and vendor base. This can lead to delayed payments and strained relationships. From receipt of invoice through to payment approval, automation speeds up the entire process!

Faster cycles for payments potentially result in early payment discounts and cash flow improvement.

4 Visibility and control

Given invoices often lack transparency in manual processing, it’s difficult to track status of invoices and bottlenecks. Automated systems provide real-time visibility into the complete lifecycle of an invoice. Yes, read it right! Businesses can monitor invoice status, track approvals, and identify potential issues. This provides them better financial management and improved forecasting.

5 Improved compliance and audit readiness

Manual invoice processing tends to be difficult in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements or preparing for audits. Automated systems ensure that every invoice is processed according to set rules and procedures. This generates an audit trail and makes compliance easier. You’ll also notice a reduction in risk of facing penalties!

Recommended: A comprehensive guide on onboarding automation!

What are Best Practices for Invoice Processing Automation?

Alright, we bet now you understand how much of an amazing step implementing invoice processing can be. It’s a step towards greater efficacy and cost savings. But hey, installing a system isn’t enough. Smooth transition and maximum benefits could be achieved by following certain best practices.

Here are some key points to consider when setting up invoice processing automation system in 2025:

1 Define clear objectives

Christina Wodtke once said, “Vague goals are the enemy of progress.” It’s true! Before implementing any automation solution, clearly define your objectives. For example, you can ask yourself or your team these questions:

– What specific problems are we trying to solve?

– What improvements our enterprise is hoping to achieve?

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your automation efforts.

2 Select the right automation solution

Once you’ve taken your first step by identifying needs and setting goals, you’re set for the most crucial part of the automating transition journey – selecting the right solution. But it won’t be a walk in the park. There are various automation solutions available for invoice processing. And each has its strengths and weaknesses.

Analyze your specific requirements first before picking an option that you think can easily meet your business requirement, budget, and other existing systems in place. Also, consider volume, complexity, and integrations.

3 Standardise invoice formats

Top automation engineers at API Connects, New Zealand believe that non-standardised invoice formats will be a barrier to automation. Therefore, we suggest enterprises request vendors to regulate their invoice formats such as EDI or XML.

Benefit? This will simplify data extraction and improve the accuracy of invoice processing. Even if full standardisation is not possible, you can make certain that your chosen solution can handle multiple formats through OCR or other intelligent capture methods.

4 Integration with other systems

Remember we mentioned the integration part above? Finally, it’s time to discuss it in detail! Ask your hired engineers to take their time and integrate your selected automation solution smoothly with existing accounting, ERP, and other relevant systems. After all, who wants to face problems after spending so much $$$?

Assimilation with existing systems ensures full exploitation of automated invoice system benefits. Not only will you be able to minimise data inconsistencies but also be able to prevent duplication of data entry efforts. It also facilitates workflow smoothness across departments.

5 Implement strong validation process

We know what you’re thinking, “Since I’m already automating invoice processes, why should I validate?” See, it’s true that automation reduces manual effort but validation guarantees accuracy and compliance. Double-checking also helps you avoid costly errors.

Validate can be through automated checks, manual review of exceptions, or combination of both. Clear rules and procedures should be established within your enterprise regarding handling exceptions and resolving discrepancies.

6 Comprehensive training

Can you drive a car without learning it? Of course not. Similarly, setting up invoice processing automation isn’t enough. You need to provide appropriate staff with adequate training about your enterprise’s new automation system. It can comprise:

– What is it about?

– How to use it?

– How to handle exceptions when they occur?

Adequate training will put your employees in a better position to effectively use the new invoicing system, giving your business optimum value.

7 Monitor and optimize

And finally, make sure to continuously monitor the performance of your automated invoice processing system for areas of improvement. Follow KPI, observe user feedback, and make adjustments as needed. A system constantly meeting your business needs helps you better refine your process.

Why Choose API Connects for Invoice Processing Solutions?

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, API Connects has been providing innovative solutions for almost a decade. We’ve helped various enterprise clients optimize their operations by streamlining processes through intelligent payroll automation.

API Connects works with technologies like Azure Power Automate and ABBYY Vantage IDP to deliver measurable results. Need an example? One of our clients was working with a manual and ineffective invoicing process.

By implementing automated workflow using the aforementioned tools, API Connects helped them achieve intelligent document processing. Our engineers helped extract large volumes of data accurately and efficiently. Result? Our invoice processing automation solutions helped them save over 1 man-week per month and boosted their general efficacy by 30%.

Banking industry recommendation: Core banking services in New Zealand!

Automate Invoice Process: Final Words

There you go!

We told you everything about invoice processing automation. Today is the right time to embrace payroll automation technology. Automated invoice processes can unlock enormous cost savings, minimise errors, improve efficiency, and strengthen your relationship with stakeholders.

Don’t let manual processes hold your enterprise back! Contact API Connects today to learn how our solutions can help you attain error-free invoice processing automation. Let’s work together to move your business forward!

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Success Story: Tech Excellence for AI Startup

In the past decade, our team of engineers and consultants in Auckland have helped hundreds of organisations with digital transformation but nothing delights us more than helping a technology driven business is solving complex challenges. Read this case study to discover how we helped an AI startup make the most of automation and scalable data management.

AWS technologies case study

For this client, our team worked with EC2 architecture, API gateways, Lambda functions, RDS PostgreSQL, and AWS CDK to solve multiple infrastructure provisioning, automation, and data engineering challenges.