Policies and procedures as an API

Here’s a trend that didn’t make our list of predictions for 2017 – having company policies and procedures accessible via an Application Programming Interface (API).

API is a term used to describe mechanisms that allow an application to access data or functionality provided by another application, system or service. For example, if your policies and procedures were accessible via an API, they could be embedded or used in other systems within your organisation. APIs offer connectivity, flexibility and future-proofing.

Instead of staff having to look up procedures in a manual or on an intranet, the official guidance or instructions could be embedded into the applications and forms they’re using. Developers could save time by connecting the application they’re developing to the API. They wouldn’t need to write the information, and staff would always be presented with the official, definitive policy or procedure.

You’re still able to create policy and procedure documents, as a web page or in paper format.

This prediction didn’t make the list because it relates mostly to business documentation rather than technical documentation, and we’re unlikely to see many examples of it within the next 12 months. In practice, the content might be managed by a headless CMS; however, the approach would remain the same. Perhaps the NHS and other organisations in the healthcare sector will be the first to take of this approach.

See also: Cherryeaf’s policies and procedures writing services

What do you think of this prediction? Please share your thoughts below.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.