What is an application programming interface (API)?

An application program interface (API) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. API is a messenger that delivers your data request to one application (in this case, BuildingConnected or TradeTapp) and then delivers the requested data back to your system of choice. 

To put simply, think of a cashier at a burger joint. You interface with the cashier, not the kitchen. You tell the cashier (the API) what you want, and the kitchen (the platform) does the work and gives the product to the cashier who gives it back to you. Similar to a menu, an API has a fixed list of options you can request. Just as you can ask the cashier to give you a cheeseburger, you can ask the BuildingConnected API to give you a list of all the subcontractors you invited to bid; you can ask for no onions on your burger, and you can ask for only the subcontractors you awarded a job to. The BuildingConnected web application does all this work for you, but our API allows you to customize how you interact with your data.

What can I do with the API? 

The BuildingConnected API offers read and write endpoints that cover most of the key data objects across both BuildingConnected Pro and Bid Board Pro. You can connect with Autodesk Construction Cloud, connect to ETL workflows, or integrate with third party tools like CRM, ERP, and more. 

With the TradeTapp API, you can access key qualification data to evaluate and mitigate subcontractor risk. You can leverage the most up to date vendor data, such as demographic, contact, project, financial, safety, or insurance, and connect with third party tools to round out important workflows. 

Check out more of what’s possible with the BuildingConnected and TradeTapp API on Autodesk Platform Services here. 

Can general contractors push to the API?

Yes, the BuildingConnected API supports both read and write endpoints for most objects. These endpoints include templating and batching, enabling you to automate most workflows in BC Pro. For example, you can batch create all your bid packages and bid forms from a template using the API. You can also manage with folders in Autodesk Docs are share with which bid package.

The TradeTapp API, however, only supports read endpoints.  

Are files accessible through the API?

Yes, using Autodesk Docs you can programmatically manage files shared on BuildingConnected projects. You can also extract bid attachments.

Support for our legacy files service and opportunity files is not yet available.

Is the API real-time?

Yes. All data is available in real time unless otherwise stated (the data behind the /Contacts endpoints are updated nightly).

Where can I find more information? 

For more information on the BuildingConnected and TradeTapp API, visit Autodesk Platform Services. 

How do I get access? 

Click  here  for information on how to request access to BuildingConnected and TradeTapp’s API.