Define ownership before moving data
If two systems can both change the same record, conflict becomes a product problem. Decide which system is authoritative for each domain and whether the integration is one-way, two-way or event-driven.
Authentication is part of the operating model
API keys, OAuth tokens, service accounts and user-delegated access create different security and lifecycle requirements. Credentials need secure storage and a plan for rotation or expiry.
Map concepts, not just field names
Two systems may both have a “status” field while meaning completely different things. Integration work needs an explicit mapping between data models and a decision about what to do when one side has no equivalent value.
Use webhooks carefully for asynchronous change
Webhooks can reduce polling and make updates faster, but receiving an event does not guarantee it will only arrive once or in the order expected. Handlers should be designed for retries, duplicate delivery and verification.
Give operations visibility into failure
A production integration needs more than application logs. Teams may need to see failed records, provider references, retry status or a safe way to replay an action.
That operational layer is what turns an API connection into a supportable business workflow.