A conversation with Ruud Schuurman about 100% Digital for buyers
We recently put a number of questions to Ruud Schuurman, the implementation specialist at Floriday. 100% Digital and the API links for buyers were the main focus of our interview. What is Ruud’s role? What is the status of the links? What are the benefits? Read about it in the interview!
What is your role at Floriday?
I am Ruud Schuurman. I spent the past eight years working at Jem-id and I have been involved with FloraXchange from the start. I started in a supporting role and after that, I became more and more involved in the various links for both growers and buyers of Floriday. I currently focus on the links, guidance and implementation on the buyer side of Floriday. I enjoy working on the way in which systems can be linked to Floriday. I do so in a team of implementation specialists and our support department. We adapt quickly, translating ‘problems’ into developments, to ensure that these optimisations have a positive effect for all buyers using the platform.
What does the API link with Floriday entail for buyers?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API simply ensures that a system makes its data available to another system and enables rapid information exchange. There are two types of API links that buyers can choose from; the Blueroots API and the Floriday API. Blueroots members link their software package to Floriday using the Blueroots API. Buyers who are not Blueroots members can link their software package through the Floriday API. The main difference between these two APIs is that in the future, the Blueroots API will provide growers with more data than the Floriday API. The two APIs are otherwise the same for supply and orders.
What are the advantages of using an API link?
One of the advantages of using the API link is that data can be retrieved when you need it. Older links provided all the data in one go, even data that was not necessary or relevant at that time. The API consists of so-called ‘endpoints’ that you can query separately. For example, if you only need ‘delivery terms’ or ‘items offered by a grower’, you can retrieve that data alone. Moreover, this API is developed based on the buyer's needs. Buyers can benefit from the latest developments using these API links. This is essential for the sector and precisely why we keep up with the developments and rapid changes in the current world. It was simply not feasible with our old methods and protocols. Finally, sending along with your stickers directly through the API link is an advantage.
What is the status of the API link? (status overview of software suppliers)
The Buyer API link is currently in production. The first buyers, including Hilverda De Boer, are carrying out tests with growers. They have a functional API link that can be used to purchase from growers. The current API link is ‘mature’, which means that it offers functions similar to current methods and platforms, and more even than those. The contract trade module will also be available soon. In the coming years, modules will be continuously added so that the link becomes increasingly valuable for buyers. What should buyers do if they want to link their software package to Floriday? If you as a buyer want to link your software package to Floriday, I recommend that you start by contacting your software supplier. They can set up the API link for you. You can also already have a look at the overview of software suppliers.
Would you rather not work via a software package, but directly in the Floriday screens? That is possible, too! You can start with the Floriday function ‘Direct Purchasing’. You can also enter orders manually or upload an Excel file on the Floriday purchasing dashboard. Or call on pre-existing contracts.
What should I do to get started with the API link?
Make sure that your software supplier contacts Floriday so that we can provide them with all the necessary information about the API and they can ensure that the software package is linked to Floriday as quickly as possible. More information can be found on this page. Please note! There are costs associated with the API link. Please contact Jan van der Lans at jan@floriday.io for more information.
What is yet to come?
1. Stickers. We are now in a concluding phase. As a buyer, you can supply the stickers that you would like on the pots or packaging. This is done through the API link.
2. Contract trade By the end of this year, it will be possible to make contract trading accessible through the API link. This will allow you to call on the contract you as a buyer has with a grower through your own system.
Of course, Floriday will continue to develop, so that in addition to the functionalities related to stickers and contract trading, even more functionalities will become available.
