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Makini's unified API acts as a common denominator across all connected systems. We map each system's data structure to a standardized data model, exposing consistent endpoints regardless of the underlying platform. This means you write the same code to retrieve purchase orders from SAP, NetSuite, or Dynamics—the API calls and response formats are identical. You always get data in the same structure, making it easy to build consistent business logic. The unified approach eliminates the need to learn each system's unique API, manage multiple authentication methods, or handle varying data formats.
Makini maintains a comprehensive data model built from analyzing thousands of industrial systems. When data flows through Makini, we automatically transform it from the source system's format into our standardized structure. For example, purchase orders from SAP, NetSuite, and Dynamics all return with consistent field names, data types, and structures. This normalization happens in real-time as data passes through the API. You also have access to raw data if needed for specific use cases. The unified model covers common entities like purchase orders, work orders, inventory items, vendors, and assets, with extensive field coverage across systems.
Makini Flows is our embedded workflow automation platform, built on n8n, which we consider the best workflow automation tool available. It's fully integrated into Makini and runs on our infrastructure. Flows allows you to build complex integration logic using a visual workflow builder—no code required, though code is supported for advanced use cases. Workflows can be triggered by schedules, webhooks, API calls, or events from connected systems. You can perform data transformations, implement conditional logic, call external APIs, and orchestrate multi-step processes. Flows includes over 1,000 pre-built connectors beyond Makini's industrial systems, enabling integrations with databases, messaging platforms, cloud services, and more. Most customer activations are completed using Flows due to its flexibility and ease of use.
Authentication errors (401 status code) typically occur for a few reasons: the API token is invalid or expired, the underlying system credentials have changed, the system requires reauthorization, or the token lacks necessary permissions. First, verify you're including the token correctly in the Authorization header. Check the connection status in the Makini dashboard—if it shows as requiring reauthorization, the customer needs to reconnect. If credentials were recently changed in the source system, you'll need to reconnect to obtain a new token. For persistent issues, check if the system account has sufficient permissions to perform the requested operation. If the problem continues, contact support with the request ID for investigation.
