API vs DSS—Which Is Best for You?

Published: September 5, 2023

Inventory API vs DSS—Which Is Best for You?

The Inventory API and DSS (Distributor Stock Search) tools by TrustedParts.com are active on dozens of websites and software applications across the industry. How can you decide which is best for your needs?

Today, we’ll compare the setup, features, and functionality between the API and DSS so you can make an informed decision for your business.

What Do the API and DSS Actually Do?

TrustedParts.com is an industry-leading source of authorized inventory. Our electronic components search engine is invaluable for sourcing high-quality products from authorized electronic component distributors.

Both the inventory API and DSS are tools that allow you to display authorized TrustedParts.com search results within your website or application. The product results are fast and secure, giving you and your users the valuable information they need—when they need it.

What’s the Difference?

Though the API and DSS have similar purposes, they differ in setup, installation, and flexibility. Integrating the API requires custom programming, while the DSS uses a widget-style setup process with little to no coding necessary. The API is much more flexible. For example, the DSS can only be used with a website, whereas the API can be used with almost any type of software.

Let’s dive deeper into each product to learn which one is best for you.

The TrustedParts.com Inventory API

Installing the TrustedParts.com Inventory API requires server-side coding. While this may be the more technically involved choice, creating the API integration allows for analysis, custom logic, and custom display of distributor results. Using the inventory API means you can provide search results in any design or display that fits your needs.

Here’s an overview of how setup works:

1. Request access to the inventory API under the Additional Features Tab of the My Account page. If you don’t have a free account, you’ll need to sign up for one.
2. Fill out and submit the form.
3. After your request is approved, you’ll find the API credentials under the API Key tab.
4. Update your application or website code to make requests and process responses from the TrustedParts.com Inventory API.

For more information, check out the comprehensive documentation on how to make requests. We have detailed Swagger technical documentation, and you can use your credentials to make sample requests and see sample responses. Additionally, please review our inventory API attribution and terms of use documents.

The TrustedParts.com DSS

Compared to the inventory API, the DSS is a turnkey solution that is very easy to install. There is little to no coding required.

Requesting access to the DSS follows the same steps as the API. You’ll find the request form under the Features You May Request section on the Additional Features tab when logged into your My Account page.

Submit the form, and, upon approval, you’ll be able to complete the setup quickly:

1. Open our step-by-step wizard.
2. Select from the options to configure the search display and style.
3. Choose a color theme.
4. Finally, select your method of implementation. You can choose to install the DSS tag in one of two ways: a. iframe (a secondary webpage opens in an iframe on your webpage) b. embedded (the DSS will embed code that will execute on your webpage)

No matter which options you select, installing the DSS into your website is as easy as copying the tag and pasting it into your webpage.

Leverage the Best Components Search Engine with the TrustedParts.com Inventory API and DSS

Both the inventory API and DSS are powerful tools that can help you do your job more effectively. The DSS allows for setup within minutes, but the API provides a much wider scope of customization options. Either way, you’re making a great choice.

Leverage the powerful benefits of the TrustedParts.com components search engine on your own site with our inventory API and DSS tools. Get started today by registering for your free TrustedParts.com account, or visit the documentation pages for our API or the documentation pages for our DSS.