Receipt Bank (now Dext) and Retool: Complete Integration Guide 2024

 

Integrating Retool with Receipt Bank (Dext)

 

Integrating Retool with Receipt Bank (Dext) allows users to streamline workflows by enabling data automation between the two platforms. Below is a detailed process for achieving this integration.

 

Prerequisites

 

• Have active accounts for both Retool and Dext Receipt Bank platforms with necessary permissions to create API connections and integrations.
• Ensure access to the API documentation for both platforms so you can effectively configure the integration.
• Basic understanding of API requests, endpoints, and authentication methods like API keys or OAuth tokens.

 

Obtaining API Credentials from Dext Receipt Bank

 

• Log in to your Dext Receipt Bank account and navigate to the settings or integrations section to locate the API access portal.
• Generate or locate your API credentials. This could be an API key or other types of access tokens. Note these credentials as they will be required for Retool setup.
• Ensure that your API credentials have the necessary permissions to access and manipulate data as required by your use case.

 

Setting Up a Retool API Resource

 

• Log in to your Retool account and go to the resources section where you configure external data connections.
• Add a new REST API resource. This resource will be used to communicate with Dext Receipt Bank's API.
• Configure the base URL for the API resource to point to Dext Receipt Bank's API base URL as specified in their documentation.
• Input your API credentials in the headers or authentication section of the Retool configuration panel. This typically involves adding an Authorization header with your API key.
• Save the newly created API resource once all relevant fields and credentials have been filled in.

 

Building Retool GUI with Dext Data

 

• Create a new application or open an existing one in Retool where you intend to use Dext Receipt Bank's data.
• Using Retool's drag-and-drop interface, add components such as tables, charts, or forms to display or interact with the fetched data.
• Configure these components by linking them to queries pulling data from the Dext API resource you have previously set up.
• Define queries using dynamic parameters if needed, depending on user inputs or other variables in your Retool application.
• Test the queries to confirm that the data is correctly pulled from Dext Receipt Bank and is displayed in your application components.

 

Executing API Calls and Rendering Data in Retool

 

• In Retool's interface, use JavaScript to create logic for executing API calls based on triggers like button clicks, form submissions, or other events.
• Try out GET calls to retrieve data such as expense items, suppliers, or receipts from Dext Receipt Bank.
• Set up POST calls if your use case requires submitting data back to Dext, such as creating new receipts or entities.
• Use functions within Retool to process and map incoming data into understandable and actionable data points for your application users.

 

Testing and Verification

 

• Test the Retool application thoroughly to ensure data integrity, correct API interaction, and proper functionality across all intended use cases.
• Validate the authentication setup by confirming that data received and sent through Retool are as expected without unauthorized errors.
• Ensure UI elements update dynamically with live data feedback from Dext's APIs to enhance the user experience.

 

Deploying and Maintaining the Integration

 

• Once tested, deploy your Retool application to users ensuring they have the necessary access permissions for using the Dext data.
• Regularly update API credentials and review Retool resource configurations to adapt to updates or changes in either platform's API or business needs.
• Monitor the integration for any potential issues such as API rate limits, deprecated endpoints, or maintenance updates from Dext.

 

By following these steps, you can successfully integrate Retool with Receipt Bank (Dext), providing a seamless flow of financial data between the platforms to optimize workflow automation and data management.