Address validation is essential to anyone or any business dealing with names and addresses. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as making a note of someone’s address and assuming it’s both correct and formatted correctly.
The layout of an address depends on what part of the world you are in. To verify an address or even to add it to a standard database, you need to make sure it is laid out in the right way.
Address validation via API can help you format the address for storing and then checks the validity of the address.
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Why Address Validation Is Important
In today’s fast-paced world, you don’t have the time to physically check every address. You also don’t want to take the risk that you’ve been given a false address. If you don’t check the address then scammers will quickly realize. They will give you false details to access your product or service, leaving you out of pocket.
Understanding API
API stands for Application Programming Interface. There are various companies, such as Egon, that offer address validation via API. Here’s how it works.
You can input an address for your customer, or they can do it themselves. The second option is increasingly popular as many customers fill their details in online.
Your site will insist they enter the address details in the right order. However, there is nothing that confirms the address is valid or belongs to the customer.
Your app or site has an API embedded into it. This verifies that all the essential address fields have been completed. It will tell the customer if there is information misspelled or missing and will even suggest the correct amendments. Your API will either suggest a corrected address or simply tell the customer to add the additional information.
During this process, the API verifies that the address is real. It can also check that the name listed at the address is the same as the name being used by the customer. If it isn’t, the API will raise a flag. The customer can continue to place the order, but you’ll be aware of the discrepancy and may need to undertake further checks.
Once the verification is completed, the API puts the address into the right format for your system, allowing effortless integration. The order can then be processed and the package sent with confidence.
Variants of API
One way in which API can be extremely beneficial to you and your customers is to set your system up so that customers enter a name and postcode. The API can then pull up a list of addresses that match the postcode and suggest them to the customer.
It saves time and that makes your service more appealing to any customer, as they generally want to complete the payment process as fast as possible.
Of course, there are variations in how effective postcode searching is. For example, in the UK, everyone is registered on the electoral roll. An API system can check the electoral role and suggest the exact address from just a surname and postcode.
In contrast, the API can only suggest a list of communes from a French postcode. In short, the API needs to be able to cope with different rules in different countries to provide the best possible solution for everyone.
Integration With Services
For an API to be effective it must be integrated into your website and customer-facing systems. This allows it to operate as addresses are being entered.
However, there are times when you’ll receive addresses from a third party, such as Google, Microsoft, or even IBM. You’ll generally use these as plugins to your existing system. Your API can still be used. As an Application Programming Interface, it is capable of integrating with all third-party systems and verifying the address before it is transferred to your system.
In most cases, the standard API can simply be installed. However, the parameters can also be changed when necessary. You may need the help of an IT specialist to make the necessary changes.
Summing Up
Whether used in your system or integrated with others, address validation via API ensures you have genuine addresses. Best of all, once installed, it works by itself, as there is no need to monitor the system, allowing you to focus on what matters, that’s your products and customer satisfaction.
