At CDK CONNECT 2024, our Accessing the Right Data at the Right Time with Fortellis breakout session provided an in-depth look at the latest innovations and tools designed to empower developers and streamline data management. Below is a detailed recap of the key takeaways, including new features, expert insights and strategies for optimizing your API integrations and workflows.

A Growing Marketplace

Fortellis continues to grow, providing developers with over 260 apps in the marketplace and supporting more than 35,000 active dealer subscriptions. This expansion underscores Fortellis' role as a transformative platform for automotive retail solutions.

API Tools and Field Management for Enhanced Data Control

One of the major highlights of the session was the introduction of new API data management and field filtering tools. These features allow developers to efficiently manage and define the specific data fields needed for their apps, while providing dealers enhanced field level control over what data is shared through Fortellis APIs. This ensures transparency and flexibility, while also delivering an additional layer of security for both developers and dealerships. Fortellis’ robust API infrastructure — which now supports over 125 public and private APIs and processes more than 3.5 billion transactions annually —underscores the platform’s growing capabilities.

Improved Certification Workflow

The new guided certification process was another key focus, and simplified the steps for registering, certifying and publishing apps on Fortellis. This step-by-step flow allows developers to:

• Create an app with their selected APIs
• Test, iterate and refine Apps within a 30-day trial period
• Submit the app for certification and launch it on the marketplace

Developer Care Support Portal

We announced the Developer Care Support Portal, a new platform designed to streamline support for developers working on API integrations with CDK systems. Key features of the portal include:

• Online support ticketing system
• Comprehensive knowledge base

On the Horizon

Additionally, Professional Services were announced and will soon be available to assist developers with app workflow design, certification and optimization. This will help ensure that apps are seamlessly integrated and performing at their best. While the official launch date is still forthcoming, this service is set to enhance the support developers receive throughout the integration process.

Fortellis is driving innovation and empowering developers with the tools and support they need to build better, more efficient apps. With new data management features, a streamlined certification process and enhanced support tools, Fortellis remains at the forefront of automotive retail solutions.