Building an app on someone else’s platform comes with its own set of challenges. You’re not just writing code. You’re working around someone else’s rules, timelines and assumptions.

You read the docs, follow the guidelines, test carefully and still run into things that don’t quite add up.

The truth is: Building on any complex API integration platform takes more than documentation. It takes context, clarity and sometimes a second set of eyes.

For developers working in partner-heavy spaces like automotive, this is common. But it doesn’t have to feel like you're figuring it all out alone.

Planning for What You Don’t Know Yet

API documentation usually tells you what to do and not why it needs to be done a certain way. That “why” tends to live in business logic, behind-the-scenes workflows, or conversations that happened years ago when the platform was first built.

When you skip over that context, things can get messy. You might design an API call that works perfectly in theory, only to find out it breaks something downstream or doesn’t match how the end users actually work.

If you take the time to map things out early, especially with input from people who understand the environment, it’ll save a lot of cleanup later.

Getting Stuck Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong

If you’ve spent time consuming hours chasing a bug, double-checked your code and then realized the issue was a platform quirk or an undocumented rule, you’re not alone.

Successful API integration with large systems means you’ll hit things that don’t show up in sandbox testing. You’ll get blocked by approvals, delays or edge cases you never saw coming. That doesn’t mean you messed up. It means you’re building something real.

The faster you figure out where you’re stuck, the faster you can move. And sometimes that means knowing who to ask or where to go beyond the docs.

“Good Enough” Isn’t Always Good for Long

You get the app live. It works. Users are in. You’re done … right? Not so fast. The best integrations aren’t the ones that just pass certification or avoid breaking. They’re the ones that remain stable as platforms evolve and usage scales.

If your app is making extra calls, misaligned with business rules, or built on assumptions that have since changed, small issues will start to pile up. You’ll spend more time supporting it than improving it. Sometimes, revisiting your approach leads to better performance, smoother updates and happier users.

The most successful devs aren’t the ones who never get stuck. They’re the ones who ask the right questions early, plan for what’s ahead, and know when to reach out instead of spinning their wheels. If you’re working in a complex platform ecosystem, you don’t need to go it alone. There are ways to build better with fewer blind spots.

Looking for support on your next integration project? See how Fortellis’ Professional Services can be your personal API integration consultant.