> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.runonrufus.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.runonrufus.com/rufus-cloud/race-app/using-the-race-app-with-third-party-software.md).

# Using the Race App with Third-Party Software

The RUFUS Race App can also integrate with third-party timing or race management software via the **RUFUS Public API**.

In this scenario, RUFUS Cloud remains the access and device control layer.

## Architecture Overview

Race App → RUFUS Cloud → RUFUS Public API → Third-Party Software

The Race App sends:

* Passings
* Race Actions *(data not available via API)*
* Alerts *(data not available via API)*
* Chat messages *(data not available via API)*

These are exposed via the Public API for external systems to consume.

## What Third-Party Systems Can Receive

Depending on integration design:

* Manual passings
* Status changes *(data not available via API)*
* Race Alerts *(data not available via API)*
* Session metadata

The third-party system handles:

* Result calculations
* Classification logic
* Display or publication

## Device and Token Management

Even when using third-party software:

* Race Apps are still created in RUFUS Cloud.
* Access tokens control judge access.
* Token rotation invalidates sessions.
* Audit remains available at Cloud level.

## Integration Considerations

When integrating with external software:

* Ensure real-time webhook or polling strategy.
* Maintain consistent checkpoint mapping.
* Align timestamp handling (device time vs server time).

## Operational Best Practices

* Test full data flow before race day.
* Validate duplicate protection logic.
* Monitor API logs during live operations.

## Summary

The RUFUS Race App can operate independently with Race Manager or act as a structured field input layer for third-party systems via the RUFUS Public API.

In all cases, RUFUS Cloud manages access, sessions, and traceability.