41. API - Help Center

Scanlily's Application Programming Interface enables Business subscribers to integrate their inventory data with external systems, automate workflows, and build custom applications that work seamlessly with Scanlily.

a. What is the Scanlily API?

The API provides secure, programmatic access to your Scanlily inventory data. Instead of manually entering data through the app or web interface, you can use the API to automatically sync information between Scanlily and your other business systems. This creates a unified inventory management ecosystem where all your tools work together.

b. Common Use Cases

Organizations use the Scanlily API in various ways:

Inventory Synchronization

Sync inventory levels between Scanlily and your e-commerce platform
Update quantities automatically when sales occur in your POS system
Import product data from supplier catalogs or ERP systems

Custom Reporting and Analytics

Pull inventory data into business intelligence tools
Create custom dashboards that combine Scanlily data with other metrics
Generate specialized reports not available in the standard interface

Workflow Automation

Automatically update item information based on external triggers
Create alerts in other systems when inventory levels change
Integrate with accounting software for asset tracking

Mobile and Custom Applications

Build specialized mobile apps for specific use cases
Create simplified interfaces for specific user groups
Develop kiosk or display systems showing real-time inventory

c. How It Works

The API uses industry-standard REST principles and returns data in JSON format, making it compatible with virtually any programming language or platform. Key features include:

Secure Authentication: Each Business subscriber receives a unique API key to ensure data security
Flexible Queries: Retrieve items by various criteria including barcode, location, category, or custom filters
Real-time Updates: Changes made through the API appear immediately in the Scanlily app and web interface
Rate Limiting: Built-in protections ensure system stability while allowing high-volume operations

For example, you might use the /getitems endpoint to retrieve all items in a specific location, or the /updateitem endpoint to adjust quantities after a stock count.

d. Getting Started with the API

To begin using the Scanlily API:

Contact Scanlily Support - Business subscribers can request API access and receive their development credentials
Access the Development System - Test your integration safely in our development environment at s2.scanlily.com
Create Test Data - Use the Scanlily Development app to set up sample inventory that mirrors your production needs
Build Your Integration - Use our comprehensive documentation and example code to create your custom solution
Move to Production - Once tested, receive production credentials to work with your live data

e. Development Resources

We provide extensive resources to help you succeed:

Detailed API documentation with all available endpoints and parameters
Example code in Python (with more languages coming soon)
Sample JSON responses showing exact data formats
Testing tools to validate your integration

The API documentation includes complete technical specifications, authentication details, and practical examples. Whether you're a developer building a custom integration or working with a technical partner, you'll find everything needed to connect Scanlily with your business systems.

f. Requirements

API access is available exclusively to Business tier subscribers. The API respects all user permissions and access controls configured in your Scanlily account, ensuring data security and compliance with your organizational policies.

For complete technical documentation, example code, and implementation details, please refer to the Scanlily API Documentation.

To request API access or learn more about integration possibilities, contact Scanlily support at support@scanlily.com.