Become a Power User with the API
Matthias Schmid
February 8, 2024
My "Power User" Project
Hi, my name is Raik and today I'd like to briefly tell you about my little 'Power User' project. Actually, I'm not really a power user, but just like you, I want to keep an eye on my pantry, rotate food items, and have as good an overview as possible of current supplies to avoid discovering on Sunday that I'm out of ketchup – that would be a disaster! To achieve this, I've looked around the app market and came across the Pantry App.
Initial tests with the barcode scanner went excellently, so I decided to stick with this particular app. I especially liked the clear overview and the intuitive operation, but there was one thing that bothered me. The input and output of items were too cumbersome! When entering, several "clicks" are necessary to add the storage location, expiration date, and quantity of the items. When you come home with a big box from the weekly shopping, it eventually stops being fun, and what isn't fun eventually doesn't happen anymore.
A dream comes true
So a solution had to be found. The goal was clear from the start – I want to operate everything solely with a barcode scanner and it has to be fast.
So I asked around in the community and found out that the API is currently being developed. My dream came true. I can use the app with its good overview, access it from anywhere, and only have to write a bit of code to get my scanner up to speed. Well, it didn't go quite that fast after all. Although I was able to achieve initial success very quickly and add my first product just by scanning, the deeper you get into the subject the more ideas you develop and the more complex it becomes. But one thing first – I think I've made it! I (almost) only touch the app for shopping or when I just want to check if there's enough ketchup left.
Scanning a larger container with multiple items via barcode.
Operating the Pantry.App - without an app
But how does it work exactly? Well, I've already done quite a bit with a software called Node-RED (I wouldn't call it programming) and was able to focus solely on the functionality of the 'Power User App' thanks to the partially pre-built nodes. However, for the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the Node-RED environment runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 minicomputer and also controls many other things on the side. The app's webpage is displayed on an old tablet, but a monitor connected to the Pi would also do the job. In principle, Node-RED can be installed on many different platforms.
Representation of the Node-RED 'nodes' used to build the application.
In Node-RED itself, I then used the various components, known as nodes, to retrieve data from the internet. These just need to be connected to each other initially. The real challenge, however, is to tell the nodes what to do. Essentially, to formulate the request to the internet or the server of the Pantry App – just as the API definition specifies.
Functionality extensions
After about 30 hours of programming work, I am now satisfied for the time being. I can scan products one after another and they are recorded in the pantry app. If I want, I can also enter an expiration date for the product. However, I don't do this for all items, since most of them go out quickly anyway. Moreover, it was important to me that I could scan larger packages – which I call sets. So, if I scan a 6-pack of water, it doesn't add one pack of water but 6 individual bottles. Of course, you have to teach the app which products are a set. In addition, for example with pasta, I had the problem that I always bought different brands. Therefore, I couldn't set a minimum stock level for them and also didn't have a nice overview. So, I also created groups that summarize products. Unfortunately, these also have to be manually created once before they can be used. Even though the operation works solely with the barcode scanner, there is of course a graphical user interface that also offers a few buttons. Sound output was also important to me, so you don't have to constantly look at the screen to see if everything is correct while scanning.
All in all, I managed to simplify things with the barcode scanner to the point where maintaining items in the system is not a big effort. Now, however, I still need to thoroughly test the system.
User interface representation - here you see a display of the scanned items.
And what happens next?
I have more ideas already, but for that, I am also in close contact with the developer of the Pantry App. Even when using the API, he has helped me here and there and has even accommodated some of my requests. We will surely introduce some cool features. Until then, I can only encourage you to tinker around as well. I am happy to provide the code for the nodes, but you will have to set up Node Red and the Raspberry Pi on your own. But for that, there are seemingly 1000 tutorials on the internet. In this spirit, have fun using the API for the Pantry App.
Smantry: Not perfect – but made with a lot of heart
Many of our users write to us that theyhave been looking for exactly this kind of app for a long time. At the same time, we also read reviews that say:“Good idea, but …”
And that’s exactly what we want to talk about openly today.
An app for everyday life – not for perfection
Smantry is designed to make everyday life easier: manage groceries, stay on top of things, waste less.
Your feedback shows us that this is already working well for many of you:
- Inputs are quick and straightforward
- The scanner reliably detects most products
- Editing and making changes is easy
- Our support is perceived as fast, friendly, and solution-oriented
We’re really glad to hear that – because that’s exactly what we’re building Smantry for.
Why some things are (still) not perfect
What you often don’t see from the outside: Smantry is developed by a very small team.
Right now we are 5 people, and none of us works full-time on the app. We do this alongside other projects, jobs, and commitments – with a lot of passion, but limited resources.
That doesn’t explain everything, but it provides context:
- Some functions take longer
- Technical issues (e.g. with premium activations) unfortunately happen sometimes
- Not every idea can be implemented right away
Frequently asked questions from your reviews
Why a subscription?
The subscription allows us to cover server costs, ongoing development, updates, and support in the first place. Without continuous revenue, Smantry would not be able to exist in the long term.
"Why isn’t the bug I reported being fixed?"
Sometimes there are several bugs at the same time and we have to prioritize the ones that affect core functions. That can mean that a different bug gets fixed first. We always try to resolve everything quickly – but unfortunately we can only do it step by step.
Why doesn’t Premium sometimes work right away?
Subscriptions are managed through the app stores. In rare cases, synchronization issues can occur. That’s annoying, but not intentional – our support team will always help you with this personally.
Where we want to go
Smantry is meant to get better – not just on paper, but in real everyday life.
This includes:
- more features from the web app
- better stability
- more flexibility with categories
- clearer communication
Your feedback plays a central role in this.
In conclusion
We’re not a corporation.
We’re a small team that believes in a good idea and is putting it into practice step by step.
If Smantry is helping you – even if everything isn’t perfect yet – we really appreciate your trust, your feedback, and of course a fair rating in the App Store 💛
Thank you for being part of this development.
Power outage in Berlin: Why preparation and prepping are more important today than ever
An unexpected power outage in Berlin has recently shown how quickly our daily life can become unbalanced. Traffic lights went out, card payments stopped working, and many households were suddenly without light, internet, or cooking facilities. Such events highlight: emergency preparedness and prepping are not about spreading panic, but rather a sensible and responsible preparation for real risks.
Power Outage – A Real Risk for Major Cities
Whether it's technical malfunctions, construction work, or extreme weather conditions: A Blackout or regional power outage can occur at any time. Especially in large cities like Berlin, the effects are immediately noticeable. Without electricity, many basic systems no longer function – from supermarkets to ATMs to communication.
The most important question is:
Am I prepared for this?
Prepping: Preparedness instead of fear
Prepping does not mean preparing for apocalyptic scenarios. Rather, it's about everyday readiness:
- remain capable of acting
- be able to provide for the family
- Reduce stress and uncertainty
- not be immediately dependent on external help
The power outage in Berlin demonstrates: Just a few hours without electricity can cause major problems.
Stockpiling food as a key to emergency preparedness
A well-thought-out food supply is the foundation of any emergency preparedness. Experts recommend having supplies for at least 7 to 14 days. These include:
- non-perishable food items such as rice, pasta, canned goods
- Drinking water
- long shelf-life snacks
- Baby food or special diet
- off-grid cooking options (e.g., gas stoves)
Yet many households quickly lose track: What's available? What's missing? What's about to expire?
Digital preparation with the Smantry App
Here comes the Smantry App into play – your digital companion for prepping, preparation, and stockpiling. The app helps you to plan your supplies in a structured way and to keep track at all times.
With the Smantry App you can:
- Easily capture food supplies digitally
- Define minimum quantities for emergencies
- Monitor expiration dates and prevent food waste
- prepare specifically for power outages, blackouts, and crises
- Integrating prepping step by step into daily life
This makes emergency preparedness simple, transparent, and efficient.
Prepare now instead of improvising later:
👉 Download the Smantry App and start your digital emergency preparedness today.
Power outage in Berlin as a wake-up call
The power outage in Berlin was an eye-opener for many people. It demonstrates how quickly familiar structures can collapse – and how important it is to be prepared. Those who take precautions in time remain calm, safe, and independent.
Conclusion: Take precautions now instead of reacting later
Power outages, supply shortages, and crises are part of the reality of our time. With a well-thought-out food stockpiling and digital tools like the Smantry App you can make your emergency preparedness simple and effective.
👉 Start your preparation now
Download the Smantry App and gradually build up your personal emergency preparedness – before the next power outage occurs.
Discover the app now and be prepared.
🍂 Cozy Autumn Leftover Cooking – Comfort dishes made from what's available
When the rain taps on the window and the tea cup becomes a permanent guest, the most beautiful kitchen time of the year begins: autumn. And what could be a better match than stylish leftover cooking – dishes that are not only sustainable but also truly exciting.
Autumn leftover cooking means: use instead of waste, but with a touch of sophistication. Here are some more unusual ideas to turn leftovers into small culinary highlights.
🧀 1. Pumpkin Gnocchi from leftover roasted vegetables
Do you have some leftover roasted pumpkin or sweet potato from the day before? Perfect!
Mash the vegetables, mix them with some flour, salt, and grated Parmesan, shape them into small gnocchi, and briefly cook them in salted water until they float to the surface. Then toss them in sage butter and top with chopped walnuts.
→ Tastes like Italy, looks like fine dining – and it's all made from leftovers!
🥖 2. Rustic bread salad with grapes and goat cheese
Tear stale bread into pieces, toast in olive oil until golden brown.
Add a few grapes (wrinkled ones are especially sweet), arugula or lamb's lettuce, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted hazelnuts. Mix with a dressing of balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard.
→ A fall twist on the classic Panzanella – sweet, salty, crunchy, perfect!
🧅 3. French onion tart with leftover vegetables and puff pastry
Got some leftover puff pastry in the fridge? Make a tart out of it!
Caramelize onions in butter, add some leftover vegetables (e.g., leeks, mushrooms, or spinach). Spread on the pastry, top with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese, and bake until golden brown.
→ Wonderfully aromatic, especially with thyme or rosemary.
🍎 4. Apple Sourdough French Toast with Vanilla Rum Butter
A piece of stale sourdough bread is soaked in a mixture of milk, egg, vanilla, and a dash of rum, fried in a pan, and served with fried apple slices and a rum butter.
→ Luxurious, yet made entirely from leftovers – perfect for a Sunday breakfast in pajamas.
🥬 5. Risotto made from leftover vegetables with lemon and herb oil
Chop the vegetable scraps finely and cook with a handful of rice into a creamy risotto.
A dash of lemon juice and some leftover herbs (parsley, basil, arugula) blended with oil make a fresh herb oil as a topping.
→ The acidity of the lemon beautifully enhances the earthy autumnal notes.
☕️ Bonus Tip: Using leftovers in a dessert glass
A few spoons of leftover compote?
Some leftover cake or cookies?
Layer it all with yogurt or mascarpone in a glass – and you have an autumnal "trifle" that looks like it came straight from a café in Copenhagen.
🍁 Conclusion
Autumnal leftover cooking is not a last resort, but a playground for creativity. When you look at ingredients with open eyes – not as leftovers, but as opportunities – small, exquisite dishes full of soul and flavor emerge.
Why we never stop refining Smantry ✨
At Smantry, we don't believe in 'finished'.
An app that is meant to accompany people in their daily lives is never complete – it grows, changes, and evolves. Just like the people who use it. 💛
We regularly pay attention to every detail:
How does a click feel? Is the path to a function clear enough? Does the idea behind a new view come across intuitively?
Sometimes it's just tiny things that make the difference – a better-placed button, a simplified overview, or a sentence that suddenly becomes clearer.
What drives us is the idea that Smantry should feel easy, familiar, and meaningful.
We want you to open the app and feel: "Ah, this is exactly how it should work."
Of course, not everything always goes perfectly. But that's exactly the point: We take the time to listen, to observe, to reconsider. Every piece of feedback, every use case, every new idea helps us to understand a little better what really matters.
Smantry is not a rigid product for us – it's a living process. A collaborative project that grows step by step.
And every update, every small improvement is a sign that we are on the right track:
A path to an app that doesn't feel like technology, but like support.
Towards a daily life that becomes simpler. Towards clarity, structure – and maybe even a bit of ease. 🌿
We're staying on it.
Because we are convinced that good things take time – and that it's worth creating them with heart.
Your
Smantry-Team