Take charge of your API usage with Smarty’s key management features
Ever wondered, “Where did all my lookups go?!” Without proper API management, you may burn through your lookups quicker, experience runaway code, and encounter unexpected usage.
That’s why Smarty created usage by key (included in all annual plans) and limit by key (included in some plans; you can add them by contacting sales) for its APIs.
Why key management matters
Common API usage challenges (problems to solve):
- Unexpected spikes in lookups
- Difficulty tracking specific key usage
- Which keys are calling which Smarty license
- Need for better control over API consumption
- Difficulty allocating Smarty lookups across an organization
With Smarty's key management features, you gain more control by having better visibility of your usage, eliminating the element of surprise (you know, the bad kind, like when you’re suddenly out of lookups).
Usage by key
Usage by key is a report that allows you to track lookup usage per key, providing insights into individual key activity and Smarty license access. It helps you monitor and manage API consumption per key, optimize costs, detect anomalies (like runaway code), and allocate resources effectively.
Usage by key is included in every Smarty annual subscription for every API product.
To access usage reports by key
- Log in to your Smarty account and navigate to the API Key section.
- Locate the “Usage by Key” button, select a single key or all keys, a date range, and export the report.
You can run a usage report showing every key to see which lookups are used and when.
The report includes the key, label, license, day (per hour), and look-ups (count per hour). It lets you see how you’re using/consuming Smarty APIs for reporting and investigating.
Limit by key
By setting a limit on a key, you can enhance your security. Instead of creating multiple accounts to manage lookup limits, you can set a limited number of lookups per key and manage them all from one place. The account owner can modify, remove, or reset the limit at any time, so you’re always in control.
Limit by key may already be included in your plan(s) (if it is, you’ll see the button titled "Add Limit"). If you want to add the limit by key capability, contact your Customer Success Manager or Account Executive.
With limit by key, you can also set lookup caps to prevent overuse. That means:
- No more runaway code eating up your lookups
- No more partners or team members going overboard
- No more surprises—just total control
You should always get what you pay for. Smarty’s API management features, usage by key, and limit by key, give you more control and better visibility, so there are no more surprises. Your teams are going to love you.
