Development of APP Based Automated Inventory Box

Abstract

Running out of supplies slows things down everywhere - factories, shops, hospitals, labs, warehouses. Most places still track what they have by hand. Writing it down takes time. Mistakes happen more than people admit. Updates lag behind real usage. This setup cannot keep up anymore. A small smart storage unit might change that. It runs on a tiny computer brain connected to detectors inside. Light beams notice when something moves in or out. Scales check how much remains at all times. Data travels wirelessly to a phone application automatically. People barely need to touch the process once it works right. Fewer errors show up next morning. When something gets put into or taken out of the storage box, these parts notice right away, updating the count without delay. You can check the logged details on a screen nearby - also pulling them from afar using internet-linked systems. Less need for hand-written logs means fewer errors in stock numbers, giving clearer insight into how supplies are actually used. Because the setup works in pieces, it fits places like offices keeping tabs on supplies, labs managing tools, even compact warehouses sorting goods. What results is a straightforward way to handle inventory more consistently across common settings.

Introduction

Effective inventory tracking is essential in small-scale environments such as laboratories, offices, classrooms, and small retail spaces, yet many still rely on manual methods like paper records or spreadsheets, which are error-prone and lack real-time visibility. Existing automated inventory solutions are often designed for large warehouses, making them costly, complex, and unsuitable for compact or resource-limited settings.

This project addresses that gap by proposing a low-cost, sensor-based, app-connected smart inventory box designed specifically for small-scale use. The system automates inventory tracking using infrared sensors (and load sensing concepts discussed in the scope) to detect item removal, a microcontroller (Arduino Mega / NodeMCU ESP8266) to process data, and wireless IoT communication to update a mobile application in real time. Inventory levels are displayed both locally on an LCD screen and remotely via the Blynk mobile app, with automatic alerts triggered when stock falls below predefined thresholds.

The objectives focus on reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, improving accuracy, and enabling real-time monitoring through a simple, compact design. Unlike RFID-heavy or cloud-complex systems, this solution emphasizes ease of deployment, affordability, and reliability in constrained spaces. The literature review highlights that while IoT-based inventory systems improve accuracy and efficiency, few solutions integrate multiple sensors and mobile apps in a simple, low-cost form suitable for small environments.

Methodologically, the system combines sensor input processing, debouncing logic to avoid false counts, wireless data transmission, and alert mechanisms. Testing and simulation results confirm accurate item detection, real-time synchronization with the mobile app, and reliable low-stock notifications without duplication.

Conclusion

A small automated storage unit runs on a smart controller, making inventory tasks easier without constant supervision. Infrared detectors track when items come or go, signalling changes instantly. Movement triggers a belt system powered by a DC motor, moving goods smoothly within the box. Safety during electrical switching comes from relay components built into the circuitry. Information appears clearly on a compact screen that shows updates as they happen. A Wi-Fi chip based on ESP8266 technology links everything wirelessly, sending data outward. Users see current levels through a phone app designed for continuous tracking. Tracking items nonstop while refreshing stock numbers on its own cuts down on people needing to step in, also lowering mistakes made by hand-written logs. Because updates happen right away, plus warnings pop up instantly, choices get sharper and refills arrive when needed. Warehouses lean into this setup, just like robotic shelves, snack boxes that sell themselves, or any spot running tight on supply oversight. Another benefit lies in its use of affordable parts alongside freely available software, allowing adjustments whether for minor setups or extensive production environments. Built-in automation features combined with networked sensors enable the App-Based Automated Inventory Box to reduce mistakes, simplify daily tasks, while offering clearer tracking - turning it into a working answer for today’s connected stock control needs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Naveen Kumar S N , A Kiran, M Vishal, Santhosh H N. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.