Development of a Smart platform for managing medical inventory

Abstract

Inventory management continues to be a major challenge for small businesses and resource-constrained institutions, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where manual processes lead to critical errors, stockouts, and operational inefficiencies. To address these issues, in this work, we have developed a Smart Inventory Platform with 1D/2D Scanner, designed to automate and optimize inventory management using advanced hardware and software solutions. The platform combines a portable mini-scanner built on an ESP8266 microcontroller and GM65 barcode module which supports both 1D/2D barcode and QR code scanning. This is complemented by a Raspberry Pi 5-powered mini-terminal, a dedicated mobile application, and a modular web-based platform. The platform enables real-time inventory tracking and centralized data management through a custom-built Content Management System. Key features include role-based access control, real-time stock updates, expiry alerts, inventory analytics, and the ability to export data in multiple formats. These functionalities are accessible via an intuitive and user-friendly interface, designed to streamline stock handling and reduce human error. The proposed solution offers a scalable and cost-effective alternative to commercial inventory systems, particularly for institutions with limited technical or financial resources. By digitizing inventory operations, the platform enhances transparency, improves decision-making, and supports better resource allocation.