Inventory Management System

The client was managing inventory across multiple retail locations using a combination of spreadsheets and a basic SaaS tool that didn't support their specific workflow. Stock counts were frequently inaccurate, reorder alerts came too late (or not at all), and generating reports for their accountant required hours of manual data compilation each month. They had evaluated several off-the-shelf inventory management systems, but each required significant workflow changes to fit the software's rigid structure — the opposite of what they needed.

I built a custom web application tailored to their exact workflow. The React frontend provides a clean dashboard showing real-time stock levels across all locations, with color-coded alerts for low-stock items and automated reorder notifications sent via email. The system includes barcode scanning support through the device camera, allowing staff to check in deliveries and process stock movements by scanning product labels directly from their phones or tablets — no dedicated hardware required. A Node.js/Express API handles business logic including automated stock calculations, multi-location transfer tracking, and supplier order management. MongoDB was chosen for its flexible schema, accommodating the client's varied product attributes without rigid table structures. Monthly and quarterly reports generate automatically, formatted for their accountant's requirements, and export as PDF or CSV.