Garage Inventory
Software IoT Productivity
A simple inventory management system for a home workshop. Barcode scanning, categorized storage locations, and low-stock alerts. The kind of project that started as a weekend hack and became surprisingly useful.
Origin Story
I have a garage full of hardware — screws, resistors, lumber, tools, and enough cables to circle the block. Every time I started a project, I’d spend 20 minutes searching for a specific component. The solution was obviously over-engineered and completely worth it.
Features
- Barcode scanning — Use your phone’s camera or a USB scanner to add/remove items
- Location tracking — Every item has a zone, shelf, and bin. Search for “M3x10mm screws” and it tells you “Zone B, Shelf 2, Bin 4”
- Low-stock alerts — Configure minimum quantities per item, get notified when you’re running low
- Project kits — Define a project, list its required components, and see what you have vs. what you need to buy
- History — Track what you used and when, because “didn’t I have a roll of heat shrink tubing?” shouldn’t require a forensic investigation
Tech Stack
Next.js with SQLite (via better-sqlite3) for the backend. The database is a single file that lives in the garage — if it’s on the same network, it works. PWA for mobile scanning.