NFC Button Modules for Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems face challenges in efficiently tracking and recording inventory items in remote locations, particularly in large warehouses, due to the inconvenience of fixed terminal entries, high costs, and potential for human error or theft of portable devices, and the inability to distinguish between multiple users operating simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Wireless-connected button modules with NFC chips are placed at each inventory location, allowing users to transmit inventory changes via mobile devices, enabling easy and accurate recording of 'Take' and 'Return' actions, while also identifying users and allowing supervisors to perform tasks like assigning items and modifying inventory levels through mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed terminal entry is used for inventory tracking, then inventory records can be maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the inventory item and the fixed terminal. The module captures button press events wirelessly and transmits them to the terminal, eliminating the need for users to physically go to the terminal while ensuring accurate record-keeping through automated data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory tracking system enables self-service operation through automated button modules that users can operate directly at item locations. The system automatically captures and transmits inventory changes without requiring user intervention at the terminal, making the process self-sufficient and convenient.
2Ease of operation
If portable intelligent bar code scanners are used, then inventory tracking can be performed remotely, but device security worsens and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality of portable scanners is merged into fixed button modules that are permanently installed at inventory locations. This combines the remote operation capability with the security of fixed installations, eliminating the risk of device theft while maintaining ease of use through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive portable scanners, simple button modules are deployed that replicate the essential inventory tracking function. These modules capture button presses and transmit data wirelessly, providing the same remote tracking capability at a fraction of the cost and without the security risks of portable devices.
3Productivity
If multiple users operate inventory systems simultaneously, then productivity increases, but user identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each button module is configured with local quality features including unique identification codes and user-specific access credentials. This allows the system to distinguish between different users and track their individual actions, maintaining user identification capability while supporting multiple simultaneous operations across different locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies and secures the inventory tracking process by allowing multiple users to record transactions conveniently and accurately, reducing human error and the need for expensive portable devices, while enabling simultaneous user identification and streamlined supervisory functions.
Implementation Method 1
an NFC chip incorporated into the button module, wherein the NFC chip has a predetermined and unique module identification signal associated with the button module and where the NFC chip is configured to activate when a mobile device is in proximity to the button module
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory management system for managing multiple inventory items by multiple users is described and generally includes one or more button modules each having at least a first button and a second button and an NFC chip incorporated into the button module. Each NFC chip has a predetermined and unique module identification signal associated with the button module. The button module may further include a circuitry unit configured to receive a predetermined and unique mobile device identification signal from a mobile device for combination with the module identification signal from the NFC chip. The circuitry unit may receive a count signal indicative of an increase or decrease in inventory count corresponding to the first button or the second button being depressed upon the button module and combine the count signal with the mobile device identification signal and module identification signal for transmission to a remote server.