Development of Smart Bin for Inventory Management in
Small Scale Industries
Abirami S1, Nehashree Saravanan2, Nivetha SR3 , Pooja G4 , Priyadharshini H5, Dr.S.Ramani6
Department of Food Processing and Preservation Technology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore - 641043
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Abstract - Inventory management plays a crucial role to maintain essential products in business organization. Inventory control is one of the challenging tasks as it directly affects the production processes of a business organization. To overcome these challenges, novel and emerging technologies like IoT and sensors are adopted in inventory control system. These control systems are used to stabilize the entire process flow from raw material acquisition to finished goods dispatch. This has not only reduced the man power but also made the supervision of the entire flow of inventory and refilling the storage bins easier. This project gives an efficient way to make inventory management more efficient by implementing IoT to make  smart bin that helps to monitor the quantity and quality aspects of a product by embedding sensors in the system. Smart bin has a capacity of 2.7 kg. A load cell is fixed on the base of  bin to measure the weight of the commodity that will be placed inside the bin. A moisture sensor is fixed inside the base of the bin to detect moisture changes of the commodity. A DHT11 (Digital Humidity and Temperature sensor) is used for measuring the temperature and humidity conditions inside the bin.  

Key Words:  IoT, Sensors, Inventory management , Smart Bin, Technology, Microcontroller

1.Introduction

Technology will keep advancing. New discoveries are created daily that improve and simplify human existence. Every industry or company organization places a strong emphasis on research and development to make sure that their operations are in line with technology. [1] The development, expansion,    and market survival of the firm may be secured by incorporating rising trends into the sector of business. The Internet of Things is one of the rapidly expanding and largely embraced phenomena. It allows for remote measurement and monitoring of the system’s physical infrastructure and components. The precision and real-time data update it offers, in addition to permitting remote operation of the system, increases its relevance. The food sector is one of the industries with considerable potential for introducing this idea of inventory management. Food processing companies employ a variety of raw materials that must be kept in stock for an extended length of time in order to ensure seamless output. Inventory must be checked on a regular basis, not only to ensure that there is enough stock, but also because the raw materials utilized in this business are perishable. Having a system that can handle both quantity and quality characteristics can help the sector in terms of both economics
and sustainability. The creation of smart bins is one approach to meeting the aforementioned demand. These containers include IoT capabilities to enable remote monitoring. With sensors built in, it is possible to track the stock’s amount and quality in real time. For a number of reasons, smart bins may be quite helpful for inventory control in the business
world.
1. Real-time inventory tracking: It is possible thanks to sensors that are built into smart bins. This makes it possible for businesses to more accurately monitor their stock levels and choose when to place fresh orders for products. [2]
2. Automatic replenishment: Organizations might set up automatic replenishment systems using smart bins. The system may automatically purchase new supplies when the amount of goods in a bin drops beyond a certain threshold, lowering the possibility of shortages and
downtime.
3. Savings: Smart bins can help firms reduce their inventory expenditures by more precisely monitoring inventory levels and lowering the chance of stockouts. By maximizing inventory levels and reducing overstocking, they can also assist firms in reducing waste.
4. Efficiency gain: By eliminating the need for manual inventory monitoring and freeing up staff time for higher-value duties, smart bins can help inventory management procedures run more smoothly. By automating some operations, they can also assist organizations in lowering the
time and expense related to inventory management. [3]
Overall, smart bins may assist organizations in improving inventory accuracy, lowering expenses, and increasing efficiency, making them an appealing solution for inventory control in industry. These bins are a sort of inventory control system that monitors and tracks inventory levels using technology. They are generally outfitted with devices that identify when stocks are low or bins get overcrowded. This data is then sent to a one central database or structure, where it may be utilized to optimise inventory levels and supply chain management. One of the key advantages of smart bins is their ability to track inventory in real time. This entails that employees won’t have to waste time scouring bins or shelves in order to get the products they want swiftly and efficiently. Both productivity and labour costs may increase as a result. By decreasing trash and avoiding overstocking, smart bins could assist businesses save money. Smart bins may assist companies prevent overstocking, which can result in extra inventory and 
excessive costs, by monitoring inventory levels in real-time. Smart bins can also assist in lowering the price of human inventory tracking and data entry, that can be labor-intensive and prone to mistake. Predictive analytics are another feature that smart bins can offer in in addition to real-time tracking. 
Smart bins can assist organisations in forecasting demand by gathering information on inventory   levels and consumption trends. This can assist firms in making inventory plans and preventing stockouts. Additionally, smart bins might improve workplace safety. Smart bins can lessen the risk of accidents and injuries caused by falling goods by monitoring inventory levels and bin capacity. Overall, smart bins are an effective tool for inventory management in the industrial setting, giving firms real-time tracking, predictive analysis, and improved safety, as well as aiding in cost-savings and inventory level optimisation.
There are mainly three processes involved:

1.1	Measurement of Weight of the Commodity

By using a load cell to measure the weight and  level of the product is continually checked. Both the web application and the prototypes LCD display the value continually.

1.2	Displaying of  Real Time Values of the Commodity

Continuous measurements are made of the commodity and quality indicators, including the moisture content and container humidity. As a result, the web application status will be changed to High Moisture Level Detected if these values surpass the pre-set value. This works best for hygroscopic products like sugar.

1.3	Web Application

All the information about the object in the container is contained in a web application that is developed. Through a wireless module and cloud, the smart bin is linked to the online application. With the use of sensors, the physical characteristics of the commodity, such as its weight and moisture content, humidity, and temperature levels, are continually monitored and saved in the cloud. This information is sent and accessible via the online application. [4] .Thus, our main idea is to provide a simple, affordable and a safe solution to make any normal bin into a smart one, with only a bin and a smartphone as a requirement, so that it can be used by the small scale industries.

Fig – 1 : Three main process involved

2. Objectives
The following are the objectives of the proposed work:
1. To develop a prototype of a smart bin for smart inventory management
2. To connect and monitor the inventory via internet (database)
3. To create a hassle free inventory management
4. To provide real time data access to the moisture, weight and humidity of the products stored in industries for running business. 

 3. Review of Literature

The paper [7] proposes a conceptual framework for the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) in domestic environments. The system aims to enhance the management of groceries by incorporating technological advancements for efficient tracking, monitoring, and organizing of goods. The application of a load cell was leveraged for the purpose of quantifying the weight of groceries, facilitated by the utilization of a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. This study explores alternative electronic commerce platforms in order to identify more cost- effective options for purchasing goods. The paper [1] uses a smart cabinet based on the thought that the basic supply things can moreover be kept outside the fridge. The framework gives a plenty of benefits and employments. In spite of the fact that, the framework itself is very bulky and requires quite a part of space. The interface may well be precarious and lumbering for clients to get it and utilize proficiently. The paper [10] presents an analysis of the development of an Internet of Things (IoT) based model designed to monitor inventory levels of groceries in stores and commercial markets. Additionally, the model has the potential to be employed in domestic kitchens to oversee basic pantry inventory management as well.

4. Materials and Methodology 

This chapter deals with the materials and parts used in the fabrication of the smart Container.

4.1 Materials 

The system consists of the following components and modules:
•	Arduino Microcontroller (Node MCU)
•	Load cell
•	DHT11 (Digital Humidity and Temperature sensor)
•	Moisture sensor
•	16×2 LCD i2c
•	HX711 Load cell amplifier
•	Battery (Power source)
•	Cloud
•	Wi-Fi Module
•	Web Application

4.1.1  Arduino Nano

It is a 2008 ATmega328P-based board that is compact, comprehensive, and breadboard-friendly. In a more compact design, it provides the same connections and specifications as the Arduino Uno board. The Arduino Nano has 30 male I/O headers organized in a DIP- 30 type format and is capable of being programmed via the Arduino Software Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is available online and offline and is shared by all Arduino boards. The board is powered by a type-B mini-USB connection or a 9 V battery. 
This board, like the Arduino Duemilanove, offers numerous functionality and features. This Nano drive, on the other hand, stands out from the crowd. It doesn’t have a DC plug, so the power supply comes from a small USB socket, which is otherwise connected directly to the contacts Such as VCC and GND. This board can be powered from 6 to 20 volts through a mini-USB connector Board of Directors.

4.1.2 Microcontroller

Microcontrollers are “special purpose computers”. The microcontroller is an integrated circuit that houses a microprocessor, memory, and associated circuitry. It is used to control some or all of the operations of electronic devices including household appliances and systems. Microcontrollers are embedded in some other device (often a consumer product) So that they can check the features or functions of the product. It has a separate feeder and often (but not always) the output is a small LED or LCD screen. This is used to obtain useful information from the sensor and thus helps to detect the level of the goods in the container. The Wi-Fi module is also linked to the microcontroller. Through the microcontroller and the Wi-Fi module the collected data will reach the cloud.

4.1.3 Node MCU/ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module

Node MCU is an open source IoT platform that includes ESP8266 Wi-Fi So C and ESP-12 based devices from Espress if systems . It is used by many open source projects such as Lua-cjson and spiffs. The ESP8266 is an affordable Wi-Fi module that has a full TCP/IP stack [6]. This little gadget connects a microcontroller to a Wi-Fi connection and performs basic TCP/IP communications using Hayes instructions. It has 1MB of flash memory integrated in, allowing single-chip devices to connect through Wi-Fi. The ESP8266 contains one processor: the L106, which is a 32-bit RISC microprocessor. ESP8266     has an external flash 16 MB of memory. 

4.1.4 Load Cell

A load cell is a sensor that converts force or pressure into electrical energy. The magnitude of this electrical output is directly proportional to the applied force. Load cells have a strain sensor that changes shape when pressure is applied to it. And then the Strain the meter provides an electrical stress signal when its effective resistance changes to change A load cell typically consists of four Wheatstone bridge strain gauges configuration Load cells are available in different ranges like 5 kg, 10 kg, 100 kg and more used a load cell that can weigh up to 40 kg. Now the electrical signals generated by the load cell are in the  range of a few millivolts, so Still needs to be amplified with an amplifier, so the HX711 weight sensor is needed To the picture. The HX711 load cell module has an HX711 chip with a height of 24 Precision A/D converter (analog to digital converter). The HX711 has two analog input channels and by programming these channels we get a gain of up to 128.Thus, the HX711 module validates the load cell’s low electrical power before feeding the Arduino with an amplified and digitally converted signal to determine the weight.

4.1.5 Moisture Sensor 

A moisture sensor or  moisture analyser measures the moisture content of any food  products for evaluating the quality of raw food ingredients. Moisture  sensor can  help monitor food moisture, improves food quality and safety, and provides the following benefits: 
Real-time analytics and data, non-destructive testing capabilities and improved information flow  effective storage and control of ingredients. We use it in our warehouse management system .Moisture sensors are built Into the containers to monitor and measure  moisture  content of  ingredients stored in the smart container. Hence this helps finding out  if the ingredients have absorbed moisture during its usage.

4.1.6 DHT11 (Digital Humidity and Temperature Sensor)

DHT11 is a simple and very affordable digital temperature and humidity sensor.  There is no need for analogue input buttons because it uses a thermistor and capacitive humidity sensor to detect the surrounding air and spit out an electrical signal on the data port.It is easy to use, but requires careful time to collect data. We are receiving new data from it  once every second. Comes with a 4.7K or 10K resistor that can be used as a pull-up Transferring data  to VCC. This sensor can be easily interfaced with any microcontroller e.g. such  as Arduino, Raspberry Pi etc. to measure humidity and temperature instantly. The temperature range of the DHT11 is  0 to 50 degrees Celsius with an accuracy of 2 degrees. Humidity  range of this sensor is 20-80% with a precision of 5°. The sampling rate of this sensor is 1 Hz, i.e. it gives one reading  every second. DHT11 has a small  operating voltage of 3-5 volts. The maximum current used for measurement is 2.5 mA. Hence this sensor in our system,  is used to measure the humidity and temperature of the surrounding of the  ingredients inside the container to help track the condition of the ingredients which has  remarkably low humidity.

4.1.7 16X2 LCD

It is a 16x2 LCD  screen with I2C interface. It is capable of displaying 16x2  Two lines of characters, white letters on a blue background. This is usually an Arduino LCD   It’s easy for a project to run out of pin resources, especially when using an Arduino Uno. That’s a lot Complicated wire welding and connection. The Arduino I2C 16x2  LCD  is Use the I2C communication interface. This means that the LCD needs only 4 pins: VCC (Voltage Common Collector) GND (Ground), SDA (Serial Data), SCL (Serial Clock). It will have a capacity of at least 4 digital/analog Pins on the Arduino. All connectors are standard XH2.54 (board type). You can contact  Directly with the rider. Avoid conflicts between I2C (inter-integrated circuit) Handle other I2C devices such as ultrasonic sensors, IMU accelerometers and gyroscopes,  The I2C address of the module  can be set as 0x20-0x27. It could be their contrast Set manually. Another alternative option is the Arduino I2C 20x4  LCD Display Module, if it is More characters are required.

4.1.8 Cloud Platform

A cloud platform is the operating system and hardware of  an internet server based  information center. It enables the harmonious coexistence of software and hardware on a vast scale, allowing users to securely store their data and files on the Internet using the services of a cloud service provider. The user can access their data either through a public Internet connection or via a dedicated private network connection. In our system , the  information on grocery  level,  moisture content,  humidity and temperature level and its shelf life are  stored in the cloud with the Wi-Fi module. The recorded sensor data can then be analysed and can be found  via the HTTP protocol.

4.1.9 Interfacing Software

Software used in the interfacing  of smart inventory system with Arduino is  Arduino IDE. The Arduino Software (IDE) - also known as the Integrated Development Environment - comprises a script editor for scripting, a communication area, a script console, a set of general function buttons on a toolbar, and a range of menus. It interfaces with Arduino hardware to load scripts and engage with them.

4.1.10 User Interface 

A web application was created for our intelligent warehouse management system  that track the  inventory anywhere, anytime. Users can also monitor inventory, grocery level,   moisture content,  Humidity and  Temperature level inside the bin. Also when the moisture content , humidity  and temperature  of groceries and bin rises above the pre-set value for certain  articles, the user will be notified and updated continuously. In addition to this, the  user is warned about the expiration date and month of  the groceries stored in the bin .

4.2 Methodology 

The system provides intelligent inventory management through an Internet of Things (IoT) service.  The Smart Inventory Device is controlled by the Node MCU microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi module. The sensors namely load cell , moisture sensor and DHT sensor are connected to a microcontroller device. Those sensors that are connected to the smart  container is used to collect data on the  level of food and its physical parameters. This  data is stored in  the cloud platform through  Wireless protocol (built-in  Wi-Fi module).The information includes the stock  level of f all products, moisture content, humidity  and temperature levels using load cells, moisture sensor and  DHT sensor. This information can be viewed through the web application and on LCD screen. This process happens every day. The fig.1 shows the architecture of overall system.

Fig – 2 : Smart Inventory Management System

5. Cost Estimation 

Cost estimation was calculated for individual component for the fabricated Smart Bin shown in table 5.1

S.NO 	MATERIALS 	AMOUNT(Rs.) 	
1. 	Raw material for Body Fabrication 	1000	
2. 	Battery	1000	
3. 	Node MCU 	400	
4. 	Load Cell 	200	
5. 	Moisture Sensor 	100	
6. 	DHT11	100	
7. 	HX711 Amplifier	300	
8.	LCD Display 	300	
9.	Webpage Development	850	
10.	Fabrication charge	600	
11.	Miscellaneous expenses 	500 	
TOTAL COST 	5,350	

Table – 1 : Cost Estimation of Smart Bin

6. Results and Discussions

In Smart Bin for Inventory Management System, we have used Load cell to measure the stock level in it. We have also used Moisture sensor and Digital Humidity and Temperature sensor to measure the moisture of the stock and humidity and temperature of the bin respectively. These sensors are connected to the Node MCU Board. The collected grocery information is stored in the cloud platform where analysis takes place and finally viewed by Web Application. The information collected as values are displayed on the LCD attached to the Smart Bin.
For testing purposes, hygroscopic food materials such as Chilli powder, coriander powder and rice flour were used. The images of various level measurements of chilli powder are given below.

S.No	Mode	Weight(in grams)	Temperature(in ℃)	Relative Humidity(in ⁒)	Moisture(in ⁒)	Status	
1	

Spices	100.47	32.00	50.00	0.00	Normal	
2		104.12	33.00	52.00	91.208	High Moisture level detected	

Table – 2: Tabulation for various parameters of Chilli powder

Table – 3: Tabulation for various parameters of Rice Flour

S.No	Mode	Weight
(in grams)	Temperature
(in °C)	Relative Humidity
(in %)	Moisture
(in %)	Status	
1.	

 Spices	100.67	31.00	55.00	0.00	Normal	
2.		101.27	31.00	55.00	1.32		
3.		106.58	31.00	56.00	25.06	High Moisture level detected	
4.		111.14	31.00	56.00	60.88		

S
.No	Mode	Weight
(in grams)	Temperature
(in °C)	Relative Humidity
(in %)	Moisture
(in %)	Status	
1.	

 Flour	104.10	33.00	56.00	13.18	Normal	
2.		114.55	32.00	56.00	34.06	High Moisture level detected	
Table – 4: Tabulation for various parameters of Coriander Powder

S.
No	Mode	Weight
(in grams)	Temperature
(in °C)	Relative Humidity
(in %)	Moisture
(in %)	Status	
1.	Cereals and Pulses	415.66	29.00	59.00	0.00	Product Expired	

Table – 4: Tabulation for indicating the expiration of Urad Dal

Fig – 3 : Smart Bin

7. Conclusion 

The purpose of the project is to develop a bin embedded with sensors for a Smart Inventory Management in Small scale Industries. This system takes care of both quality and quantity parameters. Trials were performed using commonly available and most frequently used grocery items like Rice, Sugar and Urad dal. The system monitored the products placed in the bin continuously by providing real time data updates on weight of the product, Temperature and humidity conditions and the moisture content of the product. The weight of the product is measured using a load cell that is fixed at the base of the bin. The moisture level is measured by the moisture sensor. The temperature and Humidity conditions are measured by DHT11 sensor. The efficiency of the system is found to be 81.8%. This system makes the management of stock in the small scale industries easier and does not require highly skilled labour for maintenance.  

8. References

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