How can we use the integration of emerging technologies to optimise stock levels and manpower management to improve operational efficiency, minimize costs, implement temperature detection technology and enhance security measures?
Project introduction:In our project, we aim to build a product which can help monitor the stock levels and specific temperatures for different stocks, efficiently allocate manpower when needed and help to keep our stock safe if there’s an intruder.
Research on Problems:Insufficient manpower in stock management:
- The retail industry in Singapore is facing a manpower shortage, with nine in 10 retail employees either “Strongly Agree” (45%) or “Somewhat Agree”(48%) that there is a manpower shortage.
Poor inventory management can have various kinds of negative impacts:
- Wasted time and resources : Workers may spend too much time manually maintaining inventory or correcting mistakes, taking time away from more important duties.
- Stockout and Overstock: Insufficient inventory management can cause stockout which may impact sales and leave customers unhappy. On the other hand, it can result in overstocking, which can be excess stocks that the company can’t sell hence the loss of profit.
Risk of product spoilage due to temperature inconsistency:
- Products such as raw or deli meat, prepared salads, sliced fruit, juices, milk, cheese and other dairy products must be stored or displayed between 0ºC and 5ºC for up to three days before they become unsafe to eat. After this time, harmful bacteria may have slowly developed and present a health risk.
Vulnerability of stock theft:
- For security, it needs to be tight to keep track large quantities of high-quality meat and many other expensive products.
The objective of this project is to create a device that minimizes the challenges posed by manpower shortages in stockroom management. Additionally, the device will also include temperature detection features to guarantee ideal storage conditions and prevent theft.
1. Stockroom Monitoring System (TOF sensor)
- We would implement sensors to monitor stock levels
- It will alert workers only when stocks are very low.
Hence, it will reduce the workload for workers by replacing labour to analyze the number of goods left in the stockrooms.
2. Temperature Detection and Controls (ENV II).
- We would also incorporate temperature sensors to track the environment and temperature of the stockroom
- We also added a climate control system where the temperature can be adjusted if necessary.
3. Security Measures (RFID sensor) & (PIR sensor)
- We would install a card reader where only workers with an access card can enter the stockroom.
- If anyone were to try to use a card that isn't given access to the stock room, the alarm would also sound.
- Once it is after working hours, the store would activate a security system at night where if any movement is detected it will sound off the alarm.
Purpose of TOF:
- Press button A to start the Tof sensor. When the stocks are closer to the sensor it will show a blue light (Full Stock), At the safe level of stocks, it will show a green light(80% full). If stock is in the mid-range it will show an orange light(60% full), if stock is low it will show red (40% full) and if stock is empty, it will show flashing red and yellow lights while beeping(Please restock). If B is pressed, it will turn off the Tof sensor for workers to restock.
Purpose of ENV (II)
- The ENV(ii) sensor is used to detect adetrimental temperature of the stocks. Once the actual temperature falls below or above the desired temperature, it will beep constantly and blink red to alert the workers to change the temperature of the refrigerator manually and wait for it to go towards the desired temperature.
Purpose of RFID
- The RFID sensor is used to read the card when a nearby card is detected and the access card UID is correct, the m5 stack RGB would show green.It will turn off the security system (PIR Sensor) and allow entry.
- If an unauthorised card is tapped, the security system would go off endlessly until an authorised card is read.
Purpose of PIR
- Once button B is pressed, it will activate the security system. Once it is after working hours, where if any movement is detected it will sound off the alarm.
In conclusion, a comprehensive solution to labour shortages and stockroom issues is offered by designing a stockroom management device with TOF sensors, ENV II for temperature control, and RFID/PIR sensors forsecurity measures. The gadget represents an important advancement in stockroom management technology as it automates stock monitoring, ensures ideal storage conditions, and implements strong security measures. Hence improving operating efficiency.
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