ESP32-Based Inventory Tracker for Goods Recording with Barcode Identification

Manual inventory management is prone to various challenges, including recording errors, delays in data updates, and time- and labor-intensive stock reconciliation processes. PT Berkah Industri Mesin Angkat Site Kendari experiences these issues in managing its warehouse inventory. This study proposes a Smart Inventory Tracker, an ESP32 microcontroller–based barcode matching system integrated with Google Spreadsheets via Google Apps Script as a Web API. The system scans barcodes using a GM66 barcode scanner, matches them against an online JSON database, displays item information on a TFT screen, and records the results in real time. The research method follows an engineering research approach, encompassing hardware and software design, system integration, and testing. Performance evaluation includes scanning distance, response time, accuracy, handling of unregistered barcodes, and a comparison with manual recording methods. The results show that the device operates optimally at scanning distances between 3.7 cm and 16.4 cm, with an average response time of 4.58 seconds. The system accurately records data, rejects unregistered barcodes, and achieves 89.94% efficiency improvement over manual methods, saving 40.99 seconds per item.