Mini Project Report
Mini Project Report
on
Group no. 1
Submitted by:
Vidhi Singh (2304500100118)
Sneha Harariya (2304500100107)
Pranav Dubey (2304500100078)
CERTIFICATE..................................................................................................................iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................v
ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES…………………………………………………………………….vii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS…………………………………………………………viii
1.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................01
1.2 MOTIVATION............................................................................................................03
2.1 OBJECTIVES..............................................................................................................04
4.1 METHADOLOGY.....................................................................................................14
4.2 APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................17
5.1 CONCLUSION........................................………………………………………...19
6.1 CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………..25
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................29
DECLARATION
We hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it
contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial
extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute
learning, except where due acknowledgement has been made in the text.
Signature………....………………. Signature………....……………….
Date................................................ Date................................................
Signature.......................................
Date..............................................
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Mini Project Report entitledCollege Inventory Management SystemWebsite which
is submitted by Vidhi Singh (2304500100118), Pranav Dubey (2304500100078), Sneha Harariya
(2304500100107) is a record of the candidates own work carried out by them under my supervision. The
matter embodied in this work is original and has not been submitted for the award of any other work or
degree.
It gives us a great sense of pleasure to present the report of the B.Tech. Mini Project undertaken during
B.Tech. Second year. We owe special debt of gratitude to Assistant Professor Ms. Monica Mitra, CSE,
SRMSCET&R, Bareilly for her constant support and guidance throughout the course of our work. Her
sincerity, thoroughness and perseverance have been a constant source of inspiration for us. It is only her
cognizant efforts that our endeavours have seen light of the day.
We also take the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Dr.ShaileshSaxena, principal
SRMSCET&R, Bareilly for his full support and assistance during the development of the project.
We also do not like to miss the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of all faculty members of the
department for their kind assistance and cooperation during the development of our project. Last but not the
least, we acknowledge our friends for their contribution in the completion of the project.
Signature………....………………. Signature………....……………….
Date................................................ Date................................................
Signature.......................................
Date..............................................
ABSTRACT
A College Inventory Management System (CIMS) is essential for efficiently managing assets such as books,
laboratory equipment, furniture, and stationery in educational institutions. Traditional manual inventory
tracking is prone to errors and inefficiencies, making a digital CIMS a necessary solution for automation,
accuracy, and accountability.
CIMS streamlines inventory tracking, procurement, and resource allocation. It features stock level
monitoring, automated replenishment alerts, and barcode/QR code integration, reducing human errors.
Departments like libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities benefit from real-time inventory insights,
ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Security and data integrity are key aspects, with user access controls limiting unauthorized usage. Digital
transaction records improve transparency, facilitating audits and reporting. Cost optimization is another
major advantage, as CIMS prevents excess stock and stockouts, aiding in budget management.
This report explores the design, implementation, and impact of a CIMS, highlighting its benefits in
modernizing administrative processes, improving asset utilization, and enhancing operational efficiency in
colleges.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Fig 1………………………………………………………………16
Fig 2……………………………………………………………….19
Fig 3……………………………………………………………….19
Fig 4……………………………………………………………….20
Fig 5……………………………………………………………….20
Fig 6……………………………………………………………….21
Fig 7……………………………………………………………….21
Fig 8……………………………………………………………….22
Fig 9……………………………………………………………….22
Fig 10……………………………………………………………...23
Fig 11……………………………………………………………...23
Fig 12……………………………………………………………...24
Fig 13……………………………………………………………...24
CHAPTER - 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Inventory management is a crucial aspect of college administration, ensuring the efficient tracking,
procurement, and utilization of assets such as books, laboratory equipment, furniture, and stationery.
Traditional inventory methods often involve manual record-keeping, which is prone to errors,
mismanagement, and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, a College Inventory Management System
(CIMS) is implemented as a web-based solution to streamline inventory operations, improve accuracy, and
enhance accountability.
A CIMS enables real-time tracking of inventory levels, automated stock replenishment, and comprehensive
reporting to support decision-making. As a web-based system, it allows users to access inventory data from
any location, ensuring convenience and efficiency. Security features, such as user authentication and access
control mechanisms, restrict unauthorized personnel from manipulating inventory data, thus maintaining
integrity and transparency.
The primary objective of a CIMS is to optimize inventory usage, prevent shortages or overstocking, and
facilitate cost-effective resource management. Various college departments, including libraries, laboratories,
and administrative offices, benefit from an organized and systematic approach to inventory control.
A well-designed CIMS also integrates seamlessly with other administrative systems, such as financial
management and student records. This interconnectivity simplifies budget planning and auditing processes,
allowing colleges to optimize their financial resources. Moreover, it reduces administrative workload,
freeing staff to focus on more strategic tasks rather than manual inventory tracking.
By utilizing an intuitive user interface, CIMS provides ease of use for college staff, reducing the learning
curve and improving adoption rates. Features such as role-based permissions ensure that different
departments have access to relevant data without unnecessary exposure to sensitive information.
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Additionally, the system can generate customized reports, offering insights into inventory movement, usage
patterns, and procurement needs.
One of the key advantages of a web-based CIMS is its scalability. As the college grows, the system can be
expanded to accommodate more users, additional departments, and increased inventory categories. This
ensures long-term usability and adaptability to changing institutional needs. Furthermore, cloud-based
storage options enhance data security and accessibility, ensuring that inventory records remain intact even in
case of system failures.
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1.2 MOTIVATION
The motivation behind developing a College Inventory Management System stems from the inefficiencies
and challenges associated with traditional inventory tracking methods. Many educational institutions rely on
manual record-keeping, which is time-consuming, prone to human errors, and often results in misplaced or
unaccounted-for assets. The lack of a centralized system leads to difficulties in resource allocation, increased
operational costs, and administrative burdens.
A web-based CIMS provides a modern and efficient alternative by automating inventory tracking, improving
accessibility, and enhancing transparency. The ability to access real-time data allows college administrators
to make informed decisions regarding stock replenishment, procurement strategies, and budget management.
Moreover, eliminating paperwork reduces environmental impact while promoting a more sustainable
approach to resource management.
Another driving factor is the need for security and accountability in inventory management. Unauthorized
access, misuse, or misplacement of assets can lead to financial losses and operational disruptions. By
incorporating role-based access control, audit logs, and data encryption, a CIMS ensures that inventory data
is secure and only accessible to authorized personnel.
The motivation for implementing CIMS also aligns with the broader goal of digital transformation in
education. By leveraging technology, colleges can enhance operational efficiency, reduce redundant
administrative tasks, and provide better services to students and faculty. In the long run, an automated
inventory system contributes to a more organized and resource-efficient academic environment, ultimately
improving institutional effectiveness and performance.
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CHAPTER-2
2.1 OBJECTIVES
• To track all college resources, including equipment, books, supplies, and materials in real-
time, ensuring nothing is misplaced or overstocked.
2. Cost Management
• To keep track of the financial aspects of inventory, ensuring the college remains within its
budget while managing resource acquisition and usage efficiently.
3. Inventory Accessibility
• To provide easy access to inventory details for authorized users, such as administrators,
faculty, and staff, through a user-friendly interface.
• To set automatic alerts for low stock levels, expirations, or maintenance schedules, preventing
shortages and ensuring proper usage.
• To generate detailed reports and analytics on inventory usage, turnover, and trends to help
decision-makers plan for future purchases and resource allocation.
• To optimize the usage of college resources by tracking the location and condition of
equipment and supplies, ensuring they are used effectively.
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• To automate and simplify the ordering process when inventory levels fall below a threshold,
ensuring timely restocking.
• To manage user access and permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or
modify inventory data.
• To facilitate periodic audits and ensure compliance with college policies, reducing the risk of
errors or fraud.
• To ensure accurate, real-time data updates, minimizing discrepancies and errors in inventory
records.
• To track the maintenance schedules of equipment and resources, ensuring that necessary
repairs or servicing are carried out on time to prevent breakdowns.
• To design an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface for users of all technical skill levels,
ensuring smooth adoption and use of the system by college staff.
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• To ensure that inventory levels are updated in real time as items are added or removed,
providing an accurate reflection of available stock at any given moment.
• To enable seamless integration with other college systems, such as accounting, procurement,
and scheduling systems, to enhance overall efficiency.
• To allow for the creation of customized categories based on the type of items (e.g., academic,
non-academic, consumables, durable goods), ensuring that users can easily sort and search
inventory data.
• To predict future inventory needs based on historical usage data, enabling proactive
procurement and preventing stockouts or overstocking.
• For college students to access specific inventory (e.g., books, lab equipment) and check them
out online, reducing administrative workload.
• To ensure the system is mobile-friendly, allowing staff to manage and track inventory from
anywhere on campus using smartphones or tablets.
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• To assign different access levels to users based on their roles, ensuring that sensitive data is
only accessible to authorized personnel.
• To track and manage eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling, sustainable purchasing, and
energy usage of equipment, supporting the college’s green initiatives.
• To implement a robust backup and disaster recovery plan, ensuring that all inventory data is
securely stored and recoverable in case of system failure.
• To provide staff with training and ongoing support for using the system effectively, ensuring
smooth operation and resolving any technical issues quickly.
25. Scalability
• To design the system to accommodate future growth, whether in terms of inventory size,
campus locations, or user base, ensuring long-term usability.
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2.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
• The college struggles with tracking the current availability and condition of resources such as
equipment, books, and supplies, leading to inefficiencies, misplaced items, and overstocking.
• The manual process of tracking inventory through spreadsheets or paper records is prone to
errors, inefficiency, and delays, leading to inaccurate data and poor decision-making.
• The absence of a proper inventory management system results in the college overspending on
supplies and resources, causing budget overruns and wastage due to poor forecasting and
stock management.
• Departments and staff face challenges in locating and reserving inventory, which hampers
smooth operations and delays the use of crucial resources, especially for time-sensitive
academic or administrative activities.
• There is no systematic way to track the maintenance needs of equipment or resources, leading
to breakdowns, operational disruptions, and additional repair costs due to unaddressed wear
and tear.
• The college does not have access to timely, detailed reports or analytics on inventory usage,
leading to poor planning, over-purchasing, or stockouts of essential resources.
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7. Complex Procurement Process
• The procurement process is inefficient, often relying on manual intervention and delayed
approvals, which can result in late restocking, delays in critical operations, or the purchase of
unnecessary items.
• With no effective user management system, there are concerns about unauthorized access to
inventory data and the potential for fraud or mishandling of resources.
• The lack of a unified system to manage inventory across different college departments or
campuses results in difficulty tracking items when they are transferred or borrowed between
locations.
• Students are unable to easily access or reserve inventory items like books or lab equipment,
causing delays and inefficiencies in resource usage and reducing student satisfaction.
• There is no system in place to monitor and reduce waste or loss of resources, leading to
avoidable expenses and depletion of materials over time.
• The college’s inventory system is disconnected from other college systems (e.g., financial,
procurement, scheduling), making it difficult to streamline operations and achieve cross-
functional efficiencies.
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• The current system is not flexible or scalable enough to handle growing inventory demands,
such as new departments, larger student populations, or increased equipment requirements.
• Staff and administrators lack proper training or support for using the inventory management
system effectively, leading to inefficiencies and a slow adaptation to the technology.
• The inventory management system is not optimized for mobile use, making it inconvenient
for staff to manage and track resources while on the go across campus.
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CHAPTER – 3
Nyabwanga, Robert Nyamao&Ojera, Patrick. (2012). Inventory management practices and business
performance for small scale enterprises in Kenya. KCA Journal of Business Management, vol.4,iss.1, pp.11–
28. They Highlighted the association between inventory management practices and business performance of
small-scale enterprises (SSEs), in Kisii Municipality, Kisii County, Kenya. They used a cross-sectional
survey study based on a small sample size of 79 SSEs. The study inferred that inventory comprised the
maximum portion of working capital, and improper management of working capital was one of the major
reasons of SSE failures. The empirical results disclosed that a positive significant relationship existed
between business performance and inventory management practices with inventory budgeting having the
maximum influence on business performance ensued by shelf-space management. The study suggested that
by following effective inventory management practices business performance can be enhanced.
Lambrix, R.J and Singhvi, S.S (1979), “Managing the Working Capital Cycle”, Financial Executive, June
1979, pp. 32-41. Adopted working capital cycle approach in working capital management, also suggested
that investment in working capital can be optimized and cash flows can be improved by reducing the time
frame of physical flow starting from the receipt of raw material to the shipment of finished goods, i.e.
inventory management, and by improving the terms and conditions on which firm sells goods as well as
receipt of cash.
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Lal, A.B (1981), “Inventory Models and Problems of Price Fluctuation”, Shree Publishing House, New
Delhi, 1981.He studied Modi Steels Limited as a case study, his study focused on inventory management.
He originated a model which involve price variable in inventory management; earlier price variable in
inventory was not considered in that company. The analysis recommended solid policies, which would look
after internal and external factors, ultimately it would help in bringing in efficient working capital
management.
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3.2 TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY
The tools and technology used in making of the Inventory Management System Website are as follows:
1. Frontend Technologies:
• HTML5 – For structuring web pages.
• CSS – For styling and designing user interface.
2. Backend:
• Python – Core programming language used for backend logic.
• Django – Web framework for handling requests, authentication, and database interactions.
3. Database:
• MySQL – Used for storing and managing inventory data.
4. Development Environment:
• MySQL – Used for storing and managing inventory data.
5. Other Tools:
• Django Admin Panel – For managing inventory records efficiently.
• SQLite – Default database used during development before migrating to MySQL.
Prerequisites:
4.1 METHODOLOGY
1. Inventory Assessment
• Stock Evaluation: Regularly assess current inventory levels to identify items that need
replenishment.
• Usage Analysis: Review historical data to understand consumption patterns and predict future needs.
2. Requisition Process
• Departmental Requests: Departments submit requests for necessary items based on their
requirements.
• Approval Workflow: Requests are reviewed and approved by designated authorities to ensure
necessity and budget compliance.
3. Procurement
• Supplier Selection: Choose vendors based on criteria such as cost, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Purchase Order Creation: Generate and dispatch purchase orders to selected suppliers.
• Delivery Confirmation: Upon receipt, verify that delivered items match the purchase orders in
terms of quantity and specifications.
• Quality Check: Inspect items for any damages or defects.
5. Inventory Recording
• System Update: Log received items into the inventory management system, updating stock levels
accordingly.
• Labeling: Assign identification labels or barcodes to items for easy tracking.
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6. Storage and Distribution
• Regular Audits: Conduct periodic inventory audits to ensure accuracy between physical stock and
system records.
• Usage Reporting: Generate reports detailing inventory usage, helping in future planning and
budgeting.
• Threshold Setting: Establish minimum stock levels for critical items to trigger automatic reorder
alerts.
• Lead Time Consideration: Factor in supplier lead times to prevent stockouts.
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Fig.1: Flowchart for College Inventory Management System
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4.2 APPLICATIONS
A College Inventory Management System website has several practical applications, including:
1. Asset Tracking
• Keep records of all college assets like computers, projectors, furniture, and lab equipment.
• Track item location, department, and assigned personnel.
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7. IT Equipment and Software Management
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CHAPTER-5
Fig 2
Fig 3
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Fig 4
Fig 5
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Fig 6
Fig 7
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Fig 8
Fig 9
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Fig 10
Fig 11
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Fig 12
Fig-12
Fig 13
Fig 13
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CHAPTER-6
6.1 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the College Inventory Management System is an indispensable tool that simplifies the
management and tracking of various college assets, ensuring smoother operations across departments.
Whether it’s textbooks, laboratory equipment, IT devices, office supplies, or furniture, this system provides a
comprehensive solution to manage resources efficiently, ensuring they are properly accounted for and
readily available when needed. With real-time updates and an intuitive interface, the system helps eliminate
the complexities of manual inventory tracking, reducing human errors and boosting productivity across the
board.
The system’s customizable features ensure that it can adapt to the specific needs of different departments,
allowing for tailored inventory management. Administrators have the ability to define categories, set
different access levels for staff, and implement custom reporting options, all of which contribute to better
oversight and management. The platform offers the flexibility to track items from procurement to disposal,
providing full visibility into the lifecycle of each resource.
Its user-friendly design ensures that both administrative staff and department heads can easily navigate the
system. This ease of use empowers colleges and universities to transition from outdated, time-consuming
methods to a more streamlined, automated process for tracking inventory. In turn, this results in reduced
overhead costs, fewer resources being wasted, and a significant amount of time saved, all of which can be
redirected towards other academic or administrative priorities.
Furthermore, the College Inventory Management System places a high emphasis on data integrity and
security. Through advanced access control features, the system ensures that only authorized personnel can
make changes or updates to inventory records, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected and reducing
the risk of errors or misuse. The system's audit logs provide a detailed history of all transactions and updates,
which enhances accountability and transparency within the institution.
As educational institutions evolve, so too do their inventory management needs. The College Inventory
Management System is designed with scalability in mind, meaning it can accommodate institutions of all
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sizes—from small colleges to large universities. The system can easily scale up to handle an increasing
volume of inventory, users, and resources, ensuring that your institution’s needs are always met, no matter
how much it grows.
Looking toward the future, the College Inventory Management System is not just a solution for today’s
challenges but also a platform built to evolve with the changing landscape of education and technology. As
the demand for smart campus solutions increases, this system offers the flexibility to integrate with future
technologies, ensuring that it remains relevant and valuable for years to come.
In summary, the College Inventory Management System offers colleges a highly efficient, customizable, and
secure way to manage their assets. With its seamless integration into existing workflows and its ability to
adapt to various institutional needs, it empowers staff to manage resources with greater precision and
efficiency. By saving time, reducing waste, and enhancing transparency, this system plays a crucial role in
improving the operational efficiency of colleges, allowing them to focus on their core mission of providing
quality education.
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6.2 FUTURE ENHANCEMENT
As technology continues to evolve, the College Inventory Management System is designed to grow
alongside it, offering future enhancements to meet the dynamic needs of educational institutions. Some
potential future upgrades could include:
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REFRENCES
• Gaur, Jighyasu& Bhattacharya, Sourabh. (2011). The relationship of financial and inventory
performance of manufacturing firms in Indian context. California Journal of Operations
Management, vol. 9, iss.2, pp.70–77.
• Nyabwanga, Robert Nyamao&Ojera, Patrick. (2012). Inventory management practices and business
performance for small scale enterprises in Kenya. KCA Journal of Business Management, vol.4,iss.1,
pp.11–28.
• Lambrix, R.J and Singhvi, S.S (1979), “Managing the Working Capital Cycle”, Financial Executive,
June 1979, pp. 32-41.
• Lal, A.B (1981), “Inventory Models and Problems of Price Fluctuation”, Shree Publishing House,
New Delhi, 1981. |
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