Velox Project: Streamlined Warehouse Management Solution

Apr 18, 2024

The Velox Project was designed to solve the challenge of managing returned inventory in Indian warehouses. By automating stock tracking and integrating with major eCommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, Velox reduces manual work and offers instant insights into inventory status, saving managers hours of effort each day.

Development Overview

For Velox, we focused on building a mobile-friendly, cross-platform solution that enables employees to manage stock in real time and gives warehouse managers comprehensive control over inventory.

  1. Cross-Platform Mobile & Web App with Flutter

    • We built Velox using Flutter to create a seamless, responsive experience that works both as a mobile app and a web application.

    • This cross-platform approach provided cost-effective development, enabling rapid deployment across all devices.

    • Employees can use the app to scan barcodes, log stock movements, and perform product billing, while managers can access reports and oversee operations from any device.

  2. Backend Development with Node.js and PostgreSQL

    • We used Node.js to develop a high-performance backend, allowing for fast data processing and seamless communication with the front end.

    • PostgreSQL was chosen for its robustness in handling large datasets, ensuring data integrity and fast querying across multiple tables, which is essential for warehouse management.

    • Optimized for efficiency, our backend API performs at lightning speed, with an average execution time of just 400 ms for real-time data access.

  3. Integration with Amazon and Flipkart

    • Velox integrates directly with Amazon and Flipkart’s seller portals, allowing inventory data to be updated in a single click.

    • Automated Status Updates: When new shipments are dispatched, they’re automatically marked as "In Transit." Upon arrival at the warehouse, a scan marks them as "In House," and when sold, they are updated to "Sold."

    • This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and ensuring up-to-date information.

  4. Barcode Scanning for Quick Processing

    • Employees can scan products on arrival, for transfers, or during dispatch, instantly updating product status and location.

    • The barcode system also supports billing, streamlining processes and enhancing accuracy.

  5. Scalable Deployment on AWS

    • Hosted on AWS EC2, Velox leverages the power and flexibility of cloud infrastructure, allowing it to scale effortlessly with growing warehouse demands.

    • AWS ensures high availability and resilience, while also enabling automatic backups and security updates to safeguard sensitive data.

  6. Role-Based Access Control

    • Managers can assign specific roles and permissions to employees, ensuring controlled access to sensitive data and tasks.

    • This role-based access control simplifies user management while maintaining data privacy and operational integrity.

Key Features of Velox

  1. Real-Time Inventory Updates

    • Instant inventory status updates with seamless eCommerce integration for current and accurate stock information.

  2. Centralized Dashboard for Managers

    • A comprehensive dashboard provides managers with insights into inventory quantity, value, and movement, allowing for data-driven decision-making.

  3. Easy Employee Onboarding and Role Management

    • Managers can add employees and assign permissions, giving each user only the access they need.

  4. Barcode Scanning & Mobile Billing

    • Barcode scanning for product entries and exits, along with integrated billing for quick and error-free processing.

  5. Scalable and Resilient Backend

    • A high-performance backend with a 400 ms API response time, ensuring smooth and instant operations, even under high loads.

Implementation Process

  1. Needs Analysis: Conducted in-depth discussions with warehouse operators to understand existing bottlenecks and manual processes.

  2. MVP Development: Built core functionalities like barcode scanning, inventory tracking, and integration with Amazon and Flipkart for an initial proof of concept.

  3. User Testing and Feedback: Gathered feedback from employees and managers to refine the user experience, ensuring an intuitive and efficient system.

  4. Deployment and Optimization: Deployed on AWS, optimized for performance, and set up monitoring tools to ensure consistent and reliable operation.

Results & Impact

  • Time Savings: Replaced 15 Excel sheets with a unified system, reducing inventory tracking time by up to 80%.

  • Improved Accuracy: Real-time tracking and automated updates minimized manual errors and ensured accurate stock information.

  • Streamlined Operations: With barcode scanning and mobile accessibility, product check-ins and billing are faster and more efficient.

Use Cases

  • Inventory Management for Returns: Streamlines the entire process of receiving, storing, and dispatching returned products.

  • Warehouse Efficiency: Empowers warehouses to manage thousands of products without relying on cumbersome spreadsheets.

  • Employee Efficiency: Mobile and easy-to-use apps let employees perform tasks on the go, increasing productivity.

Key Takeaways

The Velox Project exemplifies 6thlabs’ expertise in:

  • Cross-Platform Development: Building user-friendly, scalable apps for mobile and web with Flutter.

  • High-Performance Backends: Developing fast and reliable backends with Node.js that support real-time updates and rapid scaling.

  • Cloud Infrastructure: Using AWS EC2 for a resilient and scalable deployment, ensuring high availability for mission-critical applications.