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Kankatala· 2024Completed

Trax

A comprehensive inventory and logistics management ecosystem consisting of a Next.js web application, Node.js backend API, and React Native mobile app. The system enables efficient inventory transfers between stores, real-time tracking, gate pass management, and robust analytics for a premium retailer with multiple physical locations.

3

Platforms

4

User roles

Multi-store

Stores

Lead developer · 2024

InventoryWeb AppMobileReact Native

Challenge

Kankatala, a premium retailer with multiple physical stores, needed a comprehensive inventory transfer system to efficiently manage goods movement between locations. The solution required web, mobile, and backend components with role-based access for owners, store managers, staff, and security personnel. Key requirements included barcode/QR scanning, real-time tracking, gate pass generation, push notifications, and detailed analytics. Security, audit trails, and a user-friendly interface were essential for all platforms.

How I approached it

01

Scope and roles

Who uses web, mobile, and API; map the cross-surface workflow.

02

Shared foundation

Auth, API contracts, and one data model across all clients.

03

Phased delivery

Ship auth and core loop first, then sync, media, or real-time layers.

04

Integrations

Payments, streaming, maps, sockets, and third-party webhooks.

05

Hardening

Role permissions, performance, and multi-site or multi-tenant ops.

The solution

The Kankatala Inventory system is a comprehensive ecosystem consisting of three integrated components:

  1. Web Application (Trax): A Next.js-based dashboard for inventory management and analytics
  2. Backend API: A Node.js server handling data processing, authentication, and business logic
  3. Mobile Application: A React Native/Expo app for on-the-go inventory management

Together, these components create a powerful solution for managing inventory transfers between stores with comprehensive tracking, authentication, and reporting capabilities.

Key Features

Web Application (Trax)

  • Advanced Dashboard: Featuring analytics, reporting, and real-time inventory status
  • Gate Pass Management: Handle incoming, outgoing, returns, and pending transfers
  • Role-Based Access: Tailored interfaces for owners, managers, staff, and security
  • Data Visualization: Interactive charts and reports using Recharts and Tremor
  • Search and Filtering: Powerful data querying with Tanstack Tables
  • Real-Time Updates: Live status changes via Socket.io integration

Backend API

  • Robust Authentication: Secure access with JWT, bcrypt, and argon2
  • Document Management: File storage via AWS S3 integration
  • Notification System: Email alerts via SendGrid
  • PDF Generation: Create receipts and reports with PDFKit
  • Caching: Performance optimization with Redis
  • Scheduled Tasks: Automated processes with node-cron
  • Comprehensive Logging: Detailed audit trails with Winston

Mobile Application

  • Multi-Role Support: Tailored experiences for four distinct user roles
  • Barcode Scanning: Quick inventory verification and lookup
  • Transfer Management: Create and track transfers between locations
  • Gate Pass Verification: Security checkpoints for inventory movement
  • Push Notifications: Real-time alerts for status changes
  • Offline Capabilities: Continue working with limited connectivity
  • Role-Specific Dashboards: Customized analytics for each user type

The system implements strict role-based access control with four user types:

  1. Owner/Director: Complete oversight and advanced analytics
  2. Store Manager: Store-specific inventory and transfer management
  3. Store Staff: Day-to-day operations and inventory handling
  4. Security Personnel: Gate pass verification and transfer validation

This comprehensive solution streamlines inventory transfers between locations, ensures accurate tracking, provides robust security, and delivers actionable insights through advanced analytics.

Key decisions

Split hero layouts to balance messaging and operational proof across web and mobile

Token-based theming for fast global updates across dashboard surfaces

Role-based dashboards instead of one-size-fits-all UI for owners, managers, staff, and security

Real-time Socket.io updates for transfer status across all platforms

Outcome

3

Platforms

4

User roles

Multi-store

Stores

Stack

Next.js 14 (App Router)TypeScriptNode.js with ExpressReact Native & ExpoTailwind CSS & NativeWindShadcn-ui & Radix UIZustand & React QueryJWT AuthenticationReact Hook Form & ZodRecharts & TremorTanstack TablesSocket.ioAWS Services

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