Designing an IoT-Based RFID Inventory Management System Using ESP Module and RC522

This project presents the development of an IoT-based RFID Inventory Management System designed for real-time inbound, outbound, and stock checking processes. The system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with an MFRC522 RFID reader module and communicates directly with a web-based inventory platform via WiFi.

System Architecture

The core controller is the ESP32, selected for its built-in WiFi capability, dual-core processing, and stable SPI communication. The MFRC522 RFID module operates at 13.56 MHz and communicates with the ESP8266/ESP32 through SPI (SDA, SCK, MOSI, MISO, RST).

Additional peripherals include:

• 16x2 LCD with I2C interface
• Push button for mode selection
• Buzzer for audio feedback
• 5V regulated power supply

The wiring configuration where RFID, LCD, Button, and Buzzer are clearly mapped to the ESP board pins.

Operating Modes

The device supports three main modes selectable via a single push button:

1. Inbound Mode – Register new tagged items into the system
2. Outbound Mode – Record item removal from inventory
3. Check Item Mode – Display item details without modifying stock

The LCD interface provides clear status feedback such as INBOUND, OUTBOUND, and CHECK ITEM, while the buzzer confirms successful tag detection.

Web Integration & Database

The system connects to a local or cloud-based web server. The backend can be deployed using XAMPP with Apache and MySQL.

Data flow sequence:

1. RFID tag scanned
2. UID captured by ESP
3. HTTP request sent to server (with device ID & token)
4. Database updated in real-time
5. Web dashboard displays transaction log

The web interface allows:

• Device configuration
• Item group management
• Real-time inbound/outbound logs
• Report export to Excel

Hardware Implementation

After successful breadboard prototyping, the circuit was assembled onto a perforated PCB and enclosed in a custom black panel box. The enclosure integrates:

• Front LCD window
• RFID scan area
• Rear 5V adapter input
• Power switch

The final device is compact, stable, and ready for industrial or laboratory environments.

#ESP32# #Embedded# #RFID# #inventory# #warehouse#