LakeStock.

Written for: Devpost judges reading the LakeStock submission.

Inspiration

We were inspired by real-world struggles with inefficient warehouse inventory management, manual tracking errors, and slow lookup times. We wanted to build a lightning-fast, reliable Warehouse Management System (WMS) that eliminates guesswork on the shop floor and streamlines inventory operations from end to end.

What it does

LakeStock is a comprehensive enterprise logistics platform designed for modern warehouses. It features:

Live Camera Barcode Scanning: Uses real-time camera scanning (or manual code entry) to instantly recognize item SKUs or shelf locations.
Interactive Warehouse Floor Map: A visual blueprint broken down by aisles and zones where workers can click or search to locate items instantly.
Automated Label Printing: Generates scannable Code 128 barcode labels on the fly with proper quiet zones so handheld scanners read them on the first try.
Inventory Control & Workflows: Seamless multi-step actions for picking, stowing items from transit, and dispatching orders with automated quantity validation.
Role-Based Access & Audit Trails: Secure manager dashboards and append-only transaction audit logs to track every movement across the warehouse.

How we built it

Backend: Built on a robust Node.js and Express web routing server stack.
Database & Analytics: Powered by Databricks to handle reliable inventory records, location mappings, and immutable audit log histories.
Frontend & UI: Custom-crafted responsive HTML5/CSS interfaces with dynamic CSS grid layouts representing warehouse aisles.
Libraries & Integrations: Utilized JsBarcode for instant client-side barcode rendering and html5-qrcode for live mobile/desktop camera scanning, secured via Auth0 authentication workflows.

Challenges we ran into

One of our main technical challenges was managing concurrent database write operations when multiple workers tried to update or stow inventory simultaneously. We solved this by implementing robust query serialization and retry mechanisms. Additionally, configuring scannable barcode labels required careful management of SVG "quiet zones" to ensure physical handheld scanners could pick up printed labels instantly without retries.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully building an interactive warehouse floor plan that maps live database records directly to physical aisles and racks.
Creating a seamless two-step scanning workflow (scanning a shelf followed by an item, or vice versa) for ultra-fast stowing and dispatching.
Delivering a fully functional, production-ready logistics prototype within a high-pressure hackathon timeframe.

What we learned

We deepened our technical expertise in full-stack Node.js development, managing transactional database flows with Databricks, and designing intuitive user interfaces optimized for high-speed, high-stress warehouse environments where every second counts.

What's next for LakeStock

Integrating automated pick-path optimization algorithms to guide stock pickers along the shortest physical route through the warehouse aisles.
Expanding support for multi-warehouse tracking and advanced batch dispatching.
Packaging the scanner interface into a dedicated mobile progressive web app (PWA) for rugged warehouse handheld devices.

Problem Solution Fit

Problem Statement: Modern warehouses bleed time and money due to clunky inventory software, slow manual lookups, and administrative tracking bottlenecks that lead to lost stock and inefficient operations.

Solution: LakeStock is a browser-based Warehouse Management System that combines instant camera barcode scanning, visual floor maps, and Databricks-backed analytics to streamline shop-floor item tracking and inventory control from end to end.

Community Impact

Impact Statement: LakeStock directly tackles operational friction in community and commercial supply chains by eliminating manual paperwork and misplaced inventory. LakeStock reduces labor hours wasted searching for supplies, minimizes waste, and ensures critical resources and goods reach where they are needed faster and more efficiently.