Inventory Management via Dynamic Ad-Hoc Network with Synchronized ESP-NOW Protocol

In the context of modern inventory management, the ability to maintain accurate, real-time data across a distributed network is essential for efficient supply chain operations. This paper presents the design and implementation of an inventory management system utilizing a dynamic ad-hoc network based on the ESP-NOW protocol, a lightweight, peer-to-peer communication protocol that operates without the need for traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure. The system is built using ESP32 microcontrollers, which form a decentralized mesh network to monitor and manage inventory levels across various nodes within a warehouse or retail environment. A significant contribution of this paper is the introduction of a novel synchronization method tailored to the ESP-NOW protocol stack. Traditional synchronization mechanisms often face challenges in dynamic ad-hoc networks due to the lack of a central coordinator and the variability in node communication. To address this, the proposed method uses a time-stamped data packet exchange system, where nodes periodically broadcast their inventory data along with a synchronization token. Neighboring nodes receive these packets, adjust their internal clocks, and synchronize their inventory data based on the latest available information. This method ensures consistency across the network while minimizing the risk of data conflicts and reducing latency. The proposed system's architecture is designed to be highly scalable and flexible, accommodating the addition or removal of nodes without disrupting network functionality.