Inventory management with QR codes & PWA for ComBinder PIM
ComBinder PIM extends centralised product data management to include mobile warehouse management for storage locations, stock levels and product information.
Staff can scan QR code labels directly in the warehouse and immediately see which products are in stock at a particular location. Stock levels can be checked, corrected and updated on the spot – directly via a smartphone or tablet.
The warehouse management PWA is provided by the on-premises ComBinder software. No external server or additional cloud component is required.
Mobile stock management directly at the storage location
The new warehouse management system integrates product data, storage locations and stock levels into a single system. Instead of having to enter information retrospectively at their desks, staff can work directly at the shelves.
The PWA is used to create stock items, check existing products and adjust quantities. New products can be assigned to a storage location and any missing information can be added straight away.
- Open storage spaces using a QR code
- Check and adjust stock levels directly on site
- Assign products to stock items
- Taking product photos with a smartphone
- Supplement product information using AI-powered research
This means that ComBinder PIM becomes not only the central product database, but also the mobile work interface in the warehouse.
Why stock management in PIM makes sense
In many companies, product data and stock information are managed separately. This quickly leads to inconsistencies: product information is stored in the PIM or in Excel, stock levels in a separate system, and images on individual devices.
With ComBinder warehouse management, this information is more closely integrated. The storage location, stock levels, product image and product data are all directly part of the same workflow.
| Criterion | Separate stock list | Separate cloud app | ComBinder Stock Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data source | often isolated | external system | directly within the ComBinder Workspace |
| Mobile access | Restricted | Yes | Yes, via PWA |
| QR code storage locations | mostly manual | depending on the provider | integrated |
| Product images | separately | often possible | directly via smartphone |
| Server operation | depending on file storage | Cloud or external server | On-premises via ComBinder |
| Product data sourcing | low | often separate | directly linked to the PIM |
QR code labels for storage locations
In ComBinder, each storage location can be assigned a QR code. When this code is scanned using a smartphone, the corresponding storage location view opens directly in the PWA.
This reduces the time spent searching and prevents errors in item allocation. Staff do not have to search manually for shelf numbers, storage zones or item descriptions first; instead, they are taken directly to the correct location.
- Clearly identify the storage location
- Show products at the storage location
- Check and correct stock levels
- Assign new products
- Simplifying warehouse workflows
Features of ComBinder’s stock management system
The warehouse management system was developed to support practical workflows in the warehouse. It enables the management of stock items, stock levels, product images and supplementary product information directly via mobile devices.
Managing storage locations and positions
Stock locations can be set up in a structured way and made accessible via a QR code. The PWA displays the details of the relevant item directly on the smartphone or tablet.
Adjust stock levels
Quantities can be amended on site. This allows stock receipts, stock issues or corrections to be recorded immediately.
Neue Produkte erfassen
Products can be assigned to a storage location or entered as new items directly in the warehouse. This is particularly useful when goods are in stock but the data record still needs to be completed.
Taking photos via a PWA
Product images can be taken using a smartphone camera and linked to the product. This creates media content wherever the product is physically available.
AI-powered research for product information
Missing product information can optionally be generated using AI-powered research. This feature helps to supplement descriptions, technical information or other product data.
Stock-taking mode in preparation
An inventory mode will be added in future. This is intended to enable stock items to be checked systematically and stock discrepancies to be recorded in a structured manner.
A PWA instead of a separate app
The mobile stock management system runs as a progressive web app in the browser. There is no need to install a native app from an app store.
The PWA can be opened in a mobile browser and pinned to the home screen if required. Staff can use it on a smartphone or tablet via an interface optimised for the warehouse.
As the PWA is delivered directly by ComBinder, the desktop application and the mobile interface both access the same workspace data.
Deployed on-premises – without the need for an additional server
A key advantage of the solution is its architecture: the warehouse management PWA does not require an external server. It is hosted by the embedded server of the ComBinder desktop application.
Product data, storage locations, stock levels, movements and images remain within your own infrastructure. There is no separate PWA database and no additional cloud component.
For productive mobile access, the ComBinder instance must be accessible on the network. In practice, camera functions such as QR scanning and taking photos require HTTPS access, for example via a reverse proxy with a TLS certificate.
Warehouse management, AI and automation
The warehouse management system complements the existing capabilities of ComBinder PIM in the areas of REST API, automation and AI-powered product data maintenance.
This feature is particularly valuable when product data is incomplete. Images can be captured directly in the warehouse; any missing information can then be sourced using AI and processed further in the PIM.
AI search is optional. It is only used if it has been actively enabled and configured accordingly.
Typical use cases
The ComBinder warehouse management system is ideal for companies that wish to integrate product data and warehouse processes more closely.
- Check incoming goods and allocate products to storage locations
- Uniquely identify shelf locations using QR codes
- Adjust stock levels directly at the storage location
- Taking product photos in the warehouse
- fill in the missing product information
- Preparation of structured stock-taking processes
Manufacturer
For manufacturers with their own products, samples or spare parts
- Maintain storage locations for products and components
- Take product photos directly on the item
- Supplementing product information in the context of PIM
- Gain a better understanding of stock levels and physical positions
Dealers
For retailers with expanding product ranges and changing stock locations
- Find products by their QR code at their storage location
- Adjust quantities on the spot
- Quickly create new items
- Link stock data to product data
E-Commerce
For shops and multichannel processes requiring high data quality
- Complete product images and details more quickly
- Thinking about stock levels and product information as a whole
- Integrating operational stock management with PIM processes
- Laying the foundations for future stock-taking procedures
Try ComBinder PIM with stock management now
Combine product data management, storage locations and mobile stock taking in a single system.
Get started with ComBinder PIM and use the warehouse management module as an extension for structured product data, QR code-based storage locations and mobile workflows in the warehouse.