Import or capture
Validate an existing CSV before importing it, or create new assets from photos and reviewed suggestions.
All use cases
Open Inventory for Startup
Track devices and prototype parts without another spreadsheet workflow.
Open Inventory provides an open asset and stock layer for a growing team. It covers physical records, assignments, stock movements, purchasing, and integration, but does not claim to replace device management or accounting software.
MIT licenseSelf-hostedNative iOS app
Capture path
Take a photo · review the draft · save the record
Operational problem
Less reconstruction, more traceable state.
A young company can outgrow its first asset sheet quickly: laptops need assignments, prototypes consume parts, and purchasing changes expected stock. Those workflows need one identifier model without forcing the company into a closed platform.
- Assign serialised assets to people while keeping a dated return history
- Track bulk parts, purchase orders, receipts, and minimum stock
- Connect internal tools through documented endpoints and revocable scoped tokens
Real web app capture · demo data
A workflow at the point of use
From a physical object to a usable record.
Capture starts with a camera or an existing code. Structured fields and deeper workflows are added without hiding the transaction being made.
Define the model
Use types, custom fields, locations, and quantity or serial tracking to represent devices and parts explicitly.
Assign and receive
Record equipment assignments and receive ordered quantities into the correct stock location.
Integrate deliberately
Issue expiring API tokens with only the required scopes and build against the checked-in OpenAPI 3.1 contract.
Relevant capabilities
The data model behind this use case.
These capabilities are part of the same MIT-licensed application. Open Inventory does not split them into closed industry editions.
Assets and component stock
Use serialised units for devices and quantity tracking for interchangeable parts within the same data model.
Assignment and return
Keep the current assignee and previous assignments as dated records rather than editing history away.
Purchasing and receipts
Track ordered and received quantities and apply receipts to stock through explicit transactions.
Granular access
Separate viewing, editing, stock, token, and administrative permissions and apply conditional access where needed.
OpenAPI and scoped tokens
Use revocable bearer tokens for scripts and integrations instead of sharing an administrator session.
Validated CSV exchange
Preview validation errors before import and export core inventory data for further processing.
Native iOS app
SwiftUI · included in the repository
Register equipment where onboarding happens.
The native app can photograph a new device, scan its code, and assign it against the team's own server. It is source-available in the same MIT-licensed repository as the web application.
- Capture serial numbers and several equipment photos
- Look up and edit an existing asset from its code
- Retry create, media, analysis, and cover stages with stable idempotency keys
Camera and scanner operations run on a physical iPhone
Read the iOS implementation notesOpen source is part of the operating model
An asset layer the company can inspect and operate.
The deployment uses Next.js, PostgreSQL, migrations, and persistent media storage. The source and API contract are open; operations, backups, upgrades, and any optional provider remain explicit responsibilities rather than hidden service behaviour.
MIT-licensed source
Docker setup with PostgreSQL
Checked-in OpenAPI 3.1 contract
Native iOS source included
Run it on your infrastructure
Start with one reviewed record.
Start the Docker stack, photograph one real object, and inspect the resulting fields and media before choosing a wider rollout.