nanco

nanco is a smart inventory management system designed specifically for small businesses that need a simple, cost-effective way to track inventory. The system combines a minimalist IoT hardware device with a cloud-based web and mobile application, making it easy to digitize inventory tracking operations that were previously done manually.

The Problem

Small businesses, particularly in retail, apparel manufacturing, and e-commerce, struggle with inventory management. Traditional solutions like handheld terminals and RFID systems are expensive and overly complex for their needs. Many businesses still rely on paper and pen, leading to data entry errors, lack of real-time visibility, and difficulties in making data-driven decisions.

The Solution

nanco provides a radically simple approach: “counting” focused inventory management. The system consists of two main components:

IoT Device

A dedicated IoT device with an intuitive interface:

LCD display showing current inventory count
Only two buttons: (+) for adding items and (-) for removing items
Wi-Fi module for cloud synchronization
Battery-powered for flexible placement
Patented visual light communication for initial smartphone setup (no Bluetooth pairing required)

The device is designed to be hands-free and can be mounted anywhere – warehouses, retail shelves, or offices. Simply match the displayed number with the physical count, and press the appropriate button to update the cloud.

Cloud Application

A web and mobile application that provides:

Real-time inventory dashboard
Historical tracking and trend analysis
Multi-location management
Data export and reporting
Works standalone or as a supplement to existing inventory systems

Development Journey

nanco was developed through the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute’s public research collaboration program. The project emerged from real-world experience – the team operated both an IT business and an apparel business, experiencing firsthand the challenges of managing inventory from production through distribution.

Key Features

Simplified Operation

Paper and pen replacement that’s easier to use
No workflow changes required for staff
Hands-free operation possible
Immediate learning curve

Flexible Deployment

Works anywhere with Wi-Fi
Suitable for warehouses, retail stores, offices
Can supplement existing inventory systems for areas that are still manual
Easy integration with other business systems

Data-Driven Insights

Digitize previously manual inventory data
Track inventory trends and history
Enable data-based planning and analysis
Reduce reliance on intuition alone

Impact and Benefits

For Small Businesses

Digitization: Transform manual counting into digital data
Analysis: Make decisions based on data, not just experience
Flexibility: Deploy anywhere Wi-Fi is available

Use Cases

Small apparel manufacturers tracking materials and finished goods
Retail stores managing shelf inventory
E-commerce businesses with warehousing needs
Offices tracking supplies and equipment
Workshops monitoring tool usage

Future Development

Following successful hardware production, the focus has shifted to software development:

Enhanced analytics and reporting features
Integration capabilities with other business systems
Web service improvements for device-free operation
Marketing automation and business development

The system aims to become the foundation for small businesses to begin their digital transformation journey, particularly those in manufacturing and retail who haven’t yet digitized their operations.

Target Market

nanco targets small businesses across multiple sectors:

Small-scale apparel manufacturers
Town factories and workshops
Retail stores with inventory tracking needs
Offices requiring supply management
E-commerce businesses expanding from online sales

The goal is to provide a simple entry point for businesses to begin managing their inventory digitally, serving as a foundation for broader digital transformation efforts.