Quick Start Guide
Welcome to ShelfyAI! This guide will help you get started with automated inventory management using AI-powered tracking and computer vision.
What is ShelfyAI?
ShelfyAI is an intelligent inventory management system designed for makers, small businesses, and manufacturers. It uses computer vision and automated workflows to track materials, manage recipes, process orders, and monitor expenses—all in real time.
Key Features
- AI Vision Scanning: Automatically detect and count inventory items using your camera
- Recipe Composition: Define product recipes and track component usage
- Real-time Stock Alerts: Get notified when materials are running low
- Cost Intelligence: Automatic COGS calculation and profit margin analysis
- Multi-channel Orders: Manage orders from Etsy, Shopify, and more in one place
Getting Started
1. Create Your Account
Sign up for a free ShelfyAI account at shelfy-main.vercel.app/login. No credit card required to start.
💡 Tip: Start with the free tier to track unlimited ingredients and 3 AI vision scans per month.
2. Add Your First Ingredient
Navigate to the Ingredients page and click "Add Ingredient". You can manually enter details or use AI Vision to automatically detect and count items.
Example Ingredient Entry:
Name: Oak Planks
Quantity: 50
Unit: pieces
Cost per Unit: $5.50
Supplier: Local Lumber Co.
Reorder Level: 10 pieces
3. Use AI Vision Scanning
Point your camera at your inventory and let ShelfyAI automatically count and identify items:
- Click the "Scan with AI" button on the Ingredients page
- Grant camera permissions when prompted
- Position items clearly in the camera view
- ShelfyAI will detect and count items in real-time
- Review and confirm the detected quantities
Authentication
ShelfyAI uses secure email and password authentication. Your data is encrypted and stored securely using Supabase.
Ingredient Tracking
Track all your raw materials with real-time stock levels. Set reorder points to receive alerts when supplies are running low.
Features:
- Automatic low-stock alerts
- Historical cost tracking
- Supplier management
- Batch and expiry tracking
Recipe Management
Create product recipes by defining which ingredients are needed and in what quantities. ShelfyAI automatically:
- Calculates total material costs
- Deducts ingredients when recipes are produced
- Shows which recipes can be made with current stock
- Computes profit margins
Order Processing
Manage customer orders from multiple sales channels in one unified dashboard. Track order status from placement to fulfillment.
Expense Tracking
Monitor all business expenses automatically. Categorize costs and maintain accurate financial records for better decision-making.
AI Vision Scanning
The AI Vision feature uses computer vision to automatically detect and count inventory items, eliminating manual data entry.
📸 Pro Tip: For best results, ensure good lighting and position items clearly in the camera view.
Analytics & Reports
Export detailed reports in PDF or CSV format. Track metrics like inventory turnover, profit margins, and expense trends over time.
Integrations
Connect ShelfyAI with your existing tools:
- Etsy and Shopify for order import
- QuickBooks for accounting
- Google Sheets for custom reporting
Next Steps
Ready to dive deeper? Check out:
- Try the Playground - Test features without creating an account
- View Pricing - Upgrade to Pro for unlimited AI scans
- Read the FAQ - Common questions answered
Questions? Contact Support