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Grocery Receipt AI Agent
Overview
Grocery Receipt Bot is a lightweight, end-to-end automation solution designed to eliminate the tedious manual entry of grocery receipts. Built as part of my “AI Automation a Day” challenge, this project demonstrates how a focused, rapid prototyping approach can transform everyday pain points into streamlined digital workflows.
The Solution
Receipt Upload via a Local Webapp: A simple React-based front end lets users (or myself) capture and upload receipt images directly from a mobile device.
AI Extraction: An n8n workflow leverages OpenAI’s capabilities (via a custom “ReceiptsReaderBot” agent) to parse receipt images and output structured JSON data (items, prices, dates, etc.).
Human Verification: Extracted data is then displayed in an intuitive interface for quick review and editing—ensuring accuracy despite imperfections in the original image.
Tag-Based Classification: Instead of relying on a single category, items are tagged (e.g., “Organic,” “Dairy,” “Snacks”) to allow for flexible classification.
Database Storage: A second n8n webhook seamlessly saves the verified data into a MongoDB database for future analytics and reporting.
Key Features
Instant AI Parsing
Snap a photo of a receipt, and the system extracts structured data (item names, prices, etc.) in seconds.
Human Verification
A user-friendly screen to correct any mistakes if the receipt is smudged or cryptic.
Tag-Based Classification
Allows multiple tags (e.g., “Organic,” “Produce,” “Snacks”) instead of forcing a single category. Tags have various hierarchies to reduce clutter and enhance the experience.
Results & Impact
Eliminated Manual Data Entry
The process now takes mere seconds, freeing up time and reducing errors.
High Data Accuracy
The human-in-the-loop verification step ensures that even imperfect receipts yield reliable data.
Scalable & Adaptable
The approach can be extended to other document types—like invoices or HR forms—making it a versatile solution for many business needs.
Future Enhancements
Price Comparisons for Frequently Bought Items - Identify the best deals at local stores to save money on routine grocery purchases.
Consumption Trends & Analytics - Understand purchasing patterns over time, spot areas to reduce waste, and make more informed buying decisions.
Budgeting Dashboard - Provide real-time insights into spending habits and trends.
Calorie Tracking & Nutrition - Combine receipt data with nutritional info for each item and meal logging for nutrition planning.