The present application describes an automated inventory control system that comprises one or more storage devices containing a plurality of storage locations for storing objects and first and second predefined locations. The first and second predefined locations for receiving one or more objects includes a sensing system that is configured to sense when an object is deposited at the first and second predefined locations, respectively. The one or more processors are configured to automatically assign a first status to the object and cause transmission of an alert indicating the first status of the deposited object when an object is deposited at the first predefined location. The one or more processors are configured to track a plurality of transactions associated with the deposited object after a user checks the deposited object out of the first predefined location.