The present invention is directed to a monitoring device for producing a target composition, such as an automotive paint or an architectural paint. The device includes (A) a client computer usable storage medium located in a client computer, and a host computer usable storage medium located in a host computer in communication with said client computer; and (B) means for dispensing required items for making a desired amount of said target composition, said means for dispensing being in communication with said client computer, said host computer, or said client and said host computer; wherein said client computer usable storage medium, host computer usable storage medium, or said client computer usable storage and said host computer usable storage media have computer readable program code means residing therein for monitoring production of a target composition. The computer readable program code means include (I) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to identify one or more formulas associated with identification criteria of said target composition, said formula providing a required inventory for making said desired amount of said target composition; (II) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to generate a current inventory; (III) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to terminate production of said target composition if said current inventory does not match with a stored inventory; (IV) means for configuring computer readable program code devices to cause said client computer or said host computer to continue production of said target composition if said current inventory matches with said stored inventory. |