Abstract: The invention relates to a system and methods for sensing and analyzing inventory levels and consumer buying habits. The system includes a sensor pad that can be easily installed on a display shelf by simply resting the panel on the shelf. Sensors are mounted inside the sensor pad that are hardwired to circuitry collectively called a smart hub. The hub is a programmable device with an integrated paging transceiver for communicating with a remotely located server that is managed by the inventory sensing service provider. The hub periodically transmits a report, which is highly configurable, to the service provider's server, preferably as a text message over the paging network, which arrives at a service provider's server after being converted to an e-mail. This server converts the information in the reports into inventory data and stores this data in a database that customers of the inventory service can access remotely.