Lab Storage (ESX/QB) - Advanced Drug Processing & Inventory Management System

Lab Storage brings professional-grade drug processing and secure storage capabilities to your FiveM server's criminal economy. This comprehensive script transforms drug labs from simple processing locations into fully-featured production facilities with dedicated storage systems, automated processing workflows, security features, and complete inventory management. Designed for both ESX and QBCore frameworks, it provides gangs and criminal organizations with the infrastructure needed to run sophisticated narcotics operations.

Move beyond basic drug scripts with a system that treats drug production as a serious business operation requiring logistics, storage management, security protocols, and strategic planning. Perfect for servers that want realistic criminal roleplay where running a lab involves more than clicking a button.

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What's Included

The Lab Storage system provides dedicated inventory management for drug laboratories with separate storage for raw materials (unprocessed drugs), finished products (processed narcotics ready for distribution), production supplies (equipment, chemicals, packaging materials), and security items (weapons, armor, surveillance equipment). You'll get customizable storage capacities based on lab tier or ownership level, automatic processing queues that work even when players are offline, batch processing capabilities for large-scale production, expiration timers for volatile materials, quality degradation mechanics for improperly stored products, and complete access control systems determining who can deposit, withdraw, or manage inventory. The script includes visual UI for storage management, transaction logging for all deposits/withdrawals, integration with existing lab MLOs, and optional raiding mechanics allowing police or rival gangs to seize stored goods.

Key Features

• Dedicated Lab Inventory - Each drug lab location gets independent storage separate from player inventories, allowing collaborative operations where multiple organization members access shared supplies
• Multi-Tier Storage System - Raw materials section, processing queue, finished goods area, supplies cabinet, and security locker with individual weight/slot limits per section
• Automated Processing - Deposit raw materials and they automatically process over time based on lab equipment level, no need for players to stand at processing points
• Batch Production - Queue multiple production jobs simultaneously, schedule large batches, optimize processing efficiency based on lab upgrades and worker skills
• Access Control System - Owner sets permissions for organization members: who can deposit, who can withdraw, who can manage processing, prevents internal theft
• Transaction Logging - Complete audit trail tracks every deposit, withdrawal, and processing action with timestamps and player names for accountability
• Capacity Management - Labs have maximum storage limits requiring strategic inventory decisions, encourages regular product movement and distribution
• Quality Tracking - Products stored too long degrade in quality/value, materials improperly stored lose potency, realistic consequences for poor logistics
• Raid Mechanics - Police raids or gang takeovers can access and seize storage contents, adds risk to stockpiling large inventories
• Lab Upgrades - Invest money to increase storage capacity, faster processing times, quality preservation, security features
• Visual UI Interface - Intuitive inventory management screen showing all storage sections, current processing jobs, capacity indicators, and quick transfer functions
• Multi-Lab Support - Organizations can own multiple labs each with independent storage, distribute operations geographically for security

Perfect For

• Gang/Criminal organization servers where drug operations are core gameplay mechanics
• Whitelist crime servers requiring realistic logistics and supply chain management
• Economy-focused servers where drug production is a major money-making avenue
• Police vs. Criminal balance requiring strategic asset management and raid targets
• Roleplay servers emphasizing collaboration within criminal organizations
• Turf war servers where controlling labs and their inventories provides strategic advantages

Storage Categories Explained

• Raw Materials Storage - Holds unprocessed items: coca leaves, cannabis plants, poppy seeds, ephedrine, chemicals. Default capacity: 500kg or 100 slots (configurable)
• Processing Queue - Items currently being converted from raw to finished products. Shows processing progress, estimated completion time, batch size
• Finished Products Storage - Completed drugs ready for distribution: cocaine bricks, meth bags, weed packages, pills. Default capacity: 300kg or 75 slots
• Supplies Section - Packaging materials, cutting agents, production equipment, quality testing kits. Consumed during processing based on recipes
• Security Locker - Weapons, armor, and defensive items for lab protection. Accessible during raids for quick arming
• Personal Stash - Optional small storage per user for personal items, separate from organization inventory

Installation

1. Download the lab-storage package and extract the resource folder
2. Place in your server's resources/ directory
3. Import the included SQL file to create required database tables for storage data
4. Configure framework (ESX or QBCore) in config.lua - auto-detection available
5. Set lab locations, storage capacities, processing times, and upgrade costs in config
6. Add ensure lab-storage to your server.cfg
7. Restart server and set up lab ownership through admin commands or in-game systems
8. Optional: Configure integration with existing drug processing scripts for seamless workflow

Processing Workflow

The automated processing system works as follows: Players deposit raw materials into the lab's raw materials storage using the UI or interaction points at lab locations. When sufficient raw materials are available, players initiate a processing job specifying quantity and product type. The script automatically moves materials from raw storage to the processing queue and begins a timer based on batch size and lab tier. During processing, required supplies are consumed (packaging, chemicals, etc.). When complete, finished products automatically move to finished goods storage ready for withdrawal and distribution. Players receive notifications when batches complete if online. The system tracks everything in the database, so processing continues even during server restarts or player logouts, making it feel like a real production facility running continuously.

Framework Compatibility

• ✅ ESX Legacy - Full integration with ESX inventory, item systems, gang/society frameworks, notification systems
• ✅ QBCore - Complete QB inventory compatibility, qb-gangs integration, qb-inventory item handling
• ✅ QBOX - Works seamlessly with QBOX inventory and organization systems
• ✅ Custom Frameworks - Modular design allows adaptation to custom inventory systems with minimal code changes

What Makes It Stand Out

Lab Storage elevates drug roleplay from simplistic click-to-process mechanics into a strategic operation requiring planning, logistics, and teamwork. Unlike basic scripts where players carry everything in their pockets, this system forces realistic inventory management—you can't stockpile a million dollars worth of drugs in your personal inventory. The shared storage model encourages organization-level thinking where members specialize: some gather raw materials, others manage processing, distributors handle sales, and security protects the lab. The automated processing means drug production feels like running a business rather than standing at a table spamming buttons. Risk/reward dynamics are enhanced through the raid mechanics—storing large inventories yields efficiency but creates valuable raid targets for police or rival gangs. The quality degradation system adds another layer of realism, preventing infinite stockpiling and encouraging regular product movement. Transaction logging creates accountability within organizations, letting leaders identify internal theft or mismanagement. The upgrade system provides progression, where successful operations can invest in better facilities. Most importantly, the script treats drug labs as actual locations of value and strategic importance rather than just map markers, creating natural conflict, territorial disputes, and police investigation targets that drive organic roleplay stories.

Technical Specifications

• Resource Name: lab-storage (customizable)
• Performance Impact: 0.02-0.05ms resmon (minimal impact)
• Database: MySQL/MariaDB required for persistent storage
• Client-Side: UI rendering, inventory display, interaction handling
• Server-Side: Storage management, processing calculations, access control, logging
• Dependencies: ESX or QBCore, oxmysql or mysql-async recommended
• Supported Items: Works with any item defined in your framework's item database

Access Control & Permissions

Lab owners (gang leaders, organization bosses) configure granular permissions for members through the management interface. Permissions include: View Inventory (see what's stored but can't interact), Deposit Items (add materials to storage), Withdraw Items (take finished products for distribution), Manage Processing (start/stop production jobs), Configure Upgrades (spend organization funds on lab improvements), Manage Permissions (grant/revoke access to other members), and View Logs (audit transaction history). This system prevents issues like new members stealing high-value inventory, unauthorized processing using organization materials, or conflicts over who controls the operation. Leaders can create specialized roles: processors who manage production, distributors who handle finished goods, suppliers who stock raw materials, and security who monitor the logs.

Lab Upgrade System

Invest profits back into lab infrastructure to improve efficiency and capacity. Available upgrades include:

• Storage Expansion: Increase weight/slot capacity for each storage section (Tier 1: +50%, Tier 2: +100%, Tier 3: +200%)
• Processing Speed: Reduce time required to convert raw materials (Tier 1: -25%, Tier 2: -50%, Tier 3: -75%)
• Quality Preservation: Slow degradation rate for stored products (Tier 1: 2x longer, Tier 2: 5x longer, Tier 3: no degradation)
• Batch Efficiency: Reduce supply consumption per batch (Tier 1: -10%, Tier 2: -25%, Tier 3: -40%)
• Security Systems: Increase warning time before raids, slow down seizure rate during raids, require police warrants
• Automation: Auto-queue processing when materials available, notifications for capacity warnings, smart restocking

Configuration Options

The config.lua file provides extensive customization: set lab locations (coordinates), define storage capacities per lab or per tier, configure processing times and recipes (what raw materials produce what products), set upgrade costs and requirements, enable/disable quality degradation, configure raid mechanics and seizure percentages, customize UI colors and language, define item weights and stack sizes, set permission defaults, and adjust notification settings. Comments explain each option with recommended values for different server types (hardcore vs. casual, gang-focused vs. general crime).

Raid Mechanics (Optional Feature)

When enabled, police raids or gang takeovers can target lab storage. During a raid, authorities must physically access the lab location and interact with storage points. Depending on configuration, they can seize a percentage of stored inventory (50-100%), the rest may be lost/destroyed, or players with appropriate permissions can attempt to defend and preserve inventory. Raid mechanics add high-stakes tension to storing large quantities—more inventory means higher profits but bigger losses if raided. Smart criminals distribute inventory across multiple labs, maintain lower profiles, or invest in security upgrades to mitigate raid risks. This creates a realistic risk/reward dynamic where greed (stockpiling) is punished and strategic thinking (distribution, security, quick turnover) is rewarded.

Transaction Logging & Audit Trail

Every action generates a log entry visible to authorized members: Player X deposited 50kg coca leaves Player Y started processing job: 50kg coca → 25kg cocaine (Est. 30 min) Processing complete: 25kg cocaine moved to finished storage Player Z withdrew 10kg cocaine. Logs include timestamps, player names/IDs, item types, quantities, and action types. This transparency prevents disputes, allows leaders to identify productive members vs. freeloaders, detects theft attempts, and provides evidence for internal organization discipline. Logs can be filtered by date range, player, or action type for easy auditing.

Integration with Existing Systems

Lab Storage is designed to work alongside, not replace, your existing drug scripts. It acts as a storage layer that connects with your current processing, harvesting, and sales systems. For example, players use your existing farming script to gather cannabis, deposit it into lab storage via this script, the automated processing converts it to packaged product, then players withdraw finished goods and use your existing drug sales script for distribution. The script provides hooks and exports for other resources to interact with storage programmatically, allowing custom integrations with heist scripts, territory systems, faction frameworks, or custom drug economies.

Why Your Server Needs This

Basic drug scripts where players carry unlimited inventory in their pockets and spam processing buttons lack realism and strategic depth. Lab Storage transforms drug operations into actual business operations requiring teamwork, logistics planning, risk management, and strategic decision-making. It creates valuable physical locations that drive conflict and police investigation, generates organic roleplay around supply chains and distribution networks, and rewards organized groups while making solo operations more challenging. The storage limitations force regular product movement, keeping the economy flowing rather than one player hoarding millions in drugs indefinitely. Upgrade systems provide progression and money sinks for successful criminal organizations. For police, it creates meaningful raid targets with actual consequences rather than just arresting someone and finding three bags of weed. The script adds depth to criminal roleplay that keeps experienced players engaged long-term, differentiating your server from the countless others running basic drug systems.

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