In one embodiment, a method to monitor a proximity of an item within the confines of an automation system is described. The method may comprise setting one or more monitoring thresholds for an item. The monitoring threshold factors are communicating by a sensor proximate the item. The method may receive one or more notifications via the sensor that the item has exceeded at least one monitoring threshold and activating a monitoring aspect of the sensors based at least in part on the receiving. The method may monitor the item for one or more alarm thresholds based at least in part on the receiving. One or more alarms may be activated based at least in part on the monitoring.