Variable Inventories need Scalable Solutions

Overview

This is Part 1 of a 18 year journey of Building an ERP. This is the Logistics Module.

We achieved a stronger Inventory Management System by building a mobile system with integrated barcoding, warehouse floor maps, and photography.

My contribution

Strategy User research Information Architecture Product design

The team

1 × director 1 × project manager 2 x warehouse users 1 × designers 1 × engineers 1 x dbe

Timeline

2016-2017

Process

Context of Trade Show Inventory

Trade show inventory management is on another level of difficulty.

The inventory is comprised of modular assets (think giant legos) that are continually assembled, assessed for damage, photographed, disassembled, packed up and sent to trade show somewhere around the world.

Exploring the problem space

In the first release, parts lists were handwritten by warehouse users and submitted with their project packet. Later transcribed by office users.

Warehouse users also using digital cameras then after the project wrapped they had to upload photos a shared server space.

Project Management, didn't trust the accuracy of our data since because it took weeks to inspect and assess damages of returning assets

In the first release of the inventory design mobile wasn't within scope of the solution.

Multiphase Process

We needed to integrate a mobile solution with the existing inventory system that could capture photos, allow the warehouse users to communicate with Project Management about actions required on damaged materials, and a way to track the location of assets across multiple facilities.

Outcome

We lowered part replacement costs by 30% and reduced inspection times by almost 50% in the first year. Confidence in our onhand inventory grew within the company and account reps were more likely to suggest a rental option because they knew it would be available.

Part 2 coming soon of my 18 year journey of Building an ERP:The Tasks Module.