Design challenge

Ordergrid

Company

Ordergrid, Canada

Services

S.a.a.S Mobile App Design

About Ordergrid

ORDERGRID uses innovation and technology to make fulfillment for grocery and regulated products from dark stores as well as traditional eCommerce fulfillment around the world.

Task Detail

When purchase orders for new inventory arrive at the warehouse, users must have a way to count that inventory and enter it into the system. The following information must be recorded when new information is entered in their mobile scanning device: "quantity, lot code, expiry date, the ability to assign the item to a location."

Create fully designed mobile wire-frames for the core flows associated with this process. Also, think about edge cases, not just the happy path.

How might we

Create an efficient user experience that helps Warehouse managers receive new inventory into a warehouse

Unlocking the world of Inventory Management System

Here are the insights into the problems I uncovered during my research:

  • Repetitive tasks hinder efficiency
  • Quality control challenges
  • Unclear storage guidance
  • Time-consuming warehouse navigation
  • Difficulty in product placement recall
  • Lack of inventory visibility
  • Storage location identification issues
  • Inaccurate inventory data

The problem

This comprehensive approach below enabled me to uncover valuable insights and craft actionable solutions, ultimately enhancing the product's usability and user experience.

Research

User Requirements Assessment.

  • Simplify new inventory data entry with an intuitive process.
  • Design a user-friendly interface to reduce errors and training time for warehouse staff.
  • Ensure accurate data entry and seamless offline-online data synchronization.
  • Minimize time spent on entering new inventory.
  • Provide guidance on optimal inventory locations.
  • Assist users in remembering storage locations for products in the warehouse.

Illuminating User Narratives in Inventory Management

When a new Inventory arrives;

01.

Concept Creation

As an OrderGrid User, I want the app to distinguish between new and restocked products automatically

02.

Concept Creation

As an OrderGrid User, when dealing with restocked products, I want to avoid re-entering product names and barcodes.

03

Concept Creation

As an OrderGrid User, I want the app to group products with the same inventory details to eliminate redundant data entry for lot codes, expiry dates etc

04

Concept Creation

As an OrderGrid User, I want the app to identify quality assurance issues specific to each lot code.

05

Concept Creation

As an Ordergrid User, I want the app to suggest the optimal location for storing inventory.

06

Concept Creation

As an Ordergrid User, I aim to minimize manual data entry when using the app.

Exploring Foundational Assumptions in Inventory Management

I made the following assumptions for this project;

  • App captures location using product details and shelf capacity.
  • Warehouse is labeled clearly, including shelves and racks.
  • Automated, accurate receipts generated via app scanning.
  • Data stored offline and online for instant access.
  • New user, not tech-savvy.

App Flows I explored

I crafted and analyzed three user flows to identify the optimal pathway for Derek's app experience.

First Flow

Concept Creation

As an OrderGrid User, I want the app to identify quality assurance issues specific to each lot code.

Second Flow

Concept Creation

As an Ordergrid User, I want the app to suggest the optimal location for storing inventory.

Third Flow

Concept Creation

As an Ordergrid User, I aim to minimize manual data entry when using the app.

App Flow

From the three flows shown earlier, I crafted a comprehensive pathway addressing all encountered issues and user needs. This journey outlines how users add new products and restock existing ones.

Final Flow

(Restocking old product, Typical use case)

Trucks unload new inventory, and Derek uses the product receipt to capture name and quantity. The App suggests similar products for easy entry, auto-filling information once Derek selects the product. He adds the lot code and enters the expiry date manually. Since it's a stored product, Derek confirms quantity per carton details haven't changed. After adding more items to inventory, he checks storage location suggestions and saves his inventory.

Edge case

Derek identifies broken products in the new inventory and selects the quality assurance issue. He enters the quantity affected and continues adding more products to inventory.

Final Flow

(Receiving new product) Typical use case

Trucks unload new inventory, and Derek captures the product receipt to auto-fill details like name, quantity, and lot code. After taking product pictures, he enters the barcode number and expiry date manually. For new items, Derek ensures accurate quantity per carton details before adding them to inventory. He checks storage availability based on estimated quantity and size, then saves his inventory.

Edge case

Derek notices broken products in the new inventory, selects the quality assurance issue, enters the quantity affected, and then continues adding more products to inventory.

High Fidelity Designs

Eliminate manual Inventory entry

Automate inventory input by snapping the receipt - users capture product name and quantity effortlessly. For restocked items, the app suggests similar products, streamlining data entry and enhancing user experience.

Efficient Product Handling and Data Entry in the App

The app automates data entry for restocked products and allows manual entry for new items. It offers barcode entry or scanning and automatic lot code capture. Data submission requires complete product details, reducing errors in inventory data.

Enhancing Quality Control Measures for Inventory Management

  • Implemented a "quality control" button for users to track issues related to specific lot codes efficiently.
  • Created a list of common quality assurance problems to streamline reporting and save time.
  • Added text boxes for users to provide additional information about product issues and enter quantities, enhancing the quality control process.

Streamlining Repetitive Tasks and Smart Product Grouping

I automated repetitive tasks like recognizing lot codes for seamless product additions. The app's green number design indicates automatic accumulation of identical products, while grouping items with the same lot codes provides key details like quantity per carton and quality assurance notes.

Streamlining Storage location Feature

I addressed two key user needs in inventory management by developing a solution in the app that provides storage recommendations based on product type. To prevent mistakes, I disabled the "Save product" button until a location is selected, ensuring correct storage practices. Users can then confirm successful product saves with all details

Recommendations and Considerations

For this initial version, I'll conduct usability tests with our target audience to confirm that the solution solves their problem effectively.

App needs

Concept Creation

1. Add a timestamp on the confirmation page for new inventory entries.

2. Enable profile creation to track inventory receivers.

3. Implement role-based permissions for access control.

Edge cases

Concept Creation

1. Display error messages and provide suggestions when users enter incorrect information or scan an incorrect barcode.

Technical considerations

Concept Creation

1. Determine the offline storage duration for inventory data in low or zero signal conditions.

2. Utilize the OCR API consistently for snapping and parsing receipts and lot codes.

Conclusion

Here are some key metrics I would look at to determine if the app is successful

Error Rate Reduction

Concept Creation

I'll monitor the decline in data entry errors, using it as a metric to gauge the effectiveness of auto-population in improving data accuracy during user input.

Time Saving

Concept Creation

I'll quantify the time saved by users through auto-population, comparing it against the duration required for manual data entry.

User Satisfaction

Concept Creation

I'll collect user feedback via surveys or interviews to gauge their satisfaction with the app.