Web application for a smooth logistics process

Transform an incomprehensible Excel into a clear management tool

For this automation project, Pitchfix and FBI Digital joined forces. Pitchfix, a leading global supplier of golf accessories, faces the challenge of producing, assembling, and selling its products worldwide. This complex logistics operation requires meticulous coordination to balance procurement, inventory, transportation, and liquidity.

Background

FBI Digital and Pitchfix formed a close partnership for this project in the realm of golf supplies. As a global supplier, Pitchfix is responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and distributing their products across various locations worldwide.

Coordinating this extensive logistics operation is akin to juggling multiple balls simultaneously, where precision and expertise are crucial. The complexity of these global activities is further compounded by the dispersed nature of data, maintained in different locations and systems. This necessitates a thoughtful and efficient approach to ensure all elements seamlessly align from production to delivery.

Project objective

Our goal for this project was clear and focused: we aimed to create a central platform to collect local inventory data, provide insights into inventory data from recent years, and develop a forecasting tool to predict necessary order quantities.

Our solution

Our approach was both thorough and enlightening. We began with an in-depth analysis of the complex Excel logic during an inquiry session with the intellectual owner of the data. To visualize the data flows, we created a visual mapping of the application, which was then verified during a follow-up meeting with Pitchfix.

The next step was developing a prototype based on a limited dataset. This prototype was extensively evaluated and tested to confirm its validity and ensure it met Pitchfix’s expectations. Upon approval, we at FBI Digital began developing the production version of the application.

This process involved converting source files into a streamlined application, equipped with advanced logic and development techniques. The end result was a fast application with a clear dashboard. We conducted extensive research and consolidated all source data, previously spread across various Excel files, into a uniform format that could be seamlessly integrated into the web application.

Techniques & services

For this project, we applied a range of techniques, including concepting, business process research, source file analysis, back-end development, and front-end development. We also integrated essential UX design principles to ensure the solution was not only technically robust but also intuitive and user-friendly. This combination of UX and technology led to an effective solution that simplifies operations by enhancing the clarity and efficiency of the application.

Results

The dashboard presents statistics from previous years and calculates the required inventory for the current situation based on this data. A particularly effective feature was the ability to manually add percentage deviations to the forecasts, allowing us to normalize variables and anomalies. This enabled us to account for the impact of temporary events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or fluctuations in transportation routes. These insights allowed for more cost-effective procurement and saved storage space for unnecessary stock.

After implementing the web application, multiple individuals within the organization quickly gained access to these crucial figures, reducing the dependency on a single employee. The application led to significant improvements in managing critical business processes and ensured a better balance between inventory, transportation, orders, and liquidity. Additionally, the application enables Pitchfix to automatically generate annual plans.