Challenge
To keep Coop’s 314 supermarkets fully stocked with fresh foods and groceries, Coop relies heavily on the performance of its distribution centers. We analyzed the possibilities to create more efficiency in the work processes of the distribution centers.
To start with, we set out to transform existing paper processes into efficient digital workflows.
Within the operations of the distribution centers, the “expedition control process” was identified as the most critical to be digitalised. This is a late stage process of checking the freight and store deliveries, prior to the truck being loaded and departing to the stores. It warrants that the right products are sent in the right quantities to the right stores.
In close collaboration with Coop’s domain specialists and expedition employees, we analysed the nuances of the process and shaped an improved workflow and digital concept in just a few weeks. Numerous user experience research methods were employed to gain insights and understanding of the end users. Additionally, this led to much enthusiasm and support for the change.
Solution
An extended team of Product League — now consisting of a Product Owner, UX Designer, OutSystems developer and an OutSystems tech lead — then turned the concept into a functional application in agile sprints of two weeks. The team was enriched by an SAP developer, an SAP functional architect, and two domain experts from Coop. The concept was translated into a mobile application to be used on hand-held devices (Zebra TC57).
Over the course of the development, the distribution centers remained highly involved. In three months, the team is on track to fully replace the paperheavy process with an intuitive digital-first process. Logisch will eliminate the need to walk back and forth to the warehouse office and will empower the expedition employee to handle edge-case deviations directly on the workfloor. The current version is still in pilot phase, but an efficiency gain of multiple hours saved per day is estimated (an efficiency gain for the work process in which multiple roles are combined).
