Case Study

Case Study: Improving the Supply Chain with Power BI

Dashboard on desktop

ROLES
UX designer, UX researcher, UX team lead

TOOLS
Figma, Mural, ChatGPT

SKILLS
UX Research, Analytical Skills, User Experience Design (UED), User-centered Design, Customer Journey Mapping, Information Architecture


PROBLEM

Supply Chain Analysts at several major East Coast grocery chains need greater clarity and insight into how Outside Storage Data is being utilized. Specifically, they are seeking to understand:

  • Who is using the data and why: Identifying the key stakeholders and their objectives when accessing Outside Storage Data.
  • What is the main goal or job being accomplished: Understanding the specific tasks or decisions being supported by the data, such as optimizing storage space, reducing costs, or managing inventory overflow.
  • Where the data fits in the user’s process: Mapping the integration of this data within the broader supply chain workflow, including how it interacts with other data sources and decision-making processes.
  • What a visual display of the data looks like: Creating or improving a visual representation that conveys key metrics and insights, making the data more actionable and accessible to various users.

By addressing these questions, the analysts aim to ensure that Outside Storage Data is leveraged more effectively to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency across the supply chain.

SOLUTION
I designed a Power BI dashboard as an example of how an Inventory Manager could effectively monitor and manage inventory stored at third-party facilities. It leverages the data provided to ensure optimal visibility and control over externally stored inventory, taking advantage of specialized storage conditions and extended capacity. This work was based on research I conducted on end users and data requirements.

Dashboard for inventory managers
A Power BI dashboard for retail grocery warehouse inventory management.

UX Process Steps

UX process steps

Interviewing, Empathizing & Evaluating

Project overview

Data Synthesis

Notes synthesis

Use Cases

Use cases.

Persona

Persona main
Persona 2

User Interface Problem Statement

As the company expands its inventory management to include third-party facilities like Americold, the company faces challenges in maintaining real-time visibility, controlling costs, and ensuring product quality across these external storage locations. The reliance on outside storage introduces complexities in inventory tracking, compliance with regulatory standards, and managing the risks of product spoilage or misplacement. To optimize operations, the company needs to improve its ability to monitor and manage inventory stored offsite, ensuring that the benefits of extended storage capacity do not come at the expense of operational efficiency, cost control, or customer satisfaction.

Design Exploration

I explored several types of dashboards in lo-fidelity using Figma. These iterations included different types of charts and data tables.

Dashboard lo-fi wireframe
Dashboard lo-fi wireframe.
Dashboard lo-fi wireframe.

Solution

Combining several features from the design iterations, I designed a Power BI dashboard for inventory management that includes: Facility Overview (name, total inventory, average rotate date), Customer Details (ID, name, inventory by customer), Inventory Item Details (code, description, pack size), Lot Information (warehouse and manufacturer lot numbers, rotate date), Pallet Information (LPN, tie, height, usage), Inventory Quantity and Weight (quantity, gross/net weight, unit volume, catch weight), Inventory Status, Specialized Storage Conditions (temperature control, services), Filters, and Alerts (expiry, stock levels).

Power BI dashboard
Data drill-down.
Based on user testing, this drill-down data table was added to ensure that an Inventory Manager could effectively monitor and manage inventory stored at third-party facilities like Americold, taking advantage of the specialized storage conditions and services they offer while maintaining visibility and control over the inventory.

Outcomes

Enhanced Decision-Making: Analyzing outside storage and cycle count data provides actionable insights, leading to better inventory management and strategic planning.

Cost Efficiency: By optimizing storage and reducing errors, companies can lower operational costs and improve profitability.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlining inventory management processes, including cycle counting and outside storage monitoring, leads to smoother operations and fewer disruptions.

Improved Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring product availability and quality through better inventory management directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Regulatory Compliance: Accurate tracking and documentation of inventory support compliance with industry regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues.

Scalability: Utilizing outside storage allows businesses to scale their operations more effectively, accommodating growth and fluctuating demand without significant capital investment.


In conclusion, providing research findings on users and use cases of Outside Storage Data gave the Supply Chain Analysts a better idea of who was using the data a why. In addition, the dashboard designs allowed Inventory Managers to make better informed decisions and helped improve operational efficiency.

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