Modernizing Inventory Control - Adopting an Advanced Integrated System for a Leading Home Service Company.

Location; Philadelphia

Introduction

One of the leading plumbing companies in the US, boasting over 120 years of industry experience and managing a vast network of over 500 customer locations, sought to revolutionize its inventory management. The company’s extensive operations included a fleet of 250 technicians’ trucks and 80 stock rooms across the country. Partnering with Ignatiuz Inc., they aimed to develop a cutting-edge, integrated inventory management system capable of handling complex inventory needs. The solution incorporated advanced geo-tracking for technicians’ trucks, enabling real-time monitoring of inventory movement. It featured robust mobile scanning capabilities, allowing technicians to effortlessly scan items directly from their mobile devices, and included sophisticated barcode management for precise tracking and processing. The objective was to create a comprehensive cross-platform solution to streamline inventory tracking, automate data processing, and ensure secure user authentication, facilitating seamless collaboration between customers, technicians, and the company.

Problem Statement:

The client faced significant challenges in managing inventory efficiently across their expansive operations, which included a high volume of locations and technicians. Their legacy systems lacked automation, relied heavily on manual inventory updates, and provided limited integration with their enterprise tools such as Dynamics AX, SAP Hybris, and Dynamics CRM. The absence of a centralized system led to data silos, frequent manual errors, and inefficiencies in SKU management, order processing, and inventory tracking. The client needed a robust, comprehensive solution to enhance inventory visibility, order accuracy, and overall operational efficiency.

Solution

Ignatiuz Inc. delivered a state-of-the-art Total Inventory Management System for the client, harnessing modern technologies to provide a seamless and integrated experience. The solution included the following key components:

Mobile and Web-Based Platforms: Developed cross-platform native mobile apps for Android and iOS, alongside a web-based portal, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all stakeholders.
Automated Data Processing: Utilized Microsoft Power Platform to automate data processing and notifications, significantly reducing manual intervention and errors.
User Permissions and Authentication: Established a tiered user permissions structure, from super administrators to technicians, ensuring that only authorized personnel could access and manage inventory data. Azure-based authentication provided secure access.
Inventory Transactions Management: Enabled automated updates of inventory based on SKU consumption, order receipts, and manual adjustments, ensuring real-time accuracy. Technicians could scan SKUs, update quantities, and manage orders directly from their mobile devices.
Data Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems like Dynamics CRM, Dynamics AX 2009, and SAP Hybris allowed real-time data synchronization, improving data accuracy and minimizing discrepancies.
Notifications and Alerts: Implemented SMS and email notifications via Twilio API, keeping stakeholders informed of critical inventory activities, including order acknowledgments, shipping details, and re-order alerts.
Offline Functionality: Designed the mobile app to record SKU transactions offline, with automatic syncing once the device reconnected to the internet.
Comprehensive Reporting: Provided detailed reports on inventory transactions, cycle counts, and order statuses, ensuring clear visibility into inventory levels and needs.
Power BI for Reporting and Analytics: Integrated Power BI dashboards for real-time insights and analytics on inventory levels, transactions, and order statuses, aiding stakeholders in making data-driven decisions.
Inventory Forecasting: Employed advanced forecasting algorithms based on historical consumption data at each truck storage location to predict future inventory needs, reducing stockouts and optimizing reordering.
Product Suggestions: Included a recommendation engine suggesting the client’s products over competitors’, helping technicians and administrators make choices aligned with the client's product portfolio.

Conclusion

The Total Inventory Management System developed by Ignatiuz Inc. transformed the client’s inventory management by automating transactions, integrating essential enterprise systems, and providing mobile accessibility. This cutting-edge solution significantly reduced manual errors, enhanced inventory accuracy, and improved operational efficiency. With features such as AI-driven inventory forecasting, intelligent product recommendations, and comprehensive reporting and analytics, the system not only addressed the client’s immediate inventory challenges but also set the stage for long-term success in inventory management and strategic decision-making.

Tools

SharePoint for Web Portal
Xamarin for Mobile Development
Power BI for Reporting and Analytics
Power Automate for Workflow Automation
Twilio for Notifications and Alerts
Dynamics AX 2009 for Enterprise Resource Planning
SAP Hybris for Customer Experience Management
Dynamics CRM for Customer Relationship Management
Azure for Cloud Services and Authentication
AI & ML for Forecasting and Recommendations