BEST BUY - STORE INVENTORY APP

Modernize the outdated Supply Chain application on Android handheld scanners.

Problem & Goals

Update Best Buy’s Supply Chain software, one feature at a time, onto a new platform. Initially, the focus was on stores that used binning and the tasks performed using handheld mobile scanners (TC-52).

Solution

I developed a design philosophy, interaction patterns, components, and micro interactions for the new application. Then, I simplified each scanning task based on these patterns.

Responsibilities

As the sole designer on this project, I was responsible for all aspects of it. I conducted research at Best Buy stores by observing employees and asking questions. I collaborated extensively with project managers. I developed all wireframes and prototypes for reviews and made timely adjustments for final deliverables. I maintained high standards for Engineering and Product, which they adopted. I provided education to Product and Engineering teams on design thinking and encouraged reevaluation of existing practices. My involvement lasted 4 months before the project was deprioritized by Design Resources. Consequently, there is no data available on the outcomes of my contributions.

Full Case Study is Coming Soon

Enjoy the Figma Prototypes in the meantime

Background Info

Android Handheld Scanners

Mobile scanners equipped with a side button that activates an infrared beam to scan barcodes or QR codes are integral to Best Buy's Supply Chain operations. These devices are crucial as they offer mobility and do not need to be connected to a computer. The specific model utilized by Best Buy is the Zebra TC-52.

Binning

An organization system of shelves and sections. Each bin has a number and a barcode. This is placed on or above the bin so it can be scanned, to keep track of the inventory.

Put Product Away Into Bins

Scenario: You just received a shipment of new product and need to put them away in open bins throughout the warehouse.

Select Put Product Away
Select Inbound
Scan a Bin Barcode on the shelf - where the product will go (click anywhere to simulate a bin scan)
Scan Item (click anywhere to simulate an item scan)
Scan another Item (click item to simulate a new item scan)
Scan the same item again (click on the screen)
You are done with that Bin - Just scan a new Bin -(click on the screen)
Scan Item to put into that Bin (click to get an error message of wrong invalid SKU number)
Click Okay
Prototype is done

Pull Product from a List

Scenario: You need to pull products for a customer. Start with the bins in the warehouse. If any items are missing, check other store areas, like shelves that contain cancelled orders. If needed, the system directs you to the Salesfloor as the last step. Note: There are no bin numbers to scan in these areas.

Select “Tony Peterson” (Agent wo created the list)
Scan the first bin in the list- (click on the first bin to simulate a scan) Note: Bin list is order based on navigation the store quickly.
Scan the 3 units you see in the list that are in this bin (click anywhere to simulate an item scan) (Note: If you click on the Cannon image it will simulate a swipe to more actions)
Scan the next bin in the list (click on the bin to simulate bin scan)
Scan item in the bin (click on the item to simulate scan)
You now need to go out of the warehouse to the salesfloor to the area for Customer orders that have been cancelled. No Bin labels here.
Click on Customer Order - Cancelled (click on the button)
Scan the Item (click on the item to simulate scan)
Click on Salesfloor which is now active. (If you don’t need to go there it would be removed from the list)
Scan the Item (click on the item to simulate scan)
The list is completed, and you are automatically taken back to the main list
Prototype is done

Item or Bin Lookup

Background: In the legacy application and the initial version of the new application, users could only scan an item to retrieve information about it. To perform any action, they had to navigate through multiple menus. I believed there was a more efficient solution, and proposed the capability to scan bins as well.

Scenario: You are in front of an item or a bin and need to do something. So just scan it to get a list of actions you can perform on it.

Scan Item:

Scenario: You are on the salesfloor, and a customer want to buy a product that is not stocked on the shelf.

Scan the item and get information about it
Select Pull Item from Bin to find out what bin it is in
Scan a bin and then scan the item to pull it from the bin (no more going back to the navigation to find this task)

Scan Bin:

Scenario: You are in front of a bin, and you need to perform an action on it

Scan the bin
Select what action you want to perform