Real-time supply chain optimization prototype for Procter & Gamble
Develop a prototype to test and validate the feasibility of a real-time supply chain optimization system. The solution needed to visualize inventory, production, and demand data while enabling rapid decision-making through interactive dashboards and simulated workflows. Ensure the prototype was functional enough to evaluate hypotheses within a two-month timeframe.
Background
This project aimed to explore innovative ways to enhance P&G’s global supply chain. The goal was to prototype a system that could streamline demand planning, inventory management, and production scheduling through real-time data insights. Over two months, our agile team rapidly tested and validated hypotheses, delivering a low-fidelity prototype that demonstrated the potential for transformative efficiency gains in supply chain operations.
My role
I played a key role in developing a functional prototype as part of a collaborative Agile effort, working closely with product owners, UX designers, and technical experts to validate the feasibility of the proposed system.
- Collaborated with product owners and UX designers to create high-level, low-fidelity prototypes that captured key user workflows and business goals.
- Worked with the tech lead and front-end developers to translate design concepts into a functional prototype.
- Utilized real-time APIs and test data models to build an operational solution for feasibility validation.
- Contributed to both the design and development phases, ensuring alignment with technical and business requirements in each iteration.
Features and solutions
- Dynamic supply chain visualizations: Provided real-time metrics for tracking demand fluctuations, inventory levels, and production progress across multiple facilities.
- Simulated workflow testing: Enabled users to identify bottlenecks, evaluate alternative strategies, and visualize potential outcomes for supply chain adjustments.
- Customizable role-based dashboards: Allowed supply chain managers, plant operators, and analysts to access relevant data views tailored to their specific needs, facilitating faster decision-making.
- Problem-solving wizards: Assisted users in identifying root causes of supply chain issues and proposed actionable solutions based on predefined business rules.
Results and impact
The prototype provided valuable insights into how real-time data could be leveraged to optimize P&G’s supply chain. Early feedback highlighted potential improvements in decision-making speed, inventory accuracy, and production scheduling efficiency. This initiative laid the groundwork for future system development, enabling P&G to explore digital transformation opportunities within their global operations.
Challenges and learnings
The primary challenge was ensuring the prototype accurately represented real-world complexities within a limited timeframe. Rapid prototyping required iterative collaboration with stakeholders to validate key assumptions without over-engineering the solution. This experience emphasized the importance of balancing quick hypothesis testing with technical feasibility, laying a foundation for scalable solutions.