Intervolve

PROJECT BRIEF: As a contractor, I helped a small-size technology company create a tablet app for the beverage distribution industry. The industry is comprised of many small to mid-sized companies with regional markets. Distributors acquire beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages from manufacturers, and in turn sell it to retail and service outlets. This business-to-business model means relationships are very important for distributors, and they need to conduct regular check-ins at account locations.

RESEARCH: I learned that there is an impressive amount of work a distributor does when they are onsite at an account:

• inventory quantities across shelves, displays, and store rooms

• identify low-in-stock products needing to be replenished

• offer promotions and discounts in order to entice accounts to purchase more

• view distributor warehouse inventory to ensure adequate supply for sales

• generate an invoice for the account holder and the distributor

ROUTE ACCOUNTING: We created an interactive map to help distributors create the most efficient routes, see the latest account information, and ensure completed check-ins. This type of information ensures account managers are on-time, prepared, and ready to work when visiting accounts.

SALES & INVENTORY: In order to satisfy the diverse needs of on-site distributors, we created modes of the app to satisfy the requirements of inventory, sales, and invoicing. Since so much user activity is centered on data entry, I created a floating number pad that can be dragged anywhere. This helps by reducing the complexity of locating where to enter values, and it is more efficient than drawing up the standard iOS numeric keyboard.

WHAT I LEARNED: I’m happy to say that this client was so pleased with our time together, that they returned one year later with another app project. It is always a pleasure to find opportunities with past clients.