Making inbound deliveries & warehouse operations more efficient.

Summary

Context

COVID-19 restrictions required remote research and virtual walkthroughs. The goal was to improve speed and accuracy in handling stock (margarines & oils) via handheld devices and forklift-mounted tablet

Project Brief

Paper-based warehouse processes (inbound to putaway, staging to production) caused inaccuracies and inefficiencies. GrainCorp needed an SAP-based Android solution for forklift drivers & warehouse staff, aiming to digitize and streamline operations.

Client

Graincorp

My role

UX Research & Design:
- Planned & conducted user research
- Mapped user journeys
- Designed UI for specialised Android devices

Timeline

3-month contract (May–July 2020) with follow-up after initial delivery

Outcomes

Cut handling times in half through automated scanning and real-time validationReduced error rates, boosting accuracy across multiple warehouse sitesBroad adoption led to quick expansions beyond the original West Footscray location

Approach

On-Site Observation & Remote Adaptation

I kicked off by virtually touring GrainCorp’s warehouse workflows and collecting video documentation. COVID-19 travel restrictions meant everything from forklift scanning angles to shelf labeling had to be remotely assessed.

User Flows & Wireframing

Next, I translated real-world constraints into user flows: forklift drivers needed large buttons, minimal text, and integrated scanning. We wireframed each key process (inbound, putaway, staging), seeking input from operators and leads at every step.

Iterative Testing

We tested prototypes on Zebra handheld devices and MobileDemand tablets, focusing on glove-friendly interactions. Small interface tweaks (e.g., bigger touch targets) significantly improved scanning success rates.

Handoff & Expansion

After final design reviews with the Head of UX and engineers, we handed over Sketch files and user journey PDFs. The successful pilot spurred GrainCorp to extend the solution to additional sites, confirming our approach could handle larger-scale operations.