Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen
The world's largest producer of CNC machines for metalworking.
Time develop:
6 months
Team:
6 people
Technologies:
Objective
The Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH - a company that produces metalworking machines - aimed to create a web application for internal use that would improve communication between management and warehousemen. For instance, an employee needs to obtain office supplies, a laptop for presentations, or replacement parts for a machine from the warehouse. Previously, the employee had to go to the warehouse himself and complete a request form there. Once the request was processed, the employee would receive an email notification. This process was time-consuming and overall communication was not efficient.
The web application was intended to eliminate this issue. The employee simply needs to select the required items and press a button, then the request is sent to the warehousemen. It works like an online store. Once the request is processed, the employee receives a real-time notification. After which, he just needs to come and collect the completed order. Additionally, the employee can always view the inventory levels and if the desired item is out of stock, he can choose an available alternative instead of wasting time. We named this application SW Shop.
Challenge
The client utilizes two primary systems for their internal operations:
- ERP system, which keeps track of inventory levels and generates request orders.
- CRM system, which sends out notifications and allows employees to provide detailed request descriptions.
During the initial meeting, we discovered that the goal was more extensive - to merge the functionality of both systems and make the company's operations more automated. The developed SW Shop was a trial project intended to demonstrate that automation would be beneficial for the company. At this point, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen had already assembled another team of developers who began the automation process using Microsoft Biztalk as the foundation.
Another crucial constraint was that it would be too costly to acquire an additional license for the ERP system for every employee. In addition, the ERP system was not compatible with mobile devices, which was a problem for warehouse staff, as they were often on the move and not able to access it from their desks. The mobile version of the SW Shop application would address these constraints.
Consequently, we were responsible for
- Spearheading the project and defining the client's business needs;
- Coordinating interaction with the other development team working on the Microsoft Biztalk Server;
- Creating detailed and clear documentation to make it easier to maintain the application in the future;
- Setting up CI/CD and unified code support system;
- Testing the functionality of the desktop and mobile versions of the application, as well as ensuring their compatibility with external services like ERP and CRM systems via Biztalk;
- Delivering a final product that would serve as the foundation for future automation of all the company's internal processes.
Team
The following positions were necessary to implement the pilot product:
- Frontend developer who created the user interface using TypeScript and the Angular;
- Backend developer who implemented the application's features using C# and worked with MS SQL;
- DevOps engineer who managed code deployment on the server and worked with Biztalk;
- Project manager who oversaw the progress of the project and maintained communication with the client;
- Architect who oversaw the technical aspects and managed interactions between all developers;
- QA engineer who tested the product to ensure it met both technical and business requirements.
Realization
We immediately decided not to create a separate mobile version in order to save the client's money. Instead, we implemented Progressive web application technology, which automatically adapts the website into a mobile version. With this approach, employees are able to receive real-time notifications through the CRM system about the status of their requests.
To implement this, we utilized MS SQL database. Stock positions from the ERP system are first uploaded to an external database, then they appear as a catalog in the application. Additionally, the inventory balance is accessible - the employee can see which items are in stock, avoiding unnecessary time wasted. This application interacts with the ERP and CRM systems through Biztalk. Therefore, we established all connections and carried out testing in close collaboration with another team of developers, overseeing the entire project.
The application was successfully deployed after six months of work, as initially planned by the client, even though there were no strict deadlines. Now, managers can efficiently place orders, warehouse staff receive their requests on their mobile phones, and are not confined to their desks. Additionally, the client has not incurred unnecessary costs for additional ERP system licenses.