I worked as a designer and consultant in 2021 alongside a team of Sr. Distribution Center Manager, WMS Manager, and a development company.
Tropicana, Mobile App Design
Design a kiosk app intended to create multiple lanes for trucks.
- Industry – E-commerce
- Environment – Mobile & Kiosk App
Overview
Tools:
- Figma
The Result
Initially tasked with designing a kiosk app, I proposed a new mobile app, cost effective concept that addressed the initial problem while also:
- Reducing the company’s $250k/yr detention costs,
- Boosting driver earnings, and
- Resolving traffic issues.
The Project
Kiosk App
I was approached to design a kiosk app intended to create multiple lanes for trucks and free up staff to perform their core duties. My discovery process took us in another direction…
Goal
Resolving traffic issues, User-friendly layout, and Reducing detention costs
Discovery
My discovery process took us in another direction…
Discovery
ISSUE #1
Detention Fees
When a driver receives a delivery order and checks in for pickup, any delays beyond the scheduled time result in a charge of $1 per minute.
- Frequent hours-long backups cost ~$400/carrier/day
- Smaller carriers choose not to service Tropicana
ISSUE #2
Dwell Fees
Under Tropicana’s current “Drop Program”, carriers can drop off an empty trailer to be filled and picked up. After 3 days going unfilled, carriers charge a dwell fee.
ISSUE #3
Staff Stress & Traffic
Check-in staff often face verbal abuse, and occasionally, physical confrontations with drivers.
- Residents have been complaining for years about the traffic delays caused by trucks on major roadways in Bradenton.
ISSUE #4
Drivers Are Upset
Imagine waiting 5+ hours, uncertain on your order status, and missing potential deliveries.
- Must drive back to Tropicana to check load status
- Nearest truck stop is an hour’s drive to Tampa (uncompensated)
- With no onsite parking, drivers resort to roads or gas stations
The Solution
Evaluating Kiosk Solution
Although kiosks would relieve the staff, it began to seem like a large effort for a small value.
Kiosk Issues:
- 3 years out from implementation
- Expensive installation
- Detention and dwell fees remain
- On-site load status check
Alternative Solution
If we can enable drivers to check their load status offsite, we can deliver greater value to staff and drivers – and eliminate the fees.
Web App Benefits
- Relieve majority of staff time
- Real-time updates
- Reduced traffic
- Reduced detention & dwell costs
- Boosted driver earnings
- Faster value delivered
The Challenges
CHALLENGE #1
Adoption
How would non-tech-savvy drivers get the link to this new app?
- Leading carriers seamlessly integrated a direct link to the app in their current systems.
- Smaller carriers are informed via email.
CHALLENGE #2
API Access
What data do we have access to to allow real time updates in the app?
- Tropicana is all digital – even their forklifts!
- Developers harnessed the capabilities of the existing WMS API, enabling real-time status updates for users.
CHALLENGE #3
Business Buy-In
Would the business be open to an alternative solution?
- Crafted pitch deck + prototype
- Built prototype to provide visuals
- Approved for trial run
Low-Fi Mockups
The Solution
Hi-Fi Prototype
Real-time status updates
History Quick Links
Text Message Updates
Directions to Assigned Lot
Scheduled Time
Quick Access to Maps
Results
Due to the success of Bradenton’s location, Tropicana is launching nationwide for plants in: Ft. Pierce (FL), Jersey City (NJ), Cincinnati (OH), and Walnut (CA).
Portfolio Work
Nextech Design System
Dollar General, Design Challenge
iPad app Redesign, Medical Charting
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