A Platform that enables retailers to manage and optimise inventory in a better way
1. Context and Problem Statement
1.1 Background
Imagine the hustle and bustle of modern retail. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop store or a massive chain, matching the products on your shelves to what customers actually want can be a daunting task. With so many variable factors like seasonal trends, local events, and competitor activities, it’s easy to see why standard inventory methods often fall short.
1.2 Specific Problem
Retailers typically wrestle with two huge headaches:
- Stockouts: Running out of hot-ticket items, missing out on sales, and disappointing shoppers.
- Overstock: Excess items sitting around, tying up money and often leading to discounts or waste.
We need a smarter, data-driven approach that balances both availability and cost efficiency.
2. User Research & Pain Points
2.1 Primary Stakeholders
- Supply Chain Managers: Orchestrate the flow of goods; need reliable forecasts to minimize chaos.
- Store Managers: Oversee daily operations and promotions, striving for perfect on-shelf availability.
- Finance/Inventory Planners: Keep a close eye on costs and cash flow, wanting to avoid wasted capital.
- Store Supervisor: Decide which products go where, aiming to maximize product visibility and appeal.
- Store Owner: Business supervision, revenue and profit optimisation while taking key business decisions.
2.2 Pain Points
- Unpredictable Demand: Relying solely on past sales data doesn’t account for sudden weather changes or local events.