Zeno

Logistics order management system with order tracking and warehouse management

The project revolved around enhancing the Order Management System (OMS) to enable efficient global order fulfillment and warehouse management. Initially, Zeno was plagued by performance and stability problems that hampered its effectiveness and prevented the client from launching a successful marketing campaign and onboarding new users.

The project focused on improving system stability, implementing critical features such as 3D bin packing, package tracking, and integration with third-party services, and ensuring scalability to meet the needs of an expanding user base. We also established a separate demo environment to ensure the system’s readiness for the client's marketing activities and client onboarding processes. This allowed potential customers to explore and evaluate the product before purchasing.

Industry

Logistics
Headquarters

US
Website

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Services we provided

Project Discovery
Code Refinement and Bug Fixes
MVP Development
QA and Testing

About the client

Stoa Logistics is a remote-first company that embraces the changing dynamics of global business operations. Its solutions enable employees to work from any location that best suits their needs. Its flagship product, Zeno OMS, offers an intuitive and cost-effective order management solution, including a free demo environment and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on its subscription plans.

Challenge

The challenge faced by our client stemmed from significant issues with their previous IT vendor, which led to an unstable and underperforming order management system. The client encountered persistent performance problems and missing core functionalities that rendered the product ineffective for its intended purpose. The system’s lack of essential features, such as efficient warehouse management tools and reliable package tracking, exacerbated the situation. These issues disrupted the operational flow and impeded the client’s strategic initiatives, including their efforts to engage potential customers and expand their market reach.

Moreover, the previous solution’s inability to scale effectively was a significant concern. As the company aimed to grow and manage orders from multiple warehouses globally, the existing system's limitations became increasingly evident. The challenge was not merely technical but also strategic, as it affected the client’s overall business objectives and market positioning. Addressing these issues required a comprehensive overhaul to stabilize the product and integrate the necessary functionalities to meet the client’s expanding needs.

Solution

Discovery

The scope of the work involved a comprehensive approach, starting with thorough regression testing to identify and rectify critical issues and missing features. Following this, we focused on developing and integrating key features essential for the system's functionality. This included implementing advanced features such as the 3D bin packing algorithm for efficient warehouse product management, package delivery tracking, and integration with external ordering services for international deliveries.
System Stabilization and Bug Fixes

Our initial focus was on stabilizing the system. We conducted extensive regression testing to identify and resolve critical bugs and missing functionalities impacting its performance. This testing was vital to creating a stable foundation and ensuring the system could handle real-world operations effectively.
New Features Development

With the system’s stability addressed, we integrated crucial features. A key enhancement was the development of a 3D bin-packing algorithm. This feature optimized the packing of warehouse products, facilitating more efficient use of space and better inventory management across multiple warehouses. Additionally, we implemented a package delivery tracking system, enabling real-time tracking of shipments and improving transparency for international deliveries. We also integrated a third-party ordering service API, which allowed the system to handle orders from external sources, supporting global fulfillment seamlessly.
MVP Development

The core of our solution was the development and release of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The MVP included all the essential functionalities required to meet the client’s immediate needs and support their marketing and onboarding efforts. By focusing on delivering a functional and stable MVP, we enabled the client’s company to begin its marketing campaign and onboarding new clients without further delay.
QA and Testing

Quality assurance (QA) and testing were critical in our approach. We involved a full-time manual QA specialist who analyzed the system requirements and prepared detailed documentation. This process ensured all features were thoroughly tested and met the specified requirements. In addition to regression testing, we conducted various forms of testing to validate the system's performance, usability, and reliability. This rigorous QA process was essential in identifying and addressing potential issues before the system went live.
Demo Environment Setup

To facilitate customer engagement and decision-making, we established a separate demo environment. This environment allowed potential customers to explore and interact with the system, experiencing its features and capabilities firsthand before committing to a purchase. Providing this demo environment was crucial in demonstrating the system’s value and building confidence among prospective users.

Features delivered

3D Bin Packing

Implemented a 3D bin packing algorithm to optimize warehouse product storage and packing.
Package Delivery Tracking

Added features for tracking package deliveries across different warehouses.
Warehouse Management Capabilities

Enhanced functionalities for effective management of warehouse operations.
Application Subscriptions

Integrated Stripe for handling application subscriptions and payments.
User Onboarding Flow

Developed a streamlined onboarding process for new users.
Separate Demo Environment

Set up a demo environment to allow potential customers to experience the product.
Import/Export of Warehouse Inventory Data

Enabled import and export of inventory data to facilitate easier data management.

Key results and business value

Successful MVP Launch

The most immediate result was the successful release of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This milestone enabled Stoa Logistics to move forward with its marketing activities and initiate client onboarding, which had previously been stalled due to the system’s instability and missing features. The stable MVP provided a solid foundation for the client’s strategic initiatives, allowing them to engage with potential customers and build their user base.
Enhanced System Performance and Operational Efficiency

In terms of business value, the enhancements significantly improved the system’s performance and reliability. Integrating the 3D bin packing algorithm optimized warehouse operations, leading to more efficient use of space and better inventory management. This streamlined the packing process and contributed to cost savings and operational efficiency. The package delivery tracking system further enhanced the value by providing real-time visibility into shipments, improving customer satisfaction and trust.
Expanded Capabilities and Market Reach

Integrating a third-party ordering service API expanded the system’s capabilities to handle orders from various external sources, supporting global fulfillment and broadening the client’s market reach. This integration made Zeno OMS a more versatile solution capable of adapting to different business needs and scaling up with the client's growth.
Enhance Customer Experience

Additionally, the separate demo environment allowed potential customers to experience the product firsthand, which is crucial for building confidence and facilitating informed purchasing decisions. This feature helped showcase the system’s value proposition effectively and increased the likelihood of converting prospects into customers.