Problem Identification

Problem Identification

We have noticed that there is a lack of connectivity in the inventory shown on the website and the actual inventory present in the warehouse. When placing an online order (all orders are placed within 24hrs of pickup/delivery time), the customer does not see how much inventory is left at their chosen location. Once the order is placed, an employee (who has been assigned to fill that order) will have to check if the product is in stock. If that product is not in stock, they are required to contact the customer for a substitute. Or else, inform the customer that the product is out of stock and to try ordering it again the next day. The lack of information available to the customer creates an inefficient system as well as lowers the productivity of the employee.

Solutions Methodology

The lack of communication between inventory and the online website gets customers frustrated and worried that the item(s) they ordered is not in stock. A proposed solution that Walmart can accomplish is, link their online website with its inventory management tool that they use in-store to keep track of their inventory. With this solution customers can access the inventory of what's in stock and place their order on what's available since they will know what’s in stock they would not need substitution tool and Exception Management tool. This solution will also save the company time and money, by allowing associates to move on to different orders rather than look for substitutions for a specific customer order. Altogether, with the information that was presented to us and with the ability that the company already has they can link their website application and mobile application with their inventory management application that they use in store. The inventory management application keeps track of the company’s inventory quantities and alert management on what items they need to restock. The method that we propose is, when the on-hand quantity changes in store with the inventory management  application this data should synchronize to the online website and mobile application.