Factory Order Picking App
The Factory Order Picking App was a critical mobile application I developed for a Yamaha motorbike manufacturing facility. This project represented both a technical challenge and a rescue mission for a troubled implementation.
Working remotely, I was thrilled to reunite with former colleagues for what would be our final collaboration together. The project had a complex history - it had failed multiple times before our team joined, and was on the verge of legal action.
The application started simple but quickly evolved into a complex system handling ever-changing business rules and unlimited feedback rounds. The factory required comprehensive scanning and registration of all incoming parts and production line activities.
What made this project particularly challenging was the scope creep and undocumented edge cases that emerged throughout development. Requirements that seemed straightforward initially revealed layers of complexity as we dove deeper into the factory's operations.
Our team's approach was to overdeliver and go the extra miles necessary to cover all edge cases, even those not mentioned in the original project scope. This commitment to thoroughness ultimately saved the project from legal complications.
Key technical features:
- Expo-based React Native development for Android deployment
- Barcode and QR code scanning for parts identification
- Real-time inventory tracking and management
- Production line workflow integration
- Offline capability for factory floor operations
- Complex business rule engine for various scenarios
- Integration with existing factory management systems
- Multi-user role management and permissions
- Detailed audit trails and reporting capabilities
Project challenges and solutions:
- Constantly evolving requirements handled through agile adaptation
- Complex edge cases addressed through comprehensive testing
- Factory floor environment considerations for mobile deployment
- Integration with legacy systems and databases
- Performance optimization for high-volume scanning operations
The project's success came from our team's willingness to go beyond the original scope and address the real-world complexities of factory operations. By the end, we had delivered a robust solution that not only met the stated requirements but also handled the numerous unstated edge cases that are inevitable in complex manufacturing environments.
This experience reinforced the importance of thorough discovery, flexible architecture, and the value of experienced teams who can navigate both technical and business challenges effectively.