ThyssenKrupp GmBH Proof of Delivery

The Proof of Delivery mobile application enabled ThyssenKrupp Materials Services GmbH to fully digitize their shipping, delivery, and logistics operations. tK’s Materials Services is a global materials distributor as well as a technical and infrastructural service provider for the B2B sector.

Client

ThyssenKrupp Materials Services Gmb

Role

Lead UX Designer

Duration

9 months

Project Type

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Overview

At ThyssenKrupp Materials Services GmbH, the Proof of Delivery mobile app was more than just a project—it was a game-changer. As Lead UX Designer, my role involved wearing multiple hats, right from discovery to implementation. The app wasn’t just another mobile application; it was the linchpin for our entire shipping, delivery, and logistics operations. It was a full-stack solution designed to integrate seamlessly with SAP databases and Google Maps, offering real-time, all-in-one delivery tracking and confirmation.

  • Role: Lead UX Designer
  • Tools Used: Sketch, InVision, SAP Integration, Google Maps API
  • Key Stakeholders: ThyssenKrupp Executives, Dispatchers, Drivers

Problem

Drivers had to haul pounds of paper forms, making each delivery a logistics circus. With vehicles already at max capacity with materials, there was little to no room for the mountain of paperwork. Not only was it environmentally unfriendly, but it also increased the risk of human errors, such as lost or misplaced forms. On the back end, there was no real-time tracking, which made the process even more cumbersome for all involved parties.

  • Pain Points: Physical paperwork, lack of real-time tracking, inefficiency
  • Costs: Millions spent annually on paper forms
  • User Struggle: Drivers burdened by excessive paperwork and poor route planning

Goal

The MVP was to fully digitize ThyssenKrupp’s delivery process. No more paper, period. And it didn’t stop there. The digital transition would provide drivers with real-time information, including scheduled routes and the ability to make on-the-fly adjustments. While the app’s primary goal was to be paper-free, we saw it as an opportunity to make the whole delivery process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

  • Digital Transformation: From paper to screen
  • Real-time Data: Live updates for drivers
  • Efficiency: Reduction in delivery delays and mishaps

Challenge

The app wasn’t just a pretty face; it had to be a workhorse. First up was the SAP data integration, which was crucial for real-time delivery information. On top of that, there was a laundry list of requirements that needed to be folded in, everything from basic driver logins to complex route adjustments. While juggling these various elements, the app also had to fit like a glove with ThyssenKrupp’s existing branding and design language, creating an additional layer of complexity.

  • Data Integration: SAP connectivity
  • Multi-functional Requirements: Satisfying various sectors within the company
  • Branding: Aligning with ThyssenKrupp’s existing design language

Solution

The cross-disciplinary team was our saving grace. Together, we laid down the framework for identity management solutions, assigning drivers to vehicles like a well-oiled machine. Google Maps integration wasn’t just a feature; it became the backbone for our routing system, replacing outdated GPS units. Custom reporting tools gave dispatchers a hawk-eye view of the operation, empowering them with real-time stats to make data-driven decisions.

  • Identity Management: Seamless driver-to-vehicle assignment
  • Google Maps Integration: Replacing standalone GPS devices
  • Custom Reporting: Real-time performance tracking for dispatchers
View Project PDF

Results

Within just two months post-launch, the app saved ThyssenKrupp millions of dollars in paper costs and, more importantly, reduced delivery delays and misses by a staggering 72%. This was beyond what we’d projected; it became apparent that the app was more than just a solution—it was an upgrade to the company’s entire logistical approach. Drivers embraced the new system with minimal resistance, thanks to its intuitive design and real-world testing.

  • Cost-Saving: Eliminated paper costs
  • Efficiency Boost: 72% reduction in delivery delays and misses
  • User Adoption: High engagement and reliance among drivers

Final Metrics

We put a microscope on the operation, pre and post-launch, tracking KPIs to measure the impact. Not only did we see a significant increase in on-time deliveries, but manual errors also plummeted. The before-and-after was like night and day, and all the metrics confirmed it. The project didn’t just hit its goals; it became a benchmark for digital transformation within the company.

  • On-time Deliveries: Measurable increase post-launch
  • Manual Errors: Drastic reduction in human errors
  • KPIs: All metrics trending positively post-implementation