Case Study: Development of a Retail Inventory Management System
Background: A mid-sized retail company, "RetailCo," faced challenges managing its inventory
due to slow and outdated systems. They needed a solution that could be developed quickly to
respond to market demands and provide real-time inventory tracking.
Objectives:
Reduce time-to-market for the new inventory management system.
Improve user interface and user experience.
Ensure flexibility to accommodate changing business requirements.
Approach: RetailCo decided to adopt the RAD model, emphasizing user involvement, iterative
development, and prototyping. They formed a cross-functional team including developers,
designers, and key stakeholders from the retail and inventory management teams.
Steps Taken:
1. Requirements Gathering:
o Conducted workshops with end-users to gather requirements.
o Used surveys and focus groups to identify pain points with the existing system.
2. Prototyping:
o Developed a series of prototypes using low-code development tools.
o Created wireframes to visualize user interfaces.
o Gathered feedback from users after each prototype iteration.
3. Iterative Development:
o Implemented features in short sprints (2-3 weeks).
o Regularly reviewed progress with stakeholders, allowing for adjustments based
on user feedback.
4. User Testing:
o Conducted usability testing sessions with real users to identify issues.
o Made necessary adjustments based on user interactions and feedback.
5. Deployment:
o Launched a minimum viable product (MVP) for initial use in one retail location.
o Gathered feedback and made further enhancements based on actual usage.
6. Training and Support:
o Provided training sessions for employees to familiarize them with the new
system.
o Established a support team to address any issues post-deployment.
Results:
The inventory management system was developed and deployed within six months,
significantly faster than traditional development timelines.
User satisfaction increased due to the improved interface and functionalities tailored to
their needs.
RetailCo reported a 30% reduction in inventory discrepancies within three months of
implementation.
Challenges Faced:
Initial resistance to change from employees accustomed to the old system.
The need for continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with business
goals.
Managing scope creep as new requirements emerged during the prototyping phase.
Conclusion:
The RAD approach allowed RetailCo to respond swiftly to its inventory management needs,
resulting in a system that met user expectations and business requirements. This case
illustrates how RAD can be an effective strategy for organizations looking to develop software
solutions quickly while maintaining a focus on user feedback and iterative improvement.
Class Task
Development of a Customer Feedback Application
Overview: Analyze a project where a company needed a quick solution for gathering
customer feedback on products and services.
Focus Areas: Prototyping, user involvement, iterative testing, and deployment.
Key Questions: How did user feedback influence the prototypes? What challenges did
the team face in managing changing requirements?
