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Supply Chain
Supply Chain
Guided Buy by GEP
Guided Buy by GEP
Guided Buy by GEP
Meet the Intelligent Sidekick for Streamlined Sourcing
Meet the Intelligent Sidekick for Streamlined Sourcing
Meet the Intelligent Sidekick for Streamlined Sourcing
tl;dr
tl;dr
tl;dr
Background
Background
Prior to Guided Buy, the procurement processes often had inefficiencies, lack of visibility, and compliance issues. To address this, I designed Guided Buy at GEP Worldwide through many brainstorming sessions and crafting innovative solutions by smartly leveraging AI. This solution featured concise questionnaires, personalized guided buying experiences, and seamless integration with advanced search and filtering capabilities and other procurement systems.
The result? Streamlined processes, increased visibility, and ensured compliance, leading to major productivity gains, reduced maverick spend, and high user adoption globally.
Prior to Guided Buy, the procurement processes often had inefficiencies, lack of visibility, and compliance issues. To address this, I designed Guided Buy at GEP Worldwide through many brainstorming sessions and crafting innovative solutions by smartly leveraging AI. This solution featured concise questionnaires, personalized guided buying experiences, and seamless integration with advanced search and filtering capabilities and other procurement systems.
The result? Streamlined processes, increased visibility, and ensured compliance, leading to major productivity gains, reduced maverick spend, and high user adoption globally.
Prior to Guided Buy, the procurement processes often had inefficiencies, lack of visibility, and compliance issues. To address this, I designed Guided Buy at GEP Worldwide through many brainstorming sessions and crafting innovative solutions by smartly leveraging AI. This solution featured concise questionnaires, personalized guided buying experiences, and seamless integration with advanced search and filtering capabilities and other procurement systems.
The result? Streamlined processes, increased visibility, and ensured compliance, leading to major productivity gains, reduced maverick spend, and high user adoption globally.
The Impact
50%
50%
50%
reduction in procurement cycle time
reduction in procurement cycle time
reduction in procurement cycle time
25%
25%
25%
increase in spend under management
increase in spend under management
increase in spend under management
My Role | UX Design
My Role | UX Design
My Role | UX Design
As a bridge between stakeholders and designers, I spearheaded product ideation and brainstorming sessions, crafting innovative solutions that resonate with user needs through detailed wireframing and strategic walk-throughs.
As a bridge between stakeholders and designers, I spearheaded product ideation and brainstorming sessions, crafting innovative solutions that resonate with user needs through detailed wireframing and strategic walk-throughs.
As a bridge between stakeholders and designers, I spearheaded product ideation and brainstorming sessions, crafting innovative solutions that resonate with user needs through detailed wireframing and strategic walk-throughs.
Overview
Overview
Overview
What does GEP do?
What does GEP do?
What does GEP do?
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of innovative, beneficial, and cost-effective sustainable supply chain and procurement solutions. In an increasingly complex business landscape, their clients often struggled with inefficient procurement processes, lack of visibility into purchases, and compliance issues.
To address these challenges, GEP Worldwide developed Guided Buy, a centralized portal that revolutionizes the purchasing experience.
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of innovative, beneficial, and cost-effective sustainable supply chain and procurement solutions. In an increasingly complex business landscape, their clients often struggled with inefficient procurement processes, lack of visibility into purchases, and compliance issues.
To address these challenges, GEP Worldwide developed Guided Buy, a centralized portal that revolutionizes the purchasing experience.
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of innovative, beneficial, and cost-effective sustainable supply chain and procurement solutions. In an increasingly complex business landscape, their clients often struggled with inefficient procurement processes, lack of visibility into purchases, and compliance issues.
To address these challenges, GEP Worldwide developed Guided Buy, a centralized portal that revolutionizes the purchasing experience.
Prestigious Clients
Prestigious Clients
Prestigious Clients
Our Challenge
Our Challenge
Our Challenge
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions. It is painful for the buyers to seamlessly connect with the suppliers. To simplify and enhance this purchasing experience, we noticed that there is a need to have an intuitive procurement process to facilitate these transactions..and Guided Buy was born!
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions. It is painful for the buyers to seamlessly connect with the suppliers. To simplify and enhance this purchasing experience, we noticed that there is a need to have an intuitive procurement process to facilitate these transactions..and Guided Buy was born!
GEP Worldwide is a global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions. It is painful for the buyers to seamlessly connect with the suppliers. To simplify and enhance this purchasing experience, we noticed that there is a need to have an intuitive procurement process to facilitate these transactions..and Guided Buy was born!
What did GEP find?
What did GEP find?
What did GEP find?
User Research
User Research
User Research
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Interviews
Interviews
Interviews
with procurement teams across multiple industries
with procurement teams across multiple industries
with procurement teams across multiple industries
Contextual Inquiries
Contextual Inquiries
Contextual Inquiries
to observe and learn from the procurement workflows
to observe and learn from the procurement workflows
to observe and learn from the procurement workflows
Analyzing data
Analyzing data
Analyzing data
on process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and compliance violations
on process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and compliance violations
on process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and compliance violations
Insights from the Research
Insights from the Research
Insights from the Research
The research uncovered several key insights:
The research uncovered several key insights:
Manual processes involving paper forms, emails, and phone calls were error-prone
Manual processes involving paper forms, emails, and phone calls were error-prone
Manual processes involving paper forms, emails, and phone calls were error-prone
Lack of a centralized system led to poor visibility into spend and policy violations
Lack of a centralized system led to poor visibility into spend and policy violations
Lack of a centralized system led to poor visibility into spend and policy violations
Users desired a guided, personalized experience tailored to their specific needs
Users desired a guided, personalized experience tailored to their specific needs
Users desired a guided, personalized experience tailored to their specific needs
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
How Might We simplify and personalize the procurement process to improve supply chain management while dealing with numerous suppliers, products, and purchasing options to make the process intuitive?
How Might We simplify and personalize the procurement process to improve supply chain management while dealing with numerous suppliers, products, and purchasing options to make the process intuitive?
How Might We simplify and personalize the procurement process to improve supply chain management while dealing with numerous suppliers, products, and purchasing options to make the process intuitive?
My Design Intervention
My Design Intervention
My Design Intervention
Here is a glimpse into my approach into the design process, focusing on:
Here is a glimpse into my approach into the design process, focusing on:
Here is a glimpse into my approach into the design process, focusing on:
Gathering requirements from stakeholders across the procurement chain
Gathering requirements from stakeholders across the procurement chain
Developing low-fidelity wireframes and presenting plausible ideas for feedback
Developing low-fidelity wireframes and presenting plausible ideas for feedback
Iterating on high-fidelity prototypes based on user testing and feedback
Iterating on high-fidelity prototypes based on user testing and feedback
Anticipating future problems and designing proactive solutions
Anticipating future problems and designing proactive solutions
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Low Fidelity Wireframes
I sketched up simple wireframes to gather quick feedback.
I sketched up simple wireframes to gather quick feedback.
I sketched up simple wireframes to gather quick feedback.
Changes Made Based On Feedback
Changes Made Based On Feedback
Changes Made Based On Feedback
I received feedback from stakeholders like the product manager, design lead and developers. It was hard to hear but it made sense.
I received feedback from stakeholders like the product manager, design lead and developers. It was hard to hear but it made sense.
I received feedback from stakeholders like the product manager, design lead and developers. It was hard to hear but it made sense.
When users search, they expect to be directed to the results instead of being taken to the Guided Buy page. Fixed that!
When users search, they expect to be directed to the results instead of being taken to the Guided Buy page. Fixed that!
When users search, they expect to be directed to the results instead of being taken to the Guided Buy page. Fixed that!
Strategically changed the layout based on feedback to make the category selection more intuitive.
Strategically changed the layout based on feedback to make the category selection more intuitive.
Strategically changed the layout based on feedback to make the category selection more intuitive.
Incorporated advanced search if the buyer is aware of more specifications.
Incorporated advanced search if the buyer is aware of more specifications.
Incorporated advanced search if the buyer is aware of more specifications.
The Guided Search page also includes department categories, giving them more flexibility to choose the route they want.
The Guided Search page also includes department categories, giving them more flexibility to choose the route they want.
The Guided Search page also includes department categories, giving them more flexibility to choose the route they want.
More specific categories that best suit the buyer’s requirement are pre-highlighted, presenting them with options of related categories for them to additionally select.
More specific categories that best suit the buyer’s requirement are pre-highlighted, presenting them with options of related categories for them to additionally select.
More specific categories that best suit the buyer’s requirement are pre-highlighted, presenting them with options of related categories for them to additionally select.
The buyers found the options unintuitive and felt the inputted answers were repetitive. To address this, we developed a dynamic questionnaire.
The buyers found the options unintuitive and felt the inputted answers were repetitive. To address this, we developed a dynamic questionnaire.
The buyers found the options unintuitive and felt the inputted answers were repetitive. To address this, we developed a dynamic questionnaire.
Insights from Usability Testing
Insights from Usability Testing
Insights from Usability Testing
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Before my onboarding, GEP Worldwide conducted extensive user research to understand the pain points in their clients' procurement journeys. This included:
Misleading Language
Misleading Language
Misleading Language
The “Raise a request” was believed to lead them to the page to create a request, but instead it led them to Guided Buy. Renamed “Raise a request” to “Guided Buy.”
The “Raise a request” was believed to lead them to the page to create a request, but instead it led them to Guided Buy. Renamed “Raise a request” to “Guided Buy.”
Dynamic Search
Dynamic Search
Dynamic Search
Changed the Guided Search to be more dynamic, with the search getting updated with the department categories on the same page itself.
Changed the Guided Search to be more dynamic, with the search getting updated with the department categories on the same page itself.
Analyzing data
Analyzing data
Analyzing data
The questionnaire was not designed to be intuitive, now the questions are dynamically presented based on the previously
entered input.
The questionnaire was not designed to be intuitive, now the questions are dynamically presented based on the previously
entered input.
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
Presenting Guided Buy!
Presenting Guided Buy!
Presenting Guided Buy!
Smart suggestions by leveraging AI to best guide the Buyers.
Concise and well-structured questionnaires.
Quick links to all significant purchasing portals.
Category cards derive insights into key categories.
Customizable process to specific needs, irrespective of the platform.
Smart suggestions by leveraging AI to best guide the Buyers.
Concise and well-structured questionnaires.
Quick links to all significant purchasing portals.
Category cards derive insights into key categories.
Customizable process to specific needs, irrespective of the platform.
Smart suggestions by leveraging AI to best guide the Buyers.
Concise and well-structured questionnaires.
Quick links to all significant purchasing portals.
Category cards derive insights into key categories.
Customizable process to specific needs, irrespective of the platform.
Final Solution
Final Solution
Final Solution
This was the final design that was presented to the client..and let's just say it was well received!
This was the final design that was presented to the client..and let's just say it was well received!
This was the final design that was presented to the client..and let's just say it was well received!
Guided Buy takes the buyer to the Guided Search Page
Guided Buy takes the buyer to the Guided Search Page
Guided Buy takes the buyer to the Guided Search Page
Buyer can either search or select one of the categories to find an item
Buyer can either search or select one of the categories to find an item
Buyer can either search or select one of the categories to find an item
Upon searching, department categories are filtered by leveraging AI
Upon searching, department categories are filtered by leveraging AI
Upon searching, department categories are filtered by leveraging AI
Buyers can opt in for an advanced search for more precise results
Buyers can opt in for an advanced search for more precise results
Buyers can opt in for an advanced search for more precise results
A questionnaire is presented based on the previously entered input
A questionnaire is presented based on the previously entered input
A questionnaire is presented based on the previously entered input
Buyer then fills out a requisition with previously filled info
Buyer then fills out a requisition with previously filled info
Buyer then fills out a requisition with previously filled information
What was the impact?
What was the impact?
What was the impact?
Value Proposition
Value Proposition
Value Proposition
This significantly added value to the organization.
This significantly added value to the organization.
This significantly added value to the organization.
Personalized Guided Experiences
Personalized Guided Experiences
Personalized Guided Experiences
I created dynamic questionnaires and tailored recommendations that adapt to each user's context, ensuring maximum relevance and efficiency.
I created dynamic questionnaires and tailored recommendations that adapt to each user's context, ensuring maximum relevance and efficiency.
I created dynamic questionnaires and tailored recommendations that adapt to each user's context, ensuring maximum relevance and efficiency.
Visibility and Compliance
Visibility and Compliance
Visibility and Compliance
Through thoughtful design of analytics dashboards and system integrations, I enabled real-time spend visibility for optimization and ensured adherence to corporate policies.
Through thoughtful design of analytics dashboards and system integrations, I enabled real-time spend visibility for optimization and ensured adherence to corporate policies.
Through thoughtful design of analytics dashboards and system integrations, I enabled real-time spend visibility for optimization and ensured adherence to corporate policies.
User Empowerment
User Empowerment
User Empowerment
With an intuitive interface and conversational guidance, my design empowers users to make confident, informed purchasing decisions and drives self-service adoption.
With an intuitive interface and conversational guidance, my design empowers users to make confident, informed purchasing decisions and drives self-service adoption.
With an intuitive interface and conversational guidance, my design empowers users to make confident, informed purchasing decisions and drives self-service adoption.
Cost Optimization
Cost Optimization
Cost Optimization
By streamlining processes, reducing administrative overhead, and minimizing non-compliant spend through thoughtful design choices, my work delivers tangible cost savings.
By streamlining processes, reducing administrative overhead, and minimizing non-compliant spend through thoughtful design choices, my work delivers tangible cost savings.
By streamlining processes, reducing administrative overhead, and minimizing non-compliant spend through thoughtful design choices, my work delivers tangible cost savings.
Thinking of the Future
Thinking of the Future
Thinking of the Future
I employed a modular and flexible design approach, allowing for seamless integration of new interfaces, features, and capabilities as user needs evolve, ensuring Guided Buy's longevity and adaptability.
I employed a modular and flexible design approach, allowing for seamless integration of new interfaces, features, and capabilities as user needs evolve, ensuring Guided Buy's longevity and adaptability.
I employed a modular and flexible design approach, allowing for seamless integration of new interfaces, features, and capabilities as user needs evolve, ensuring Guided Buy's longevity and adaptability.
What do they have to say?
What do they have to say?
What do they have to say?
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection
I learned the importance of deeply understanding user contexts, pain points, and goals to craft holistic solutions. User feedback and insights drove continuous refinement, teaching me the value of an iterative, user-centric design approach.
I learned the importance of deeply understanding user contexts, pain points, and goals to craft holistic solutions. User feedback and insights drove continuous refinement, teaching me the value of an iterative, user-centric design approach.
I learned the importance of deeply understanding user contexts, pain points, and goals to craft holistic solutions. User feedback and insights drove continuous refinement, teaching me the value of an iterative, user-centric design approach.
Anticipating future needs and designing for flexibility ensured the solution's adaptability and long-term relevance. Cross-functional collaboration and communication were crucial in aligning diverse stakeholder perspectives throughout the process.
Anticipating future needs and designing for flexibility ensured the solution's adaptability and long-term relevance. Cross-functional collaboration and communication were crucial in aligning diverse stakeholder perspectives throughout the process.
Anticipating future needs and designing for flexibility ensured the solution's adaptability and long-term relevance. Cross-functional collaboration and communication were crucial in aligning diverse stakeholder perspectives throughout the process.
The project reinforced the importance of moving beyond just user interfaces to focus on the solution's tangible impact and business value. True success is measured through positive changes in users' lives and quantifiable improvements to the bottom line.
The project reinforced the importance of moving beyond just user interfaces to focus on the solution's tangible impact and business value. True success is measured through positive changes in users' lives and quantifiable improvements to the bottom line.
The project reinforced the importance of moving beyond just user interfaces to focus on the solution's tangible impact and business value. True success is measured through positive changes in users' lives and quantifiable improvements to the bottom line.
"Guided Buy empowers businesses by transforming the purchasing experience from a complex maze into a seamless journey, where employees are equipped with the right tools and information to make confident and compliant purchasing decisions."
"Guided Buy empowers businesses by transforming the purchasing experience from a complex maze into a seamless journey, where employees are equipped with the right tools and information to make confident and compliant purchasing decisions."
