Pointse

At its completion, Pointse will be the first-ever platform designed exclusively for retail vendors, offering the seamless integration of three essential components: a loyalty program, human resource management, and business analytics.

Pointse

Client Background

Eric Johnson, not only a successful retailer with seven thriving stores in Nebraska but also a forward-thinking developer, saw a gap in the retail market that inspired him to take action. He encountered significant hurdles in achieving operational efficiency in his stores due to the absence of a unified platform that seamlessly integrates customer loyalty program, and Workforce Management with his Point of Sales (POS) system. The lack of such an integrated solution resulted in heightened operational costs, fragmented reporting, ineffective workforce management, a dearth of data-driven insights, and reliance on manual processes. To overcome these challenges, he developed a proprietary inventory prediction system, which enables him to manage inventory with an impressive 93% accuracy rate. However, it was not enough for the evolving industry dynamics. He made the strategic decision to expand his vision and create a Software as a Service (SaaS) product that can be leveraged by other retail stores.

Project Goal

The goal is to develop a comprehensive platform that integrates Loyalty Programs, Workforce Management, and Business Analytics into one unified platform. Using Pointse, vendors can easily control employee access to sensitive data, reduce reliance on manual processes, produce informative reports, and eliminate the need for multiple subscriptions. In addition, we will integrate proprietary inventory management software, ensuring accurate stock levels and implement auto-scheduling to reduce payroll costs while enhancing customer satisfaction.

Our Approach

To develop Pointse, we followed a well-structured and systematic approach. Our focus was on delivering a solution that not only meets the immediate requirements but also sets the stage for long-term success, enhanced operational efficiency, and seamless management of loyalty programs, Workforce Management, and business analytics.

Challenges and Solutions:

Undertaking a significant project is inherently challenging due to the diverse array of stakeholders, each possessing distinct skill sets, including the product owner, business analyst, project manager, designer, developer, and tester. The complexity lies not only in the collection of business and feature requirements from clients but also in the critical task of identifying an approach that harmoniously aligns with both the technical and client’s business needs. We ensured a daily stand-up meeting to guarantee alignment among all stakeholders. Additionally, we maintained weekly communication with the client, providing them with updates on our progress. Before proceeding with development, we presented the design alongside our chosen approach for their review and input.

Technologies Used

During the development of the Pointse project, we employed a range of technologies and tools to ensure a streamlined and efficient process. These technologies played a crucial role in gathering requirements, designing the user interface, project management, client communication, and development.

Microsoft Word Documents: We utilized Microsoft Word documents as a primary tool for collecting and documenting business and feature requirements from the client. This allowed us to maintain a structured and organized record of project details.

Figma: Figma was instrumental in the design phase of the project. It served as our platform for creating wireframes and UI designs. Using Figma, we could visualize the user interface before transitioning to the development phase.

Jira: For effective project management, we relied on Jira. This powerful project management tool enabled us to create sprints, track progress, and manage various project tasks. It ensured that the project stayed on course and milestones were met.

Google Meet: Communication with the client was crucial for keeping everyone informed and aligned. We used Google Meet for online meetings and video conferencing, facilitating regular discussions and updates with the client.

Result and Output:

The integration of Loyalty Program, Workforce Management, and Business Analytics into one platform will create a comprehensive intra-reporting system, such as allowing for in-depth analysis of employee performance based on rewards, sales, and actual hours worked. This eliminates the need for employees to switch between multiple platforms for various operational tasks, ensuring utmost convenience. Moreover, employers can easily manage employee authorizations, restricting access to sensitive information within the platform. With this unified solution, there is no longer a requirement to engage with different companies for distinct operational needs, avoiding separate subscription expenses. The system efficiently oversees inventory management and employee scheduling, streamlining operations, simplifying tasks, and significantly enhancing overall efficiency for both employees and employers. As a result, business management becomes a seamless and hassle-free experience.