Creating a solution for inventory issues regarding ANP shop

About the organisation
ANP  is a locally owned Business Service Organization providing training and marketing services to its 86 member producers. ANP uses effective marketing and quality control to shape and create an image of Negros-made products. Product lines are furniture, gifts & house wares, fashion and food. ANP has generated more than 12,000 jobs since its formation in 1988. 

Business case
Although, as of June 2008, profits started to decline. One of the reasons was a lack of operational excellence and missing sales opportunities. 
Since the partnership between ANP and SharePeople (January 2009) the sales have risen slightly with 3%. (despite the downwarded movement) and net profit has grown significantly.

The assignment of Nathalie pennings (CapGemini) was divided into 2 parts:

1.    Analyse and come up with a solution for the inventory issues regarding the ANP shop (shortages/overages);

2.    Support with the go-live of the e-commerce site.

These business cases matched with the process management- and ICT expertise of Nathalie.

Results
Inventory issues

For the inventory issues, interviews where held with the inventory clerk, inventory analyst and the marketing manager (being responsible for the shop). It was checked whether the right procedures were in place and were being followed and/or if other causes could be identified.

The major conclusions were that the procedures could be followed and monitored more strictly, for instance on stock reporting and stock intake.

It was recommended that stock reporting would be improved in 2010, that a separate stock room would be set up and signs preventing shoplifting would be installed.

Reports on 2008, 2009 and 2010 were delivered on stock shortages and overages and also a final report with recommendations, action holders and timeline was provided.

E-commerce site

For the go-live of the e-commerce site, an analysis of the site was done and interviews were held with the financial manager, ICT supplier, and ICT staff within ANP.

The major conclusions were that a few adjustments could improve the look-and-feel of the site and that there was no clear division yet of tasks between the ANP ICT staff and the external ICT supplier. It was recommended that an overview of tasks should be made involving the support of the site, stating the names of the persons responsible for these tasks and to keep a good track record of questions of customers and changes to the website.

A report on the look-and-feel of the site was delivered and the various steps involving the go-live of an e-commerce site with recommendations for each step.

Impact on the partners
The expert learned how easy it was to level with the case owners and although the case was different than prepared, had no trouble adjusting to the changed settings. Also on a social level all communication was very pleasant and easygoing and the expert experienced the power of (informal) networks and services which she will use more in her own environment back home.

"Nathalie is technically competent, hardworking, beautiful and socially adept. SharePeople have competent, and professional experts, willing to share knowledge and experiences to the organisation."

Follow up

Follow up will be done according to the action lists in the final report and by ANP.

There is a two-year partnership between SharePeople and ANP which will take care of the continuation.  Both organisations will keep in touch (a.o. via the SharePeople liaison, at least every 3 months), and with the expert as well. After this Programme, an official update on the status of the organisation takes place every 12 months. With this information, a new Programme is one of the possibilities to boost the organisation if needed. Participation in the yearly SharePeople Experience Week is also an option.