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ZH 360° Vision: A Cohesive Multi-Modular App

The task in hand

ZH 360° Vision WebApp - Taking the company's operations to the next level by digitalizing its needs.


ZH WebApp is a robust, multi-module application developed for ZH Ingenieros, a Colombia-based company responsible for maintaining oil facilities and pipelines across the country.

The web app was designed to consolidate the company's inventory, project progress, accounting, and machinery that required consistent or urgent maintenance. By interconnecting all these aspects, the app provided a cohesive solution for the company's digitalization, significantly improving overall operations.

As a result, the company was able to accelerate the pace of its maintenance projects, saving thousands of dollars every month.

Mission and Challenges

The primary mission of the project was to digitalize and create a comprehensive record of all activities related to the company, ensuring that operational leaders had a 360-degree view of the projects and resources needed for execution.

  1. Integration: Ensuring that the web app cohesively integrated all modules with well-structured data, providing reliable information on everything from updated inventory and project progress to the number of workers assigned per project and the associated costs.

  2. User Adoption: Creating a user-friendly platform that the team could quickly learn and seamlessly integrate into the company’s existing workflow without disruption.

Development Approach

Discovery Phase

The initial steps in creating this complex and scalable project involved first understanding the needs of the stakeholders and their goals for the web app.

We conducted several discovery meetings and thorough research into the company's operations to gain a comprehensive understanding. Following this, we engaged in a continuous improvement process that spanned several months of dedicated effort.

Technologies

Frontend

  • Next.js: Chosen for its robust, responsive framework and continuous enhancements by Vercel.
  • Tailwind CSS: Selected for its practicality and ease of integrating maintainable, beautiful styles.

Backend

  • Next.js with Node.js: Provided a secure and robust backend.

Database

  • MongoDB: Opted for its cost-effectiveness, powerful querying capabilities, and high-speed performance.

Methodology

  • SCRUM: Adopted to ensure transparency, rapid adjustments, and a collaborative workflow. By using manageable sprints, the team stayed aligned with goals while delivering incremental value efficiently.

Modules

First Module: Inventory Management


The Inventory Management module was the foundation of the system, designed to efficiently handle all aspects of inventory control.

Key features included:

  • Managing different states for purchase orders and ensuring they were correctly added to the inventory once completed.
  • Implementing authentication and role-based permission structures to validate purchase orders.
  • Adding, editing, or removing inventory items with automated notifications for approvals.

This user-friendly, fast-performing module integrated seamlessly with others to ensure smooth data flow and consistent inventory updates.

Second Module: Accounting


The Accounting module focused on accurately tracking the company’s incomes and expenses.

Key features included:

  • A dashboard with data analytics and graphical representations of financial information over time.
  • Automatic registration of inventory purchases into the expenses.
  • Payroll setup based on project roles and salaries.

Its integration with the Inventory Management module ensured all financial activities were cohesively linked, contributing to operational consistency.

Third Module: Project Progress


The Project Progress module served as the central hub of the application.

Key features included:

  • Real-time tracking of project milestones, task assignments, and resource allocation.
  • Assigning tools, machinery, and workforce to projects with automatic inventory updates.
  • A detailed dashboard showcasing timelines, budgets, and progress for informed decision-making.

This module significantly enhanced operational efficiency by integrating seamlessly with both the Inventory Management and Accounting modules.

Fourth Module: Machinery Maintenance


The Machinery Maintenance module focused on maintaining machinery to reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

Key features included:

  • Scheduling maintenance, tracking repair histories, and monitoring conditions in real-time.
  • Inventory updates for parts used in maintenance and automated cost accounting.

This module provided efficient maintenance management while integrating tightly with other modules to ensure streamlined operations.

Outcomes and Impact

Key Outcomes

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamlined operations reduced bottlenecks and enabled faster project completion with fewer errors.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Real-time data empowered leaders to optimize resource allocation and planning.
  • Cost Savings: Automation and better inventory management minimized waste and reduced expenses.
  • Stakeholder Confidence: Doubling project capacity and reducing completion time by 25-45% boosted stakeholder confidence.

Testimonial

"We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This web app has transformed the way we manage our projects and resources, leading to incredible efficiency gains. The investment has more than paid off, and we’re excited about the future possibilities."

– Mauricio Hernandez, ex-CEO of ZH Ingenieros.