Raute renewed its global delivery process with twoday using Power Platform

Definition phase: Collaborative Design and User Research

During the Delivery Application's development, we conducted a definition phase that involved both co-design workshops and user research to map out and understand the workflows, needs, and expectations of different user groups. By closely observing user behavior, we ensured that the solution would effectively meet their needs and be functionally practical.

The co-design workshops included collaborative design efforts, covering a wide range of topics, such as entity and business objectives, user groups and their needs, process reviews, general requirements and functionalities, as well as technical requirements and integrations.

This comprehensive design approach ensured the solution was tailored to the real-world needs and preferences of its users, aligning with business goals and technological capabilities.

“Twoday was eager to deep dive into our process together with us on-site to thoroughly understand our needs”, said Marjo Tuominen Manager, Warehouses, Delivery Control, Packing and Shipping.

Dual-Track Development: How the User-Centric Delivery App Was Built 

The development of the delivery app was carried out in two tracks. On the first track, the mobile app was built to serve the needs of the assemblers and packers based on the detailed specifications from the definition phase. On the second track, the development of the desktop version started by gathering delivery process details from the delivery project managers, its primary users. During this phase, factory visits and additional interviews ensured that the process implemented in the delivery app was as smooth as possible.

A key part of the desktop development process is the representation of the machine and its components. These machine components are listed in the bill of materials (BOM) documentation of the project, which tracks every component down to the smallest nut and bolt. The BOM data is then integrated into the desktop app.

The delivery project manager initiates the shipment process by creating a plan to disassemble the machinery into suitable parts, which are then divided into pallets, cargos and shipments. This plan serves as a guide for the disassembly and packing process. In the data model, these records are linked to each other, enabling users to drill down from a shipment containing multiple cargos all the way to a single bolt. Once the packing plan is complete, users can print Power Automate-generated documents, such as packing lists and labels, to include in the shipments sent to customers.

While the desktop app is used for planning, the mobile version of the delivery app, in turn, supports the machine assemblers and packers in disassembling the machinery and packing the components for shipment. The BOM structure in the mobile app instructs the machine assemblers to disassemble the correct components from the machinery and, for packers, it indicates into which pallets they should be packed. Bar code labels and the mobile device’s camera are used to make sure all the components end up in the correct pallets, thereby confirming that they will reach the target factory.

"The important thing was that the end-users were allowed to participate and express their opinions; they felt that they were building a tool for themselves," says Riku Viikilä, Delivery Project Manager at Raute. "Things were solved systematically and the cooperation between Raute and twoday was very close," he adds.

Architecture: Seamless Integration with Microsoft Dataverse and Power Apps

The Delivery App uses Microsoft Dataverse for data storage, incorporating structured data tables within the Dynamics 365 data model. This architecture enables seamless synchronization of data between Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and Dataverse, as well as with other Dynamics 365 applications, using Microsoft Power Platform’s native integration tools or custom solutions based on specific requirements.

Built using Power Apps' native development tools as both a Canvas app and a Model-driven app, the Delivery App benefits from continuous updates and new functionalities according to Microsoft’s release schedule. With its scalable Dataverse-based data model and versatile Power Apps' front-end frameworks, the app ensures long-term adaptability and growth, aligning with business objectives of Raute.

Project deliverables and results

The deployment of the delivery app has reduced the need for managing the delivery process on Excel sheets and paper document templates. The new solution has given Raute the confidence that unnecessary and costly backorders due to missing components can be eliminated. Moreover, the app provides the managers with a clear overview of the delivery project's status. This capability can be further developed to optimize the process, for instance by tracking the time spent on the packing process.

Overall, users have found the app user-friendly and useful. This gives a good foundation for easily scaling up the app’s usage and continue its development.

“I am satisfied with the end result. We get the information in one place, and the app shows us a snapshot of each project's status. We save on post-delivery costs and know how to deal with problems better than before. The users find the app simple and easy to use, and they like it”, says Riku Viikilä