Transforming data reporting & workflows

Outcome Snapshot

Data Visibility Tools Designed & Implemented
Strategically aligned department, vendors, contractors & senior leadership
Long-term operational health
Reputation management
Flexibility & Adaptability

The Home Deport Corporate Office

About the Client

About the Project

Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S., with over 2,300 stores across North America and generating revenue of $157.4B in 2022. [per website]. Known for its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality products, Home Depot serves millions of DIY customers, professional contractors, and installation experts. The company's mission is to provide the highest level of service, the broadest selection of products, and the most competitive prices. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Home Depot stands out in its industry by continually optimizing operations and ensuring seamless vendor and merchandising management.

The Home Depot Corporate Office | Atlanta, GA

Stakeholders: Senior Leadership

Merchandising & Vendor Management

Project conducted between November 2014 - March 2015

The Challenge

The Merchandising and Vendor Management Senior Leadership Team at Home Depot faced significant challenges with data reporting, workflow optimization, and communication efficiency. Inconsistent delivery and setup at in-store locations persisted despite distributing visual packets, frustrating vendors, contractors, and management teams. The lack of data visibility and accessibility to raw data sets delayed decision-making, leading to inefficiencies and poor outcomes. We were approached to find a solution, review standards, optimize the workflows, and repair communication between in-store merchandising vendors and their teams.

Strategy
Process Engineering

Architecting the Change

We led the project from inception to implementation, serving as the primary interface for stakeholder management, communication, and reporting throughout the project.

Our strategic analysis and standards review identified several trapped value barriers that limited connection and visibility between the Merchandising and Vendor Management department, external vendors, and contractors.

We facilitated the development of a comprehensive solution that standardized processes, implemented accountability checkpoints, and built a dashboard and scorecard for executive check-ins to reduce revenue loss by increasing resource utilization and productivity.

The Transformation

Using our multidimensional approach to change

We uncovered hidden inefficiencies within the workflows caused by poor documentation, inconsistent communication, and outdated standards. Our unique approach allowed us to recognize the blocked nexus points in communication and data flow, which were hampering the potential for growth. By addressing these issues and implementing updated standards and visualization tools, we connected the dots that others might have missed, paving the way for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.

Our intervention transformed the departments approach to merchandising by enhancing data visibility and improving communication flows.

We designed and implemented two visibility tools, including a dynamic dashboard and scorecard system that allowed real-time access to raw data and meaningful visualizations. This enabled the leadership team to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.

Additionally, we revised existing standards to ensure consistent workflows and developed new communication packets for vendors.

These changes led to a significant reduction in setup inconsistencies and improved collaboration between contractors and the management team, ultimately driving higher productivity and resource utilization.

The Data Points

TUV Barriers Identified

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Data Visualation
Tools Created

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Standard Revised

You may be asking "Is a project like this worth the investment?"

Even a seemingly small project like this one can drive significant value across multiple dimensions—financial, operational, strategic, and relational. We didn’t just solve the immediate problem at hand – our approach also set the foundation for long-term efficiency, better vendor relations, cost savings, and strategic alignment.

Long-Term Operational Health

By addressing inefficiencies and fostering better communication, you contribute to the long-term operational health of the organization.

Reputation Management

Successful vendor relations and improved in-store setups contribute to a better customer experience, enhancing the company’s reputation.

Flexibility & Adaptability

The solutions provided are adaptable, allowing the company to easily scale or adjust to future challenges.

The ROI & Strategic Value

Reduction in Revenue Loss: By standardizing workflows and improving data visibility, the project led to better resource utilization and fewer errors, directly contributing to reduced revenue loss.

Enhanced Vendor Compliance: The new workflows and communication packets fostered clearer expectations and accountability, leading to more consistent in-store setups and stronger vendor relationships.

Accelerated Decision Cycles: The implementation of a real-time dashboard and scorecard system reduced the time needed to analyze data and make informed decisions, which can significantly impact operational agility.

Strategic Process Re-Engineering: By collaborating with six executive leaders, the project aligned the department’s workflows with broader strategic goals, ensuring that senior leadership could drive initiatives with clarity and confidence.

Scalable Reporting Tools: The visibility tools and standardized processes designed in this project can be easily adapted or scaled to other departments or locations, offering long-term value and adaptability.

Elimination of Workflow Blockages: Addressing and removing workflow blockages led to smoother operations, reducing delays and increasing overall productivity.

Data Visualization Expertise: The introduction of data visualization tools cultivated a culture of data-driven decision-making, enhancing the department's ability to act on insights quickly.

Improved Vendor Performance: With clearer communication and expectations, vendors could perform their tasks more effectively, reducing setup errors and improving in-store execution.

Reduction in Frustration Levels: Streamlined processes and improved communication reduced the frustration levels among vendors, contractors, and management teams, contributing to a more positive work environment.

Threads of Trust

John Doe

Sony CEO

Awesome Theme

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