Transforming Processes For The Finance Arm Of An International Automotive Company
Akita’s consultants were engaged by the finance arm of a major international manufacturer to develop a Microsoft Power App solution to improve operational excellence and enhance processes.
The Challenge
The organisation uses the Kaizen system of "change for the better". This involves continuously making small, incremental improvements to processes and systems, spanning methods like the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, Gemba walks, Kaizen events, and a blend of top-down support and bottom-up involvement.
Despite the organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement, the company faced the challenge of low participation in submitting ideas. It was determined that the existing process was overly complicated and lacked clear direction, discouraging employees from engaging.
The company needed a system that would guide users through the process, providing templates and ideas to facilitate their journey. Having engaged Akita’s consultants, it was determined that Power Apps could develop the required solution.
Our Customer Experience Power App Solution
To address the challenge, Akita developed a custom canvas app using Power Apps and SharePoint Online as the data source.
The Power App was designed with multiple screens to guide users through each step of the Kaizen process.
Key features include:
Step-by-Step Guidance: A clear, structured pathway for users to submit improvement ideas.
Automation: Streamlined peer review and approval processes, ensuring that ideas were evaluated efficiently.
Templates and Ideas: The app offers a variety of templates and suggestions to inspire and assist users in formulating their ideas.
Implementation and Challenges
Not every project is straightforward but Akita's consultants are focused on getting the right result for our customers.
The initial User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase highlighted that were gaps between the Power Apps solution and some of the organisation’s processes.
Undeterred, our Power Apps consultants reengaged with stakeholders to review initial scoping. This feedback was crucial in refining the Power App and we were able to make changes to better meet the expectations of users.
Results and Benefits
While the solution is new into the organisation, the customer experience Power App is already supporting its commitment to the Kaizen process and helping employees to submit
The structured guidance, ease of use, and supportive automation offered by the Power App in particular have been praised.
To this degree, it has helped to drive company culture and improve processes.
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