Alraf aluminum window factory

Inventory Management System and QR Code Scanner

Alraf is an aluminum window factory and a no-nonsense company with short lines of communication, as you would expect in the North of our country. They are known for their flexibility in planning and for thinking along with and optimizing construction projects. And although they are not a family business, the same atmosphere prevails.

Super fast inventory check-in and check-out

Alraf came to us with a problem and a wish. Their old system was on the verge of collapse, and there was no suitable alternative in the market. Together with the client, we analyzed the existing end-of-life application and mapped out the needs and desires for a new system.

The solution had to be simple to use and also work well on the shop floor. We optimized the process using QR scanners. Additionally, a management environment needed to be established, taking into account different purchasing prices and materials.

QR Code Sticker and Scanning Application

Custom application for generating, printing, and quickly scanning QR codes on material stickers, followed by checking inventory in and out during production on the shop floor.

Qore.works Inventory Management System

Management environment where employees can monitor and control inventory through a dashboard. The system is based on Qore.works, the modular management and application system developed by Dolphiq.

Qore.works Custom Developed Modules

Specially for Alraf, we developed a dashboard for insights and the necessary modules to manage materials, variants, and inventory with different prices in batches.

Step-by-step approach to software for managing inventory and materials

Requirements

Introduction and Analysis

Determining what is needed

The initial introduction took place through our contact form on the website. Alraf was facing an issue with its existing software, which was on the verge of failure, and was seeking a solution.

After initial contact via email and phone, we visited the site to understand what was needed and what a suitable solution could be. Observing the issues firsthand on the shop floor clarified the problem and the requirements.

We also explored suitable existing software, but none were a solution for Alraf. Alternatives were too expensive, often too complex, and still needed customization and setup.

The solution had to be simple, affordable, and tailored. It needed at least two applications.

On one hand, there had to be a simple and easy-to-use application for floor staff for scanning and inventory management using QR codes on stickers.

On the other hand, a management environment was needed where the purchasing department could effectively view and manage materials, prices, and inventory locations.

Development

Preparation and Development

Adjusting during Development

After inventorying and determining the required functionalities, we developed and discussed the Epics and Stories in as much detail as possible.

During the sprints and testing, it became clear that there were some additional and modified requirements. Because the entire Scrum process is agile by nature, we were able to make effective adjustments. In the development phase, we were able to pick up and test all stories together with the client (Arnold Sanders).

Naturally, all work could be followed digitally and remotely, and we used a combination of Jira, Slack, and Google Meet to keep each other actively informed throughout the process.

Deployment

Delivery and Monitoring

Collaboration with Multiple Parties

Since Alraf's applications are primarily for internal use, we advised them to use their existing IT service provider where possible to keep management and hosting centralized.

In joint consultation, we decided to deploy both the acceptance and production environments in this new setting with their partner. This approach allowed us to identify any potential issues during testing and acceptance before the actual delivery.

The open communication and good collaboration among the various parties ensured that we could create a new environment for Alraf that was made available before the old system became inoperable.

The Result

Celebrating Together

Taking a Moment to enjoy a Successful Project

The platform for Alraf has been launched, and the first inventory items are now being processed in the system.

The result is a user-friendly scanning application in Alraf's corporate style, where workshop employees can quickly scan and record inventory.

For management, a corresponding back-office system and dashboard have been created based on our Qore.works software. This management environment is fully tailored to the needs of the organization and its employees.

The Next Phase

Continues Improvement

Optimizing and Maintaining

After a successful release and the software has been delivered, monitored, and analyzed, it's time for the next phase.

In this phase, we address the remaining "Nice to Haves" and, together with Alraf, consider any additional new desires. We can learn from usage and adapt to the preferences of the users.

To continue to guide the process from A to Z effectively, we also make Service Level Agreement arrangements for regular periodic maintenance and management of the entire system. This helps us keep the platform secure, fast, and ready for the future together.

As the project progresses, we as a client obviously come up with some extra things now and then. At Dolphiq, I never feel like too much is being asked.

– Arnold Sanders

How does Alraf experience our collaboration

Alraf Plaatbewerking is a self-contained small part of the larger Aluminum Window Factory. The software packages used in the window factory do not meet the needs of sheet processing. Therefore, we initially sought off-the-shelf solutions for inventory management of flat sheets. This proved to be an impossible task, so we concluded that custom development was necessary.

Our priority was to find a solution that could adapt to future needs, with a partner we could trust and with efficient communication channels, especially concerning the initial purchase of the package. After an extensive search and some disappointing conversations, we connected with Dolphiq. It quickly became evident that Dolphiq was the perfect partner to realize this custom solution within our budget. After exploratory discussions to outline our requirements, Dolphiq got to work.

During these exploratory discussions, I was surprised that despite it being a completely unfamiliar industry for them, they were able to quickly grasp our processes and contribute with insightful suggestions. Right away, they came up with good ideas and solutions.

We were kept well informed of the progress. Along the way, as the client, we naturally came up with some additional requests. With Dolphiq, I never felt like we were asking for too much.

After a thorough testing period, we are now live and extremely satisfied with the result. And the great thing is that there is the possibility to add additional features in the future if needed.

Dolphiq, thank you.

Arnold Sanders
Head of Sheet Processing

Are you also curious about the possibilities?

Name

Company name

Email address

Phone number

Message

How do we collect and treat your data? Read all about in our Privacy statement

Would you like to know more about Alraf?

On the website of Alraf, an aluminum window factory, you can read more about their organization. For example, they have been operating under the name Alraf since 1982.

Visit the Website of Alraf

We haven't been sitting idle.

With our team, we create many beautiful and complex solutions for a multitude of clients. Each project, industry, and target audience has its own challenges, which we always tackle head-on. And of course, we are always looking for the next challenge.

Below you will find a few more successful collaborations.

More interesting cases

deAuteurs

Online platform for Authors

deAuteurs is a non-commercial civil society collective without profit motive aiming to unite authors in the Dutch-speaking market and to engage in a permanent constructive dialogue with producers, television broadcasters, and theater organizers.

SKJ - Business Information System

The Foundation for the Quality Register for Youth (Stichting Kwaliteitsregister Jeugd or SKJ) acts as the overarching body for quality registration in the youth domain. Due to the merging of several registers, there has been a desire for a custom-developed system for the registration of youth professionals.

The Quality Register for Youth (SKJ) is the professional register for youth professionals in the Netherlands. As an independent executive organization, they are responsible for the legal registration of university or higher professional education-trained youth professionals who work in complex and high-risk situations. They assess whether youth professionals meet the criteria for (re)registration and maintain a system of professional supervision.

Sensys Gatso

Sensys Gatso is a leading provider of traffic enforcement solutions. The company is active worldwide and its mission is to improve road safety and save lives by changing the driving behavior of motorists. Dolphiq developed a clear corporate website, based on a supplied design.