In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business environment, companies must remain agile to stay competitive. Whirlpool, a global leader in home appliances, recognized the need to modernize its operations, reduce inefficiencies, and streamline its supply chain processes. To achieve this, they partnered with RunMyProcess, a low-code platform that specializes in digital transformation through low-code development. This collaboration resulted in a custom-built solution that revolutionized their SKU management and provided a roadmap for future innovation.

Custom SKU Management Application Built with Low-Code

RunMyProcess developed a tailored SKU management application for Whirlpool, addressing critical pain points in tracking and managing stock-keeping units (SKUs) across their extensive supply chain. The solution was built entirely with low-code capabilities and in-house expertise provided by RunMyProcess, enabling rapid development and deployment. The app features automated SKU updates, real-time inventory tracking, and centralized data management. Through intuitive dashboards, Whirlpool gained the ability to monitor SKU performance, product availability, and supplier interactions more effectively. This digital transformation eliminated cumbersome manual processes, significantly reduced errors, and ensured stock accuracy across multiple regions and suppliers.

By leveraging low-code, the development process was accelerated, reducing the time-to-market for this critical solution. Low-code platforms empower organizations to build robust applications using visual interfaces and pre-built components, minimizing the need for extensive coding expertise. This approach enabled Whirlpool to:

• Accelerate Innovation: New features and updates were quickly implemented to adapt to evolving business needs.
• Reduce Costs: Development and maintenance expenses were significantly lower compared to traditional coding approaches.
• Empower Citizen Developers: Non-technical employees were able to participate in the app design and enhancement process, fostering a culture of innovation across the organization.

Advantages of Low-Code and Citizen Development

Low-code platforms like RunMyProcess democratize app development by enabling citizen developers—employees without extensive coding backgrounds—to contribute to the creation and optimization of business applications. This approach unlocks a wealth of advantages, including:

• Increased Agility: Teams can quickly respond to changing market demands without relying solely on IT departments.
• Improved Collaboration: Cross-functional teams work together seamlessly, aligning technical capabilities with business objectives.
• Scalability: Applications can be easily scaled to support growing business needs and integrate with existing systems.
• Reduced Bottlenecks: Empowering non-technical staff alleviates the workload on IT teams, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Enhancing Whirlpool’s Processes with AI and BOAT

While Whirlpool has already achieved impressive results with its custom SKU management application, there are additional opportunities to enhance its operations further by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT). These advanced solutions can help Whirlpool remain at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence.

• AI-Driven Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, and external factors to provide highly accurate demand forecasts. This would allow Whirlpool to optimize production schedules, reduce excess inventory, and prevent stockouts.
• Automated Process Orchestration: BOAT can streamline complex workflows across departments, ensuring that every step—from procurement to distribution—is executed seamlessly. For example, supplier interactions can be automated to ensure timely deliveries, while inventory updates can be synchronized across all regions in real time.
• Anomaly Detection and Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered tools can identify potential disruptions in the supply chain or production lines before they escalate. Predictive maintenance solutions can minimize downtime by alerting teams to address equipment issues proactively.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: With BOAT and AI integration, Whirlpool could implement chatbots and virtual assistants to provide instant support to customers, further improving satisfaction and loyalty.

The Broader Impact

Whirlpool’s partnership with RunMyProcess demonstrates how low-code platforms, coupled with advanced orchestration technologies, can drive meaningful change in large-scale organizations. By embracing digital transformation, Whirlpool not only optimized its supply chain but also set a benchmark for other companies in the manufacturing and retail sectors.

As businesses face mounting pressures to innovate and streamline, solutions like those offered by RunMyProcess provide the agility and scalability needed to stay ahead. Whirlpool’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of low-code, citizen development, and BOAT, and it serves as an inspiration for other organizations looking to future-proof their operations.

References

1. Gartner. (2023). "Low-Code Development Technologies: Key Trends and Adoption." Retrieved from www.gartner.com.
2. Forrester. (2022). "The Future of Citizen Development." Retrieved from www.forrester.com.
3. RunMyProcess. (2024). "Driving Digital Transformation with Low-Code and BOAT." Retrieved from www.runmyprocess.com.
4. McKinsey & Company. (2023). "The Impact of AI on Supply Chain Management." Retrieved from www.mckinsey.com.