Understand What
We've Done, and You'll
Know What We Can Do
At SmartB, we have our Tech Squad who is dedicated to (1)
understanding and (2) designing solutions that meet our
client's requirement.
Once we have the scope clarified, we design solutions that
suite your business needs, whatever they may be.
Understand our past projects and you'll understand more
about us.
"Creativity Is Intelligence Having Fun" - Albert Einstein
We Build Crazy Things That Work
Project Showcase
“If you can design one thing you can design everything.”
While we cannot quantify everything that we are capable of doing, we hope to at least demonstrate our skills through some of the past projects that we have done.
As you explore more of our services and offerings, you can begin to see how we combine our skills and capabilities in some of our projects in order to help our customers achieve the results that they required.
With that, here are some of use cases.
Case 1:
Integrated Weight, Print & Mobile Tracking
Client Requirement
The client, Diyou Fibre (M) Sdn. Bhd. (DF), is a fibre manufacturer who was trying to track their work-
in-progress (WIP) stock at multiple stages of their production process.
While tracking WIP goods is slightly more straight-forward if the goods were in constant production
flow, this was not the case for DF. In fact, their production was based on the fluctuating demand
of their clients. To make things more complicated, DF would also sell some of these WIP stocks as soon
as there's a willing buyer.
The Challenge
(Image above is for illustration purpose only. Original flow has been modified for confidential purposes.)
SmartB was given the task to help track (and trace) the WIP stocks, starting from the raw material
stage, all the way till the goods leave the warehouse. Stocks that are kept in the warehouse will be
traceable too.
The WIP stocks are usually kept in a bag (weighing between 200-300kg) and simple records of its
production needs to be tracked as well. There is 3 warehouses where the goods are kept.
Lastly, most of the staff involve in the production are foreign workers who cannot speak or read
English.
Implementation
Heavy Duty, Touch Screen, Reasonable Cost
The first part of the solution was to figure out how to make we captured data conveniently and
accurately. Using keyboards and mouse would not work as that is more suitable for office or
administrative type of operations.
Hence, the answer was definitely to use touch screen. While a tablet would work, a touch screen
terminal would be even better. In fact, most of the terminals that we sourced are designed to be
heavy duty but at a reasonable cost.
Integrated Weight Tracking
The customer wants to track their goods. Since these are manufactured in mini pallets, the best way
to keep track them was to have weight record with each bag.
The bag in the image above is a similar type of bag used on DF.
As part of the move towards paperless, we manage to integrate the weight reader with our terminal.
Hence, allowing the client to record the weight of the bags as they are produced. This would also
instantly record the time of manufacturing each bag and, indirectly, the production rate.
Another thing to note is that our system is a cloud base solution. Hence, all data captured are
instantly accessible online.
Creative QR Code Labelling
The next task was to ensure that all the bags could be traced. Naturally, the solution was to create a label sticker.
However, since the bags were kept in a dusty environment, we manage to create labels that are similar to those luggage labels used at the airport. Simple details were printed. More importantly, each bag would now have a serial numbered QR Code.
Lastly, the bag numbers were all unique, which means we had to serialize them. And there's no better way to do it other than doing
it from our system - especially since the bags will be traced from
our mobile app (below).
A Dummy-Proof System
As the production workers are predominantly foreigners, we had to design a dummy proof system -
big fonts, big buttons and limited words.
Again, with some basic training, the system was merely one that requires a few click of buttons.
Mobile Tracking
(Image for illustration only)
Because the goods (in the bags) were all over the warehouse and they were mostly 200+kg, the most convenient way to (1) track these goods and (2) capture movement data at the same time, it was to use the device that many people had - including foreign workers. Hence, a mobile app solution was delivered as part of the solution.
With this, nearly all movement of goods can be captured. This was done with the help of QR Code scanning on smart phones that
was done through SmartB's mobile app.
Also, utilizing the fact that most smart phones have cameras attached to it, DF could also capture picture evident of their goods being delivered.
The Result
A challenging project where SmartB had to utilize many unconventional ideas before narrowing
down the options to create a suitable and practical solution.
As shown above, this was one successful and creative project delivered for a very unconventional
tracking case.
Case 2:
Custom-Built for New Product Development Processing &
Controls
Client Requirement
(Legle is a brand fully owned by Inhesion)
The client, Inhesion Industrial (M) Sdn. Bhd. (IM), is a tableware manufacturer who was trying to
implement an end-to-end ERP system which predominantly include the Sales, Product Development,
Production, Inventory and Accounting modules.
This use case is to describe a custom-made module for their Product Development management. As
shown in the image above, Inhesion specialises in custom made and custom design tableware.
For this project, SmartB worked very closely with IM for several months to first identify the
requirements before building the modules.
The Challenge
(The image above has been kept slightly blurred for confidentiality purposes)
IM has sales representatives in various parts of the world. The diagram above shows the process of
each new request submitted to the production team and how the approval processes were made
right until the birth of a new product for sales.
All there were important because these new products, when developed, need to ensure that all
production cost, quality and profitability are assured and within their expected range.
SmartB's challenge was (1) to understand the end-to-end process before (2) ensuring the feasibility
of the design that was being built. Lastly, (3) to ensure the good user interface (UI) and user
experience (UX) were achieved.
Essentially, and metaphorically, SmartB was like the architect and the builder at the same time.
Implementation
As this was considered a mid to large size project, we broke it down into sizable chunks. Essentially
to deliver it by multiple phases.
Request Entry
The goal was to immediately digitize and streamline the process. Hence, no more physical forms or
even emails allowed.
With that in mind, the first thing we built was an digital request form where any requester would
need to fill in the request form online.
As soon as they submit the form, the request is immediately logged into the database.
Request Management
Once the request has been submitted, the person-in-charge (PIC) is next to take action.
As you can see, the request needs to be managed and a simple dashboard was built for that.
Multiple tabs were also added as this were different parts of the request.
Request Engine
With all the activities involved in the Product Development - which we identified during the initial
need analysis, we had to build an request engine.
For simplicity, this means we had to build a module to initiate and take action the various process
logic.
For example, when a request is submitted, the requester would have given a cost allocation
breakdown for the various departments. Using this breakdown, relevant head of departments
(HODs) would receive a notification that would prompt them to review the request.
Of course, this is just one of the many features.
Ease of Usage
After we built the monster, we now need to tame it.
As part of the design work, we decided to only show fields and tabs that are relevant to the specific
request. That means, only 50-70% of the entire system is visible to the user at any point of time. Non-
relevant fields and tabs are dynamically hidden from the user.
The Result
A 100% custom-made system was built from scratch.
Thanks to the strong emphasis made on the design and planning stage, the new system was
delivered - meeting nearly all the requirements made by the IM.
Furthermore, building this system on top of our standard modules also mean that IM can further
benefit from the existing system. A synergistic effect where 1 + 1 = 3.
Case 3:
End-to-End Tracking: Challenges from the Factories
Client Requirement
The client, V'Asia Cosmetic & Healthcare (VA), is a health and beauty brand owner who was trying to implement an end-to-end tracking system.
This is important because, as the VA becomes a more reputable brand in the marketplace, they are faced with integrity and social challenges. Some of these includes:
Mis-match of data between VA and their distributors
Product traceability
Product authenticity claims
Also, VA is no longer a small company, without a proper tracking system, some of the operational challenges can be quite costly.
The Challenge
The client wanted a system to trace all stock movement starting from where the goods were manufactured.
That means, the data capture of the end-to-end flow needs to start at all the manufacturing sites. The client presented us with 5 manufacturing sites which were predominantly based outside the city.
However, as some of you can imagine, not all locations/site has good internet connection. This issue alone made the project extremely tricky.
The process flow for this task is probably a simple one where the factories produces the goods, they box the goods up (in bulk) and dispatch it to VA's warehouse. As soon as there's a customer order, VA would pack the necessary order for further dispatch.
Hence, the real challenge lies not in the complexity of the process but in the complexity of the implementation and set up.
Hopefully, by understanding these challenges, it illustrates the level of difficulties faced.
Implementation
Internet Connection
The first few factories where we installed the system were located in an area where internet connection (LAN) was poor.
Without spending any money, and along with a few rounds of tests (trial and error), we managed to identify a solution that gives the most stable connection.
Note: At the time of writing this, the client has already been successfully using the hot spot as a solution for the last 6 months with a monthly internet fee of only RM110+ per month.
Scanning Location in Each Factory
In line with the above, we worked closely with the client to identify strategic locations within each factory in order to ensure that
The internet signals were stable
It is convenient for the production team
Data collected were relevant
Another challenge was due to the fact that, for hygiene purposes (for food manufacturers), some of the factory were insulated. Hence, internet signals were weaker at certain points.
QR Code-URL -Stock Number Conversion
The next challenge that we faced during implementation was the fact that the client was using anti-tempering QR code stickers (see image) which displayed serialize numbers.
Unfortunately, the data that was scanned from the codes were URL links – the webpages from the link were displaying VA’s company information.
In order to proceed, we had to collaborate with the sticker manufacturer (Packtica Sdn Bhd) to get the mapping data between the URLs and the serialize stock numbers.
Registering Serial Numbers to the Product and Box
As the stickers were distributed randomly to various factories, there was no way we could to identify the serial number used in any production plant in advance.
Hence, we had to figure out a way to register the product to the relevant serial number (through the QR Code). The somewhat small packing area (for some plants) also meant that we had the following restrictions:
This must be done as soon as the sticker was pasted on the product
It must be done quickly as the product moves along the conveyor belt
It must be done immediately before the products were packed into its box
Meanwhile, the system would also group that specific range of serial numbers to specific boxes.
Lastly, with the information from the product profile, we had to instruct the system to print the box labels according box capacity. E.g. if the box could only accommodate 30 bottles, the printer would print a new label as soon as the 30th QR sticker was scanned.
That way, we could identify the range of serial numbers moving in that specific box each time we scanned each individual box.
Box Label to Display Each Serial Code
Looking at the label above, you can see that the range of serial numbers are displayed on the box label.
Because this is a semi-automation process, some of the warehouse staff still needs to visibly see the range of serial numbers use for that specific box.
Scanning Speed For Stock Arrival
Imagine this, you have 300 boxes arriving in the warehouse (from the factories), each box holds 50 units of health packets and you need to register the serial number of each item entering the warehouse in less than 30 minutes.
In other words, we need to know which are the exact 15,000 serialize products that has entered the warehouse in that duration. Yet, the production was only a semi-automated process, the WIP goods are moving as fast as the conveyor could move but tasks were predominantly executed by manual labour.
That was the task assigned to SmartB.
The first thing was to integrate a wireless Bluetooth scanner to the system. Looking at how a operator works, we estimated that he/she would be able to scan around 5 boxes in 3 seconds. Using that information, we identified the right amount of information captured during the scan and automated the rest of it via the backend system.
Yes, it was successful task.
Tracking Serialized Goods in Loose Boxes
Majority of the goods are sold in boxes. However, there are some goods that are sold as loose items. Meaning, while the box might hold 60 bottles of health supplements, some customers might only want to get 10 samples.
Meanwhile, you can’t expect the warehouse to scan the remaining 50 bottles if they sell them all at one go, right? Hence, the task was to be able to still scan the box label and know the 50 serial numbers that remained in the box.
Tracking Individual Sold Item from Start to End
As you can imagine, this would have been the ultimate goals from the start. However, when combined with all the challenges above, the system had to be modified in order to achieve the same results.
The Result
SmartB successfully overcame the obstacles that came with the factory environment as well as some challenges from the above average processes that was in place.
This is important as many implementations in that has failed (in the market) not due to the capabilities of the systems but due to the inability to overcame challenges on the ground.
Case 4:
Multi Regional Multi Currency Integrated Display
Client Requirement
The client, Inhesion Industrial (M) Sdn. Bhd. (IM), is a tableware manufacturer who was trying to implement an end-to-end ERP system which predominantly include the Sales, Product Development, Production, Inventory and Accounting modules.
Use Case 2 (see above) was also a project for Inhesion. However, this is for Inhesion Asia (IA) which is predominantly the commercial/ sales team.
The Challenge
IA is a Hong Kong based company. However, they have they have an extensive worldwide sales
channel – which covers Hong Kong, China, France, Macao and America. With such a large sales
network, they needed a system which could provide the following information conveniently.
Visibility of stock availability (to determine the lead delivery time)
Price (for various regions HKD, MYR, USD and etc)
Controls and authorization (from various Head of Department) – for changing prices and for tiered pricing model
Production information – for specific sales channels
Product information – for all visitors
All the above information needs to be provided for each individual product code (or SKU).
(Diagram for illustration only)
The diagram above is a simplified matrix of how the information is accessible based on:
The users’ level of authority
The region where the user is registered
The type of product information
Hence, the real challenge lies not in the complexity of the process but in the complexity of the implementation and set up.
Hopefully, by understanding these challenges, it illustrates the level of difficulties faced.
Implementation
In order to resolve this challenge, the first thing we had to do was to break down the requirements.
QR Code Label
(Note that the QR barcode is a dummy
code only and it does not work when
scanned)
Before anyone could view anything, the first thing to do
was the establish how the correct data would be displayed
(given that there are thousands of products being in the
system that can be sold).
The easiest thing to do was to label each of the product
with a barcode. In this case, a QR bar code was used.
The label can be printed on a sticker label. It is as small as
2.5 cm x 3.5 cm and, due to the size of the QR code, a high-resolution printer must be used (min of 300dpi).
Scanning Location in Each Factory
Similar to the project which we implemented with VAsia, each QR Code is displaying a URL link
instead of a product ID (or code). When scanned, you will be directed to a web catalogue that would
look similar to this (below).
Here, all viewers can see the generic information of that specific product. At this stage, all you need is a mobile web browser and any one can view this page.
Pre-defined Profiles
In order to manage and restrict the information accessible by the individual, all users will have a pre-defined user profile. Essentially, the profile is based on the level of accessibility they should have and the region (or country) in which they are in.
The Result
(The image above has been kept slightly blurred for confidentiality purposes)
We successfully created a mobile app that reads new product QR codes on-the-go and it is integrated with:
Sales information
Production information
Inventory information
With that, it means we can display all the information required by the sales team when in front of the client irrespective of where they are in the world.
Case 5:
Production Scheduling Optimization (System) Modelling
Client Requirement
The client, Taiko Marketing Sdn Bhd is the only supplier in Malaysia to produce Chlor-Alkali AND Sulphur Derivative chemicals.
And they were trying to (1) optimise their production while juggling to balance between short-term fluctuating production demand, (2) managing production priorities and (3) managing manpower overtime cost.
In short, it was as if they need an Artificial Intelligent (Ai) to tell them how to prioritize their production orders. Unfortunately, most ERP systems would not have a module that is suitable for Taiko, while those that may have it, usually ends up costing too much.
The Challenge
Apart from having a tight budget, Taiko needed a SmartB to help them formulate the algorithm to significantly reduce non-production activities (e.g. switching and/or setting up new machines) while regularly updating the production priority based on short-term urgent requests.
If this was not hard enough, it took Taiko a significant amount of time to conceptualise what they needed as this module was very new to them. Basically, they had a vision of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to explain it in simple terms.
Note: In order to maintain confidentiality, the information in this case were altered. However, rest assured that the complexity of the requirements remains at similar levels.
Implementation
In order to resolve this challenge, the project had to be implemented with a sequence of activities.
Scenario Planning
The first part of the project was to help the client clarify the parameters of the system that they wanted.
This includes listing down as many “what if” scenarios as possible.
As more scenarios were identified, new potential challenges/ outcomes started to unveil itself. More importantly, we had to rectify some of the issues from those outcomes, and decisions had to be made in terms of controls and management of those outcomes.
Blind Spots
The real benefit of modelling the system was that it gave both the client and SmartB an opportunity to see the “blind spots” that we would not have envisage unless we saw the model in action.
From that, we generated supporting databases to ensure that the main algorithms would function as planned.
Here, all viewers can see the generic information of that specific product. At this stage, all you need is a mobile web browser and any one can view this page.
Sequence Automation
As the project was complex, the need to remain focus was crucial. So, instead of building a "robot", the idea was to focus what was important.
That means, we focused on optimising the production sequence only. And that would have meant that the bulk of the requirements would have been met.
Although no AI was built, we could still achieve a fairly high level of success.
Advance Level MS Excel
In order to maintain relatively low cost, a MS Excel model was built in order to mimic the desired system. To a certain extent, we were prototyping the potential system that was required.
In order to mimic an ERP system, MS Excel Macro and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) were used.
Note: Explanations were given at every stage in order to ensure that client was aware of the difference between what was shown in the MS Excel and how the system was function (if one was built).
The Result
The end result was that the client started to use the MS Excel as part of their daily operations. The model was a success as it provided a clear structure of what was required in the event a system was built.
The following video shows a section of the entire model.
Note: At the point of writing this case, Malaysia is going through a Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 virus. Hence, the system was not built yet but the model is already in use as a tentative solution.
Note: A Some parts of the video have been blurred deliberately in order to maintain confidentiality of
information
Case 6:
Optimizing the Cutting Sequence To Reduce Wastage
Client Requirement
The client, LTI Resources Sdn Bhd (LTI), is one of the leading self-adhesive tape manufacturers in Malaysia with in-house R & D, design and converting facilities.
LTI approached us to help them optimized their cutting sequence as the current process incurs a high amount of wastage.
The Challenge
In order to explain their challenge, here is a simple customer order that will, hopefully, illustrate the problem - Note that these have been modified to maintain confidentiality.
Sample Customer Order
LTI receives a mix order from a regular client for the following:
12mm x 50m = 100 rolls
18mm x 50m = 120 rolls
24mm x 50m = 200 rolls
36mm x 50m = 110 rolls
Existing Stock Balance
LTI currently has the following available stock:
200mm x 50m = 150 rolls
130mm x 50m = 30 rolls
70mm x 50m = 15 rolls
65mm x 50m = 3 rolls
1020mm x 50m = 3 logs (Full Size)
750mm x 50m = 1 log
1020mm x 1000m = 10 jumbo
The Challenge
Which existing stock should LTI use to ensure that there is minimal leftover/waste? And how should LTI combine the size when they cut the rolls?
Implementation
In order to resolve this challenge, the issue needs to be solve using mathematical logics. Here's a visual illustration of how we can solve the problem:
(Image from Google)
As shown above, in order to optimize the cutting process, an intelligent system was developed in order to find the combination of sequence that produced the least wastage.
The Result
The end result was that we built a system that could automatically calculate the best cutting combination and this could be done within seconds.
Customers love our
system for different
reasons...
Satheesh Kumar - Group Information Technology Manager, AGX
Logistics - "It was a pleasure to work with SmartB. The system is easy to use and the project went well as the implementation was quick and smooth."
Client Testimonials
Hear What They Have To Say
There are so many benefits after we implemented the new system (SmartB). The process of tracking &
traceability of products from warehouse to stockists can now be done in less than 5 minutes which
previously took 30 minutes to complete. From the operational perspective, we now are able to do
daily tracking which helps to manage the storage space & reduce wastage efficiently.
- Dr Azwan, Director, V'Asia Cosmetic & Healthcare
The best thing about SmartB is customization. We do a lot of customization with SmartB to fulfil our
manufacturing process. It’s the best since our process is very complex and weird. After we started
to use SmartB in our factory, everything was digitized. So instead of using handwritten, we are now
moving towards digitalization & SmartB played an important role in that.
Besides, Alwin is very creative and always provides out of box solutions. One of the issues that we
encountered was to train people to use the software. So we worked together to find solutions and the
best solution is to fit each other. And of course, I would recommend SmartB to other companies.
- Ms Chen, Strategic Planning Manager, Diyou Fibre
I liked the SmartB system for its interconnectedness and not only is it cloud-based, the system is also
highly flexible and able to cope
with a huge amount of data.
Aside from that, Alwin & Max are very knowledgeable and prompt to work with.
I would recommend SmartB to other customers as I think they can to cater to your specific needs,
and if they are unable to, they will be upfront with you.
- Mr King Hao, Operations, Yew Siong Industrial Supplies
Using the SmartB system has made my job easy as I no longer need to depend on hard copies. The
system is user friendly too.
On top of that, dealing with Arina is great as she provides fast-action and good communication with
customers. She is also excellent at problem-solving with the system.
- Ms Siti Afzanizan, Sales Coordinator, Speed Concrete
Generally speaking, most things I liked about working with Alwin are that he is accommodating to
the client's requirements & excellent.
Other than that, the SmartB system is user friendly & affordable with value for money.
- Mr Cheong San Wai, Finance Manager, Speed Concrete
It was a pleasure to work with SmartB. The system is easy to use and the project went well as the
implementation was quick and smooth.
- Mr Satheesh Kumar, Group Information Technology Manager, AGX Logistics
The benefits of implementing SmartB is we have an additional platform to cross-check & can use the
system to identify problems quickly. It helps us to cross-check the data and hence makes our job
easier. It will be much easier to check stock by comparing the
record from the system.
Apart from that, it is really convenient to use the mobile app to scan during delivery. The system
helps a lot especially to deliver goods, as the workers are no longer required to record down all the
details of stock. Instead, we just need to take the records from the system & later scan the barcode
during delivery.
We are also able to check the weight of goods obtained from scanning matches with the pick list, that
will definitely be correct & will not have any miscalculation.
- Mr Choo, Warehouse Manager, Diyou Fibre
"We focus on the 20/80 rule. 20% of the area we focus on will boost 80% of your productivity"
- Alwin Ng, CEO & Founder
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