2023-2024 | Research | UX/UI

Unified logistic process x Sonepar

Unified logistic process x Sonepar

INTRO

Managing product returns efficiently is a crucial component of Sonepar's logistics operations. With over 40 countries served and millions of products moving through the supply chain annually, ensuring a seamless and standardized return process was essential.

The lack of a unified experience across regions led to operational inefficiencies, inconsistent customer experiences, and increased processing times.

Managing product returns efficiently is a crucial component of Sonepar's logistics operations. With over 40 countries served and millions of products moving through the supply chain annually, ensuring a seamless and standardized return process was essential.

The lack of a unified experience across regions led to operational inefficiencies, inconsistent customer experiences, and increased processing times.

Global presence

Over 40 countries with independent logistics workflows

Global presence

Over 40 countries with independent logistics workflows

Global presence

Over 40 countries with independent logistics workflows

Global presence

Over 40 countries with independent logistics workflows

High volume

Thousands of product returns processed per month

High volume

Thousands of product returns processed per month

High volume

Thousands of product returns processed per month

High volume

Thousands of product returns processed per month

Multiple stakeholders

Logistics managers, warehouse staff, customer service teams, and end customers

Multiple stakeholders

Logistics managers, warehouse staff, customer service teams, and end customers

Multiple stakeholders

Logistics managers, warehouse staff, customer service teams, and end customers

Multiple stakeholders

Logistics managers, warehouse staff, customer service teams, and end customers

CONTEXT
CONTEXT

To fully understand the variations in the return processes and pain points, our design team conducted in-depth interviews with stakeholders from 4 countries:

  • 🇫🇷 France: High product return volumes with complex warehouse coordination.

  • 🇮🇹 Italy: Centralized return process with manual data entry challenges.

  • 🇧🇪 Belgium: Advanced tracking systems with in house transport for deliveries.

  • 🇭🇺 Hungary: Non-existing integration logistic tools, manual data entry challenges.

These interviews revealed inconsistencies in workflow, data capture, and user touchpoints, highlighting the need for a unified and user-friendly solution.

How might we create a unified return experience across countries while accommodating regional nuances and operational requirements?

DESIGN PROCESS
DESIGN PROCESS

Our goal was to develop a standardized but flexible solution that optimized the return process for logistics management while enhancing the experience for all users.

_ Research

Based on stakeholder insights, we mapped out the existing return journeys for each country.

Key pain points included:

  • Lack of transparency in return statuses

  • Manual data entry and documentation

  • Disjointed communication between warehouse teams and customer service

Proposed solution: a centralized digital platform with configurable workflows to accommodate regional differences.

_ User flow

In collaboration with the eCommerce team, we mapped out a comprehensive user flow that integrated customer-facing touchpoints with backend logistics processes.

This ensured a seamless experience from return request initiation on the eCommerce platform to warehouse processing and final resolution. The unified flow enhanced transparency and streamlined communication between customer service and logistics teams

_ Prototyping

We created wireframes and prototypes to visualize the return flow, focusing on:

  • A standardized return request interface

  • Automated notifications for status updates

  • Dashboard views for logistics managers

_ User feedback and iterations

We conducted usability testing sessions with logistics managers, warehouse operators, and customer service representatives.
Key improvements included:

  • Enhanced navigation for faster access to critical tasks (e.g. internal notes, product images)

  • Clearer status indicators for return processing stages

  • Streamlined forms with pre-filled data to reduce input errors

_ Validation

The final solution was a scalable and standardized return management system with the following features:

  • Unified user interface: Consistent experience across countries with customizable fields

  • End-to-end tracking: Real-time visibility from return request to warehouse processing for branches

  • Automated notifications: Proactive communication for stakeholders improving productivity

  • Data analytics: Comprehensive reporting for logistics managers for continuous process optimization

RESULTS AND IMPACT
RESULTS AND IMPACT
Operational efficiency

30% reduction in return processing times for final customer

Operational efficiency

30% reduction in return processing times for final customer

Operational efficiency

30% reduction in return processing times for final customer

Operational efficiency

30% reduction in return processing times for final customer

User satisfaction

Positive feedback from logistics teams across the tested regions

User satisfaction

Positive feedback from logistics teams across the tested regions

User satisfaction

Positive feedback from logistics teams across the tested regions

User satisfaction

Positive feedback from logistics teams across the tested regions

Scalability

Platform ready for rollout to additional countries after approval of Global Supply Chain management team.

Scalability

Platform ready for rollout to additional countries after approval of Global Supply Chain management team.

Scalability

Platform ready for rollout to additional countries after approval of Global Supply Chain management team.

Scalability

Platform ready for rollout to additional countries after approval of Global Supply Chain management team.

This project demonstrated the power of user-centric design in transforming complex logistical processes into streamlined and user-friendly experiences accross platforms.

Let's make your product user-centric

Inspired by the success of transforming Sonepar's logistics operations, I’m passionate about crafting solutions that empower users while balancing innovation and adaptability. Let's build something great together!

Inspired by the success of transforming Sonepar's logistics operations, I’m passionate about crafting solutions that empower users while balancing innovation and adaptability. Let's build something great together!

© 2025 — astridlequere.com

© 2025 — astridlequere.com

© 2025 — astridlequere.com

© 2025 — astridlequere.com