CAPSTONE PROJECT: BUSINESS AUTOMATION AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

This comprehensive project plan provides participants with a step-by-step guide, ensuring a gradual and
thorough application of programming, data analysis, and probability concepts to address real-world
challenges in inventory management.

Introduction: The current global landscape demands businesses to be agile, data-driven, and
operationally efficient. In response to these evolving demands, this 12-week capstone project aims to
empower participants with the skills to design and implement a Business Automation and Decision
Support System. Throughout the training program, participants will integrate programming, data
analysis, and probability concepts to address a specific business challenge within their organization. This
project underscores the practical application of acquired skills in streamlining operations, enhancing
efficiency, and providing valuable data-driven insights for decision-making.

Business Scenario: Inventory Management Optimization

Background: Imagine a scenario where a retail company, XYZ Electronics, operates multiple stores and is
grappling with inefficient inventory management. Manual processes involved in tracking, restocking, and
predicting demand led to errors, resulting in overstocking or stockouts. The company aims to enhance
its inventory management system to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure products are available
when customers need them.

Challenges:

1. Manual Tracking: The current inventory tracking is done manually, leading to inaccuracies and
delays in updating stock levels.

2. Demand Prediction: Difficulty in predicting demand for different products, resulting in either
excess inventory or stockouts.

3. Ordering Process: Inefficient ordering processes, causing delays in restocking and affecting
customer satisfaction.

4. Data Analysis: Limited insights into sales trends, popular products, and seasonal variations
impacting inventory levels.

Project Objectives: The objective is to design and implement an automated Inventory Management
Optimization system addressing the challenges mentioned above. The system will leverage
programming, data analysis, and probability concepts to streamline inventory processes, enhance
demand prediction, and provide actionable insights for decision-making.

Key Components:
 1. Automated Inventory Tracking: Develop a system to automatically update inventory levels
based on sales, returns, and restocking.

2. Demand Prediction: Utilize data analysis techniques to predict demand for different products,
considering historical sales data and external factors.

3. Ordering Automation: Implement an automated ordering process that triggers restocking based
on inventory levels and predicted demand.

4. Data-Driven Insights: Create visualizations and reports offering insights into sales trends,
popular products, and seasonal variations.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Efficient Inventory Management

2. Optimized Ordering

3. Improved Demand Prediction

4. Data-Driven Decision-Making

Week 1-12: Project Plan

Week 1-2: Understanding Business Processes

 Identify a business process within the organization that involves manual tasks or decision points.

 Document the steps involved in the selected process.

 Conduct interviews or consultations with stakeholders to gather insights.

Week 3-4: Automation Design

 Create a flowchart or pseudocode outlining the logic and steps for automating the identified
business process.

 Identify key data points required for decision-making.

 Discuss the automation plan with stakeholders for feedback.

Week 5-6: Data Analysis Integration

 Implement data analysis techniques to gain insights from relevant datasets.

 Develop Python scripts to import, clean, and analyze data related to the automated process.

 Create visualizations to present data-driven insights.

Week 7-8: Python Programming Enhancement

 Enhance the automation script developed in Week 6 by incorporating more advanced Python
programming concepts.

 Implement functions to modularize code and improve script efficiency.

Week 9-10: Probability Application

 Identify decision points in the automated process where probability concepts can be applied.

 Use probability distributions to model uncertainties and improve decision-making.

 Present scenarios where probability informs strategic choices.

Week 11-12: Capstone Project - Inventory Management Optimization

Phase 1: System Design (Week 11)

1. Automated Inventory Tracking:

 Design a system to update inventory levels automatically.

 Define the logic for updating based on sales, returns, and restocking.

2. Demand Prediction:

 Identify data analysis techniques for predicting demand.

 Plan how historical sales data and external factors will inform predictions.

Phase 2: Implementation (Week 12) 3. Ordering Automation:

 Implement an automated ordering process triggered by inventory levels and predicted demand.

 Ensure the ordering process is efficient and well-documented.

4. Data-Driven Insights:

 Develop visualizations and reports offering insights into sales trends, popular products,
and seasonal variations.

Final Presentation (Week 12)

 Participants present their automated Inventory Management Optimization system, explaining

 Emphasize the efficiency gains, improved demand prediction, and data-driven decision-making
achieved through the project.