Black Pearl
IVADO Labs 2020
Black Pearl is a logistics optimization tool designed by IVADO Labs for a global aluminum manufacturer. The tool aims to minimize the resources required to receive and transport raw materials at a major transformation site in a remote region. Black Pearl leverages cutting-edge operations research (OR) techniques to optimize vessel unloading sequencing, inventory management, and workforce allocation. Based on IVADO Labs deliverables, the Canadian government awarded our client a $700k subsidy to create the tool. Black Pearl has an estimated impact of >$4MM and was designed in collaboration with professors from Université de Montréal and École Polytechnique de Montréal.
During the blueprint phase of the project, my role was to collaborate with client stakeholders to design Black Pearl. I led the IVADO Labs team as we defined the project scope, redacted the scientific problem statement, and established the initial scientific approach.
Defining Black Pearl's scope
One of the main challenges of developing actionable AI tools is defining their scope. AI products need to coexist with their users to create value. I headed the analysis aiming to define the decisions to include in the scope of Black Pearl. My team analyzed client tools and processes using criteria of data access, data quality, and decision frequency. Based on our findings, we designed it as a tactical tool centred on short/medium-term decisions. Black Pearl assists decision-making while allowing users to leverage their expertise when required.
Human-centered design to understand users and surpass legacy systems
Usability was core to Black Pearl's design. To work, the tool had to be more efficient than legacy systems (i.e., well-implemented Excel dashboards). I worked closely with end-users to understand their needs and achieve this goal. With them, I defined the required inputs and outputs of the minimum viable product and built a clear vision of Black Pearl's functional requirements. To develop the appropriate tool, I identified a third-party organization whose offering matched the client's needs. Working closely with client stakeholders, I enabled a partnership with Plot.ly, a Montreal-based data visualization firm central to the implementation phases.