Re-imagining the accounting experience
Procore Accounting Integrations
The ERP Integrations tool hadn’t been updated in years. The frontend code and user experience didn’t match Procore’s design system, and the backend architecture was outdated.
At the time, the tool had over 15 ERP integrations, 10 integration endpoints, and more in the pipeline. This complexity made it challenging and time-consuming for customers to use.
The Problem: Outdated ERP Integrations Tool
While construction project managers prefer Procore, accountants use their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for project finances. Information must be shared seamlessly between Procore and ERP systems to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Procore's ERP Integrations tool allows financial data to be imported and exported between Procore and the customer’s ERP software.
Background: Enhancing ERP and Procore Integration
- Create a vision for the ERP Integrations tool's future.
- Collaborate with product and engineering teams to work towards that vision.
As the lead designer, I was responsible for re-imagining the ERP Integrations tool. While the engineering team updated the backend architecture, my goals were:
My Role as Lead Designer
Above: a sampling of old ERP Integrations tool screens
- Scale & Efficiency: The manual process was dependent on multiple roles and time-consuming.
- Communication: Accountants were not promptly notified of items needing review and struggled to locate them in the tool.
key pain points
I began by researching our product internally to understand it quickly and identify key opportunities. I consulted colleagues from integration, support, and sales teams and combined this information with customer feedback and analytics.
Discovery: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
The current UI had a tab for each item type, which was not scalable.
My first design change was organizing the top-level navigation by item status (Ready to Export and Ready to Import). This allowed users to see all item types in one list and review items more quickly.
Initial Designs: Streamlining the User Experience
Initial design updates
Old ERP Integrations UI
- Need More Information: Customers requested additional data points, including the Item ID.
- Mixed Response to New IA: The change from tabs for item type to tabs for item status received mixed reviews. Customers found it hard to differentiate item types in one list.
key insights
I validated the new direction with customers and internal SMEs, gathering feedback to ensure the designs met their needs.
Customer Validation: Gathering Feedback on New Designs
Sometimes, the slightest change makes the most significant difference. I added color-coded tags to differentiate item types, improving customer response from skeptical to enthusiastic.
I created a new pattern for bulk reviewing items, an improved framework for error handling, and simplified settings content. I collaborated with the systems team to design, validate, and contribute new components to our design system.
Design Iterations: Refining the User Interface
- Task Completion: All participants successfully completed tasks.
- Information Architecture: Thanks to the tags and improved filter experience, participants appreciated having everything on one page.
key findings
The final test involved usability testing with customers. Participants completed each task and provided positive feedback.
Usability Testing: Ensuring Practicality and Effectiveness
With validated designs and positive feedback, we needed cross-division stakeholder approval. We organized a team onsite in our Portland office involving product management, customer support, implementation, and custom solutions teams. I led sessions to review designs, discuss roadmaps, and share customer feedback.
Team Onsite: Collaborating for Successful Implementation
Team photo 😄
Following design validation and positive customer feedback, the project received approval to move into the implementation phase.
I worked with product and engineering leadership on sequencing and creating a roadmap draft before transitioning the project to the implementation team.
customer feedback
"This is exactly what I was going to ask for!"
"If this screen were up I’d be able to take a glance and see what I need to do."
Outcomes: Positive Customer and Stakeholder Feedback
The re-imagined Procore ERP Integrations tool enhances the user experience for construction project managers and accountants. We created a more efficient, scalable, and user-friendly tool by addressing critical pain points and involving customers in the design process.
Conclusion
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