Sanofi

Sanofi engages in the research and development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmacological products, principally in the prescription market, but the firm also develops over-the-counter medications.

Transformation of an Excel File into a Web Application

Context

Sanofi relied on an Excel file to perform complex and detailed calculations related to the production of medications. It was used to model production costs based on numerous parameters, such as the location of factories, yields, raw material costs, and other factors influencing profitability.

Quick Overview

• Tools: Figma, Axure, Teams, Jira, Excel
• Deliverables: Wireframes, Prototypes, User Flows, Content Inventory
• Activities: Research, Workshop, Presentation
• Numbers: 1 Project, 2 years, 5+ Team Members
• Platforms: Website

My Role

My role was to understand and transform this file into a robust, intuitive web application capable of meeting the teams’ needs in a scalable way.

Problem Statement

The Excel file’s complexity, multiple tabs, size, and formulas made it cumbersome to use and increased the risk of human error. Additionally, the lack of real-time collaboration and modification tracking hindered teamwork and data reliability. Finally, the file’s lack of scalability made it difficult to add new features or manage complex scenarios.

Objectives

• Transform the Excel file into a robust, intuitive, and accessible web application.
• Integrate a version history system to track modifications and validate changes.
• Accurately replicate the file’s complex calculations to ensure reliable results.
• Incorporate pharmaceutical-specific variations and scenarios.

Approach

Analysis and Understanding of the Existing Tool

• Excel File Analysis. Mapped all functionalities, formulas, and existing parameters to ensure no essential data was lost during the transformation process.
• User Interviews. Conducted workshops and interviews with production managers and analysts to understand their real needs and frustrations with the current tool.
• Prioritization of Features. Distinguished between essential functionalities to maintain, those to improve, and new ones to invent.

Design

• The design phase began with an in-depth analysis of the Excel file, which formed the foundation of the tool to be transformed. For several weeks, I meticulously studied all formulas, calculations, and integrated logic to understand their function and impact on the production process. This thorough analysis allowed me to identify data relationships, map dependencies, and prioritize essential features to be integrated into the future web application.
• Once this solid foundation was established, I designed wireframes that translated these complex formulas, annotating each page and element with the associated formulas. The goal was to retain the full analytical power of the Excel file while simplifying its daily use.
• To validate these concepts, I then developed a complete interactive prototype, which allowed for testing the user flows and refining interactions before development began.

Collaboration

• Collaboration with developers was essential to structure the data in a scalable and coherent way. Regular exchanges ensured perfect alignment between technical constraints and functional requirements, while guaranteeing optimal performance, even when processing large volumes of data.
• Coordinated with product teams to ensure that the user vision aligned with business objectives.

Results

The transformation of the Excel file into a web application significantly improved Sanofi’s processes. The intuitive interface and automated calculations reduced human error and sped up production tasks:

• The Excel file was fully transformed into an intuitive web application, providing simplified access to complex calculations and version history.
• The time required to perform calculations was reduced.
• The application allows multiple users to work simultaneously, with real-time updates and complete modification tracking.