Problem:
TJMaxx faced two critical challenges. First, their manual product recall process risked missing the 48-hour regulatory response window, potentially incurring millions in fines. Second, their human resources team struggled with accurately implementing complex pay rules in their UKG Pro system. The product recall process particularly needed urgent attention, as it involved multiple manual steps across different departments and systems, creating delays and increasing error risks.

Tasks and Actions:
My primary focus became streamlining the product recall process through automation while ensuring accurate implementation of HR pay rules. The recall project required mapping the existing workflow, identifying bottlenecks, and creating an automated system that could integrate ServiceNow, Oracle databases, and inventory management systems. The goal was to reduce response time to under 48 hours while maintaining accuracy.

I started by documenting the current recall process through interviews with stakeholders from every department involved. This revealed a complex web of manual handoffs, email approvals, and data entry steps. Each stakeholder meeting uncovered new edge cases and requirements we needed to address in the automated solution.

Working with external vendors, we designed APIs that would connect previously siloed systems. The new workflow automated data transfer between systems, replacing manual data entry and reducing error potential. We implemented validation checks at critical points to ensure data accuracy without slowing the process. The development process followed an agile approach, with each iteration revealing new scenarios we needed to handle. For example, we discovered that different product categories required different approval chains. The system needed flexibility to route recalls through the appropriate channels while maintaining speed.

The integration project required careful coordination between external vendors and internal engineering teams. We established clear communication channels and regular check-ins to ensure all components worked together seamlessly. Testing became crucial, as we needed to verify the system could handle various recall scenarios without manual intervention.

Results:
The automated recall system reduced response time from several days to under 24 hours, well within the 48-hour requirement. This improvement protected TJMaxx from potential regulatory fines that could have reached tens of millions of dollars. The new system eliminated most manual touch points, reducing human error risks. Automated validation checks caught data inconsistencies early, preventing delays from incorrect information. The HR pay rules implementation in UKG Pro increased accuracy in employee compensation calculations.

Complex workflows often hide critical details in tribal knowledge. Speaking with stakeholders revealed numerous process nuances that documentation alone wouldn't have captured. This reinforced the value of thorough stakeholder engagement in requirement gathering. Agile development proved essential for handling complexity. Each iteration revealed new edge cases we needed to address. The flexible approach allowed us to adapt the solution as we uncovered new requirements. Integration projects require strong vendor relationships. Clear communication channels and regular coordination meetings helped prevent misalignments between different system components.

With respect to the UKG Pro projects, there were many of these with similar problem sets, the HR pay rules implementation improved employee satisfaction by ensuring accurate and timely compensation. The clear technical requirements created a reliable foundation for future compensation system updates and kept TJMaxx on track as an employer which valued their employees and ensure fair and accurate pay.

The success of these projects showed that effective technical product management requires both deep process understanding and strong stakeholder engagement. By focusing on both aspects, we delivered solutions that not only met immediate needs but created lasting value for the organization.