Akram Bary’s Product Portfolio: A Journey of Innovation and User-Centric Design
Introduction
Hello, I’m Akram Bary, a leader Product Manager with a passion for leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.
My journey in product management has been shaped by a commitment to excellence, a user-centric design philosophy, and a deep understanding of the needs of both my team and our customers.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of groundbreaking products that have made significant impacts in their respective markets.
Throughout my career, I’ve consistently demonstrated a strong ability to lead and manage product development processes effectively.
My role has often required balancing the intricate details of design, development, and support, while always keeping an eye on the broader business objectives.
Colleagues and team members have often highlighted my ability to plan, execute, and monitor product activities with a keen eye for detail and a calm demeanor, even in the face of challenges.
I’ve been recognized not only as a leader who gets things done but also as a mentor who encourages creativity, fosters a positive work environment, and empowers teams to reach their full potential.
Whether I’m managing the integration of complex systems like Procore and NetSuite, revamping legacy features to improve user satisfaction, or implementing the right tools like Jira to streamline workflows, my focus is always on delivering products that are innovative, efficient, and aligned with the user’s needs.
My leadership approach is collaborative and inclusive, ensuring that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best work.
In this portfolio, I’m excited to share detailed case studies of some of the products I’ve worked on, showcasing the journey from ideation to release and ongoing support.
Each case study highlights the innovative aspects, design and development approaches, and the tangible impact these products have had on the market.
These examples not only demonstrate my technical expertise and leadership skills but also reflect my unwavering commitment to creating products that drive success for both the users and the business.
Case Study 1: Timesheets 2.0 at Oracle | NetSuite
Product Description
Timesheets 2.0 was a significant overhaul of the existing time tracking and approval processes within NetSuite’s ERP suite. The goal was to replace outdated systems with a more user-friendly and efficient solution, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Revamped Weekly Timesheet Interface
- Bulk Approvals/Rejections for Supervisors
- Advanced Reporting on Missing Timesheets
- Advanced Approval Preferences and Timesheet Locking
- Project Profitability Tracking and Streamlined Billing
Ideation Process
The idea for Timesheets 2.0 stemmed from user feedback indicating that the existing time tracking tools were cumbersome and lacked essential features. By conducting user interviews and analyzing pain points, we identified key areas for improvement, such as the need for a more intuitive interface and better approval workflows.
Design and Development Approach
We adopted a user-centric design approach, involving end-users in the design process to ensure the new interface was both intuitive and efficient. The development phase focused on creating a seamless experience, with features like floating headers and easy navigation, which were validated through extensive user testing.
Innovative Aspects
Timesheets 2.0 introduced several innovative features, such as the ability to lock timesheet periods and set time thresholds, which greatly improved accuracy in time tracking. These innovations aligned with NetSuite’s mission to provide comprehensive and user-friendly ERP solutions.
Launch Strategy
The launch was accompanied by the “Did You Know?” series, which spotlighted the new features and provided users with tutorials on how to leverage the enhancements. This strategy ensured a smooth transition for existing users and encouraged adoption of the new system.
Market Impact
The revamped timesheets feature significantly improved user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction scores and a notable increase in the efficiency of time tracking and billing processes across the board.
Post-Launch Support and Growth
Post-launch, we provided continuous support through updates based on user feedback, further refining the product and addressing any emerging needs. This iterative approach ensured that Timesheets 2.0 continued to meet evolving user requirements.
Link to Product: NetSuite Timesheets 2.0
Case Study 2: American Express Integration for Expense Reporting at Oracle | NetSuite
Product Description
The American Express Integration for Expense Reporting was designed to automate and simplify the expense management process for companies using AMEX corporate cards. This product eliminated manual data entry, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Automatic Daily Import of AMEX Expenses
- Notifications for New Expenses
- Simplified Addition of Expenses to Reports
- Specific Setup Requirements for Seamless Integration
Ideation Process
This product was developed in response to the growing demand for a more streamlined expense reporting process. By leveraging AMEX’s existing infrastructure, we aimed to create an integration that would save users time and reduce the likelihood of errors.
Design and Development Approach
The design phase focused on creating a seamless user experience, with a straightforward setup process and intuitive interface. The development team worked closely with AMEX to ensure that the integration was robust and reliable.
Innovative Aspects
The integration’s ability to automatically map expenses to existing categories within NetSuite was a game-changer, reducing the time users spent on manual data entry and improving the accuracy of expense reporting.
Launch Strategy
The launch strategy included detailed documentation and webinars to educate users on the benefits and setup of the integration. We also offered dedicated support during the initial rollout phase to ensure a smooth implementation.
Market Impact
The integration was widely adopted, with users reporting significant time savings and improved accuracy in their expense reporting processes. This success reinforced NetSuite’s reputation as a leader in ERP solutions.
Post-Launch Support and Growth
Ongoing support included regular updates to accommodate changes in AMEX’s systems and user feedback-driven enhancements, ensuring the product remained relevant and effective.
Link to Product: NetSuite AMEX Integration
Case Study 3: Multicurrency Expense Reports at Oracle | NetSuite
Product Description
The Multicurrency Expense Reporting feature was developed to enhance NetSuite’s global financial operations capabilities, allowing users to enter expenses in multiple currencies and ensuring accurate conversion and reporting.
Key Features
- Multicurrency Expense Reporting
- Currency and Exchange Rate Management
- SuitePeople U.S. Payroll Integration
- User Experience Enhancements
Ideation Process
As businesses expanded globally, the need for a robust multicurrency expense reporting system became apparent. We identified this gap through market analysis and customer feedback, leading to the development of this feature.
Design and Development Approach
The design process prioritized flexibility and ease of use, allowing users to manage expenses in different currencies with minimal effort. Development focused on ensuring accurate currency conversion and seamless integration with existing financial processes.
Innovative Aspects
The ability to enter and manage expenses in multiple currencies with automatic conversion set this feature apart, providing global businesses with the tools they needed to manage their financial operations more effectively.
Launch Strategy
The launch was supported by a series of training sessions and detailed documentation, helping users understand the new functionalities and how to integrate them into their workflows.
Market Impact
The multicurrency feature was highly successful, particularly among global businesses that required accurate and efficient financial management across different currencies. This feature solidified NetSuite’s position as a top choice for international companies.
Post-Launch Support and Growth
Post-launch efforts included ongoing updates to ensure compliance with global financial regulations and continued improvements based on user feedback.
Link to Product: NetSuite Multicurrency Expense Reports
Case Study 4: Procore NetSuite Integration
Product Description
The Procore NetSuite Integration was developed to enhance project cost management and overall efficiency for businesses in the construction industry, offering seamless integration between Procore’s project management tools and NetSuite’s financial systems.
Key Features
- Bi-Directional Data Synchronization
- Comprehensive Cost Tracking
- Real-Time Project Visibility
- Customizable Record Creation
- Streamlined Invoice Processing
Ideation Process
This product was born out of the need for better financial management tools in the construction industry, where managing project costs accurately and efficiently is critical. We identified these needs through industry research and customer feedback.
Design and Development Approach
We adopted a modular data model that allowed for high customization, catering to the specific needs of different businesses. The development process focused on ensuring robust data synchronization and real-time visibility into project finances.
Innovative Aspects
The integration’s ability to synchronize data between Procore and NetSuite in real-time was a significant innovation, providing businesses with up-to-date financial insights and reducing manual data entry errors.
Launch Strategy
The launch was supported by targeted marketing campaigns and detailed documentation, helping construction businesses understand how the integration could transform their project management processes.
Market Impact
The Procore NetSuite Integration quickly gained traction in the construction industry, with businesses reporting improved efficiency and accuracy in project cost management. This product became a key differentiator for NetSuite in the market.
Post-Launch Support and Growth
We continued to support the integration with regular updates and enhancements based on user feedback, ensuring that it remained a valuable tool.
If you’re interested in learning more about my work or discussing potential collaboration opportunities, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s explore how we can work together to bring innovative and user-centric products to life.