Walmart Contactless Auto Experience

Led end-to-end program management for a high-priority customer auto care enhancement featuring self check-in and IoT-based lockbox integration.

Tire Installation Self Check-In

About the Project

As part of a broader initiative to launch Auto Care Center of the Future experience, I led a program to enhance an existing tire installation flow. Previously, customers could buy tires online and schedule an installation appointment. The goal of this enhancement was to introduce a Self Check-In feature that allowed customers to check in on the day of their appointment, support scenarios with less than four tires, and integrate IoT-based lockboxes for key drop-off.

The program was high-priority, tied to executive goals, and came with a tight launch deadline by the end of September. The feature would pilot at a store already remodeled with vendor-installed lockbox systems and then roll out to additional stores in phases.

Goals:
  • Simplify the in-store check-in process for tire installation appointments
  • Enable self-service check-in on appointment day
  • Support flexible tire purchase scenarios (less than four tires)
  • Integrate IoT lockbox systems for secure key drop-off
  • Launch pilot by end of September to meet executive commitments

My Role

  • Owned end-to-end program management, including planning, technical discovery, execution, launch, and vendor coordination
  • Aligned and coordinated across 12+ cross-functional teams including Cart, Checkout, Fitment, Auto Care, IoT Integration, Order Amendments, Check-In, Comms systems, and In-store systems
  • Acted as the central point of accountability for delivery timelines, API coordination, technical dependencies, and cross-team execution
  • Managed third-party vendor relationships for IoT lockbox integration

Program Management Approach

  • Program Planning & Architecture Definition:
    • Partnered with Product, Design, and Architecture to define user entry points, check-in flows, and system requirements for customer check-in, parking instructions, and key drop-off at lockbox
    • Collaborated with architecture teams to map new data flows and interactions between multiple legacy and modern systems, especially around fitment, cart, and order management
    • Defined feature boundaries and scope to prevent scope creep while accommodating edge cases
  • Cross-Team Alignment:
    • Mapped dependencies across 12+ teams including Cart, Checkout, Fitment, Auto Care, IoT Integration, Order Amendments, Check-In, Comms systems, and In-store systems
    • Conducted product walkthroughs, UX design reviews, and high-level technical design (HLD) walkthroughs to secure early alignment and understand level of effort
    • Facilitated decision-making on technical approaches, user flows, and integration patterns
  • Tech Discovery & API Coordination:
    • Led technical discovery sessions to define and finalize APIs across systems
    • Established clear responsibilities, sequenced data flows, and addressed edge cases like fewer than four tires and rescheduled appointments
    • Collaborated with engineering managers to set realistic development timelines once APIs were finalized
  • Testing Strategy:
    • Worked with Product to define comprehensive end-to-end test scenarios covering both front-end and back-end flows
    • Created testing strategy involving upstream and downstream integration testing using test items
    • Coordinated End-to-End War Room testing, simulating the full customer journey from tire purchase to key drop-off at the store
    • Ensured IoT testing aligned with vendor availability and store readiness
  • Release Coordination:
    • Drafted production release playbook covering configurations, rollout scripts, rollback plans, and communications
    • Coordinated vendor management to ensure lockboxes installed in stores could receive signals from our application via IoT platform integrated with store network
    • Secured sign-offs from Product, Engineering, and Business stakeholders before executing release plan

Tech Details

Systems Integration:
Complex integration across legacy and modern systems including Cart, Checkout, Fitment, Order Management, and Auto Care platforms. Designed to handle real-time data synchronization and state management across the customer journey.
IoT Platform:
Integration with third-party vendor's IoT lockbox system via platform APIs. Enabled secure communication between the application and in-store lockbox hardware for key drop-off functionality and status updates.
API Architecture:
Defined and coordinated multiple APIs across systems to support check-in flows, order amendments, fitment validation, and lockbox operations. Established clear contracts, error handling, and retry mechanisms for robust integration.
Testing Framework:
Multi-layered testing approach including unit testing, integration testing with test items, and comprehensive end-to-end War Room testing. Simulated real customer scenarios from online purchase through in-store check-in and key drop-off.
Release Management:
Comprehensive release playbook with phased rollout strategy, configuration management, rollback procedures, and coordinated communications across teams. Designed for minimal disruption and quick issue resolution.
Store Systems:
Integration with in-store systems for appointment management, customer notifications, and service workflow coordination. Ensured seamless handoff between digital check-in and physical service execution.

Outcomes

On Time
Launched pilot by end of September
12+
Cross-functional teams aligned
Seamless
IoT lockbox integration live
Positive
Stakeholder & customer feedback

Key Achievements:

  • Successfully launched Self Check-In feature pilot on schedule
  • Feature live at pilot store with fully integrated IoT lockbox drop-off
  • Established phased rollout plan for additional stores as they get remodeled
  • Built reusable cross-team delivery model for future auto care enhancements
  • Simplified in-store check-in process with positive customer feedback

Media & Resources