Database Development

 

Often the solution that best answers our clients' needs requires the creation of a database application. Another option is to customize industry-specific software, or ‘plug-in' software, to make it perform as needed. Other requirements are more simply met by putting the website into a content management system (CMS) that has functions like forms, data collection, log-in, and site search built-in.

 

 

The Zone

The Zone provides log-in and a searchable database of other members. Search is by state, or keywords including zip codes and business descriptions. Users update their own contact and descriptions / keyword fields, and search results are weighted by relevancy with the searched-for terms highlighted for easy orientation. Admin includes 4 levels of access.
     

 

 

The National Women Business Owners Corporation  (NWBOC)

NWBOC is a national organization that provides certification services. We created the database that runs the entire organization. Functionality includes capturing detailed certification requirements, tracking of current and lapsed dates, renewals, and notifications. On the back end, the admin can do a look-up by any field, output numerous admin reports to spreadsheets, and create reports by date and user-set criteria. In addition, it is a repository for newsletters and forms.
   Screen grab of NWBOC admin  Screen grab of NWBOC newsletter

 

 

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Web-based product fulfillment system; Information Design. Year: 1997
This is an oldie but goodie! We managed the implementation of Hallmark's first e-commerce website in 1997. This was prior to the company having in-house capabilities, so as one of the leaders in early Internet database development, we got the job. The website was HallmarkConnections.com, and in March 1998 this site was listed as one of the top 20 commerce sites on the Internet.

Our responsibilities included project management, marketing, budgeting, strategic planning, scheduling, information design, vendor selection, and contract negotiations. In addition to the transactional website, complete end-to-end automation of the supply chain was designed. This included a web-based product fulfillment system to support multiple drop ship vendors, real-time inventory tracking, and self-serve customer service systems (an extranet.) Customers and suppliers were empowered to create and modify orders in real-time. Back orders were eliminated because inventory control happened in real-time; in other words, when inventory on a specific product reached a prescribed low level, it was no longer shown as an option for purchase on the website. This solution contained several cutting-edge functions.