Opportunity
The client put PLAVEB in charge of developing a sophisticated and comprehensive web application, that would assist with inventory control. The client had one significant demand that preceded everything else - the application had to be extremely user friendly. The core objective of the value-added application was to help customers access inventory levels on a daily basis. The application also needed to offer access to inbound and outbound shipments, delivery receipts, and text-searchable PDF documents related to the account. The client also wanted to ensure that all two-way communication between the client and company would remain confidential.
Challenges
- Ensuring a smooth, neat, and easy-to-use interface for the backend.
- Providing powerful controls to enable the client to make changes at the backend.
- Developing and deploying an advanced inventory management system.
- Integrating a powerful user management module, for managing all customer accounts.
- Implementing a scheduler to offer in-depth inventory status.
- Setting up periodic delivery of email alerts to customers, detailing the balance of pallets available at the pallet yards.
- Integrating a dedicated message board to facilitate two-way communication between clients and customers.
Execution
PLAVEB’s technical competency was tested at every level, throughout the duration of the web application development process. Customizing an application that caters to the needs of a specific industry requires an understanding of both the client's requirements, and the industry as a whole. We conducted extensive research on the specific aspects of the industry that were essential for the development of a successful application. We also created a wire frame of the application, worked out the usability parameters, and conducted a thorough risk assessment to identify potential challenges. This allowed us to zero in on the technologies and platforms that were a perfect fit for a project of this size and scope, before the development began.
Results
Our technical expertise across various platforms enabled us to develop an application that met all of the client's expectations. Named Pallet Agent Inventory Control (PAIC), it is a one of a kind application that helps clients access the inventory levels of Pallet Agent Inc., and also helps them get in touch with the company’s staff. They can ask questions, and air their concerns regarding their accounts in real time. Accessible through unique user names and passwords, the PAIC portal is on a secure network, ensuring confidential communication between clients and the organization.
Technical Details
PLAVEB utilized a collection of platforms to design the web application, including HTML, AJAX and CSS. The application is coded in .NET Framework 3.5, runs on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 database, and is hosted on Windows Server 2008 with Microsoft IIS 7. PLAVEB also implemented a built-in Error Notification System that sends error messages directly to the developer, without needing to inform end-users.