Dynamic Customer Product Selection Application

the client

AVP Mfg. & Supply Inc. is a manufacturer of commercial broadcast, telecom, and satellite equipment, including the design and manufacturing of audio, video, and digital jackfields, connectors, wire and cable assemblies. AVP sells through world-wide distribution, and also partners directly with clients, designing and manufacturing custom jackfield and panel solutions for its broadcast, telecom, and satellite customers and OEM relationships.

the challenge

AVP needed a dynamic product configuration to provide accurate model numbers to their customers. Site navigation and design needed to be reworked.

the solution

The configurator leads the customer to an exact model number from a selection of 10,000 possible products. The database is user controlled so that the introduction of new models does not require further system development.

The site redesign maximized the use of specialized graphics for a clean, crisp presentation of information to the customer.

the client

BGM is a full service insurance broker offers both commercial and personnel insurance.

the challenge

BGM needed an internet presence to attract new clients, keep existing clients up to date on insurance policies changes. The site also provides an online auto insurance quoting feature as well as a claims submission process.

the solution

BIS created a series of pages providing the background of BGM, informational links, personnel information. The customer can request an online quote or submit a claim for adjudication.

the client

Storagetek manufactures, distributes and installs large scale data storage solutions.

the challenge

Corporate reporting from a legacy systems was inadequate and difficult to customize.

the solution

BIS implemented a BRIO reporting solution. Required legacy Oracle databases were replicated in Microsoft SQL. End user reporting tables were created. Management dashboard information was generated.

Daily end user reports are available for Sales, Operations, Inventory, Finance, Customer Service and Management.

Legacy system information has also been connected to sales system information for integrated reporting.

Open customer orders are now measured and controlled, order cycle time is measured, inventory levels are monitored and receive action.

the challenge

Completion of an end to end process analysis for all business processes prior to the implementation of a new corporate system.

Methodology included identification and documentation of all business processes for Sales, Operations, and Finance. Documentation to include process flowcharts, identification of future productivity opportunities, as well as business process disconnects. Key measurements were determined for each business process.

the solution

Using a defined methodology, all business processes including opportunities, disconnects and key measurements were developed.

Future process improvements were based on the initial documentation and findings. System implementation was improved as key areas including product numbering across systems, required manual communication and critical management reports were identified.

International Contact Database

the client

Mennonite World Conference (MWC) is an international fellowship of Christian churches. MWC represents 87 Mennonite and Brethren in Christ national churches from 48 countries on five continents. MWC provides occasions and networks, publications and exchanges where Mennonites and Brethren in Christ (BIC) can experience fellowship and be encouraged to live and act more faithfully.

the challenge

MWC has 8000 individual members as well as 300 member organizations and churches. A critical role is retaining accurate contact information for all members and churches. Members are participants on different committees and events.

Implementation required the data conversion from a MAC based filemaker system with data inconsistencies that had developed over time.

A tracking and follow-up system for member contact was developed. MWC has administration in France, Canada and the US.

the solution

BIS created a membership database which allows restricted online entry of member and church information. Contribution financials are fed from an external Business Vision system. Flexible reporting provides detailed information for mailings, fund raising, committee communication and event co-ordination. Membership information can now be updated from anywhere the internet is available.

Sales Order Process Analysis and Management

the challenge

A sales administration department required all business processes and procedures evaluated, streamlined and documented.

the solution

Job functions were combined, processes were streamlined and staff productivity was increased approximately 63%.

Job descriptions were developed and department reporting was implemented.

Clinical Trial Software

the client

Probity Medical Research conducts clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies in preparation for the introduction of a new products.

the challenge

Develop a customized patient tracking system that will track specific trial information for a particular patient. The trial database is synchronized with a patient scheduling application so that patient contact information is consistent.

the solution

Using an Access Database, the scalable solution was developed to meet the Probity requirements.

All transactions are logged with date stamping tracked for audit purposes.

Online reporting allows the selection of specific patients based on adhoc clinic determined criteria.

Future development may include transferring the application to a wireless PC tablet as well as bringing the application into additional branch offices.

Facilities management for a sports club

the client

the client

Stak-Its Toy Company creates and distributes building cards that use a series of cones around the perimeter to allow the cards to grab onto one another. Embossed on the cones are "Internet Codes" that players may use to retrieve a "Pictogram" puzzle on the Internet Riddler site.

the challenge

As a start up company, Stak-Its needed to use the web site to accomplish two primary objectives:

1. establish a brand/attract users
2. create an online game designed to work in tandem with codes distributed on the Stak-Its building cards.

the solution

Large, colourful graphics and themes were used to establish a friendly, playful web site. MS SQL server and ASP were incorporated to create player profiles and record game states so that users of the Internet Riddler Contest could login and resume their game at any time.

the client

Save the Day is a spin-off project of Stak-Its Toy Company.

the challenge

While the project is still in the planning phase, the client wanted something to establish a presence and create a sense of anticipation

the solution

A Flash splash page was created from existing artwork. A sense of urgency and suspense were created by animating the characters and through music.

Current inventory information available in branch office

the client

TriTex is a Canadian company based in Montreal that sells and distributes paint pigments to manufacturers and printers.

the challenge

With changing inventories a methodology was needed to maintain up to date information between the branch and head office.

the solution

BIS developed a database and process so that current inventory could be transferred via email to Montreal for updating and returned to Kitchener as required.

the client

Highway Help manufacture and distribute reflective emergency road side signs.

the challenge

Highway Help needed a web site to identify the hazards of road side emergencies for marketing to their target audience of fortune 1000 corporations.

the solution

Site redesign improved product awareness. Content restructuring helped decrease user's response times. Increased sales leads were a direct result of the site redesign and repositioning.

VAR Opportunity Registration

the client

Storagetek manufactures, distributes and installs large scale data storage solutions

the challenge

A reseller web site was needed to track sales opportunities and generate sales analysis reports for the Canadian branch of Storagetek.

the solution

BIS created a reseller web site using different permission levels to allow different users to register, approve and close opportunities. Online reporting provides instantaneous sales information on VAR performance as well as STK progress towards budgeted targets. Weekly sales tracking helps maximize STK's sales opportunities.

Automated email's on a predefined schedule keep the opportunity in front of the Value Added Reseller and the StorageTek Sales people.

the client

Mumby Insurance Brokers specialize in insurance coverage for large architectural firms.

the challenge

Mumby Insurance Brokers needed a simple and cost effective means of keeping their clients informed of insurance products and adjustments made to policy offerings.

the solution

PHP and a PostgresSQL database were implemented to allow office administrators to create their own Ezines (electronic magazines) for distribution to select or all members of their clientele. A PERL based search engine was also implemented to allow site visitors to search for the information they need, while at the same time logging their search keywords so that these search phrases could be used to add additional content to meet the web site's demands.

Enterprise System Requirements and Design

the client

Change'Air Products and Services manufactures, distributes, installs and maintains heating and cooling units for the education market.

the challenge

Change'Air was building a comprehensive system for sales, purchasing, distribution and ongoing customer service for the business. The business plan was to develop the system in a series of modules over a 24-36 month period.

BIS was requested to verify the overall systems plan, assist with the development methodology and review the database design.

the solution

BIS provided internal people with a framework and methodology for completing business requirements, documented high level business processes and reviewed existing database design.

Business growth and opportunity allowed Change'Air to hire staff and continue systems development.

the client

Real Estate Independents is a conglomerate of independently owned and operated brokers who maintain a list of properties for sale or rent.

the challenge

The web site required a secure section where brokers could login, add/edit/delete properties, upload graphics, and publish content on their agency.

the solution

Business Intelligence Solutions created a series of dynamic pages that would display listings based on a number of different criteria (i.e. different listings appear depending on the domain name). A series of web server applications were implemented to allow users to upload their photos and resized appropriately). Additional logic was added to take listings off the site 20 days past their sold date, change status from new to regular, etc.

the client

Cities and Towns, a business venture undertaken by the same key personnel of Real Estate Independents, is a similar site, but far more ambitious in scope.

the challenge

Cities and Towns needed the ability to allow users to create their own web site, setting things such as font size and position, colour, page links, and graphics. In effect, BIS was asked to create an online "wysiwyg" editor.

the solution

ASP and MS SQL server were used to help establish a set of tools that allow users to enter information about their company, products and services, and set the colour and size of key elements of their web page. Sub domain names were given to each client (i.e. www.weare.ca/acme) for easy reference and business promotion.

the challenge

Pricing information for an online website was manually manipulated. An end user interface was required to eliminate the manual effort to convert pricing information.

the solution

BIS developed and implemented an end user tool to automate the pricing transfer. Sophisticated program logic manipulated the data for a multitude of business rules. All parameters are end user controlled. Successful implementation reduced errors and staff time for completion of the updates.

Customer controlled website

the client

iSteeple Ltd. was established to sell template websites to churches across North America.

the challenge

iSteeple Ltd. required BIS to design and build self administered templates giving member churches control over membership information, community and church events, church pictures, a church calendar and news links.

the solution

Using jointly developed business requirements BIS built an SQL database primarily driven by ASP to support the iSteeple templates. Administration and security was segregated across corporate, church level administrators and end user functionality. Where desired, end users had complete control over web site content.

Initially the site was hosted internally at BIS. The BIS solution was scaleable to accommodate the business plans of iSteeple.

the client

Stak-Its Toy Company.

the challenge

A launch of a new set of Stak-Its characters and television show promotion was required for the New Media awards in Saskatchewan.

the solution

A short multimedia presentation was put together on business card sized CD ROMs. When loaded into a PC, the presentation would begin automatically. A combination of live video footage and cartoons were used in a Flash movie, giving the presentation a dynamic and exciting edge.

public service

URLProject: An open IT URL directory allowing everyone to suggest a IT related website

the challenge

each URL needs approval, on submission retrieve meta tags, favorites, ranking, site admin, reports, news, auto URL check and on/off, auto report bug, sharing data with other websites, web keywords and search suggestions, and IE toolbar

the solution

ASP, SQL were implemented to work on user registrations, submission, authentications etc., XML is used to share data via web, XMLHTTP Post used to retrieve meta tags when submission and URL live check etc. Enormous keywords are collected in order to make suggestions for the web search. Groups, Categories included. And an IE toolbar with a popup blocker, IE side search, toolbar news etc are add on tools

Conversion of Legacy System to .NET

the challenge

Develop a prototype .NET solution for the strategic redevelopment of a non-GUI application.

The objective of the prototype was to understand the timeframes and issues related to converting the existing system to a GUI interface using the .NET framework.

the solution

Using ASP.net BIS jointly developed the sample application. The project is continuing at the client organization.