The Challenge
To deliver a web based platform for a global confectioner. The platform aimed to progress and modernise an existing paper based scheme which rewarded retailers with points based on their marketing activity. It required full e-commerce and order fulfilment capability to buy goods online, using points awarded, rather than money. Importantly, development had to integrate with other key systems including the current systems determining the point balance available for spending.
Voucher Express is the UK’s leading online resource for gift vouchers, gift card with a product portfolio that includes all major UK product vouchers. They provide a corporate service to UK and international companies who use gift vouchers and gift cards as rewards or to enhance motivation.
Exbos worked with Voucher Express to develop a bespoke loyalty platform, initially for UK use, that would work across all devices from mobile to desktop. Secure access to the system would be via an existing client site and the design and branding of the platform would be consistent with existing pages. Once on the loyalty platform, retailers would buy from an array of gift vouchers and gifts, always purchasing within their current point balance on their account.
In addition to the customised e-commerce platform the loyalty platform needed ongoing communication with external systems, requiring up to date feeds on points earned and user accounts.
Key Advantages
Developing software using agile methods gave Hemingways and Mondelez early sight of the system and ongoing opportunities to suggest improvements or make changes.
Overall, development was fast, smooth and without pain. Delivered on time and on budget, the transaction from paper based to web was a great improvement for users.
It's no surprise the rewards platform needed data from external established applications.
With long standing experience of working on enterprise applications, Exbos understood and applied the industry standards and protocols to ensure integrations were seamless without disrupting existing systems.
Performance for the long term was paramount. The system is easily capable of supporting evolving business and technical needs with a roadmap for subsequent phases outlined.
The combination of enterprise grade architecture and a talent for understanding requirements has resulted in a future proof and cost effective application ready for further phases of expansion.
Approach
Exbos worked closely with Voucher Express and Mondelez to understand the process and requirements of the new system. The software solution needed to work within an existing infrastructure. Instead of a standalone application with separate login we worked to develop the system with Single Sign On access (Active Directory). It made it easier for users already logged into another member area to access the rewards platform.
We followed our own tried and tested adapted agile methodology approach setting out the key milestones and deliverables for the project. Project Managers from Voucher Express and Mondelez were engaged throughout, with Voucher Express frequently based on site through the development phases.
Crucially, the system required external data feeds to indicate the current balances that could be spent online to buy goods or gift vouchers. We managed this integration, with extreme efficiency, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data was maintained.
The challenging timetable and stringent test schedule were met before go live. The success of the project was achieved through the co-ordinated and co-operative approach to development adopted by all three parties.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you whether you're wanting bespoke development for your back end systems or you'd simply like to say hello!
getintouch@exbos.co.uk