applications

During my time at @UK PLC, I have picked up a number of development skills, necessary to move roles from web designer to web developer. Although it's highly unusual for a designer to be interested in the coding side of things, I enjoy both design and development - both are vital to providing usable websites and applications.

Skills: Classic ASP, SQL Server, basic C# .net

@UK PLC CRM

@UK PLC - CRM

Brief: To provide a CRM system for @UK PLC with a number of key functions:

  • Provide a database of customers and contact details
  • Record contact history against customers
  • Provide reporting tools
  • Provide work-flow processes for various departments including pipeline, sales and customer registrations

Solution: The @UK CRM project has been ongoing for some time. I have enjoyed working on this system which has grown to be fairly complex in nature, with many different functions.

It has proven to be successful, and is in constant use within @UK. It has had many benefits, such as better visibility and reporting for management, better communication between departments, and much improved customer relations.

Challenges: The most difficult challenge for this CRM is the 'on-going' aspect, with a large number of requests for additions, amends and changes to the system as more and more staff started using the system. This was handled by getting key personnel into regular meetings, and handling the project in phases, with lists of prioritised requirements (The DSDM approach to project management).

@UK site editor@UK PLC - SiteGenerator

www.uk-plc.net

Brief: Ongoing development and support.

Solution: One of @UK's key systems is SiteGenerator. This is an umbrella name that covers our ecommerce system, which consists of

  • Content management and website generation
  • Ecommerce - transactions and order processing

The website generation system allows clients to edit the content of their websites, the content is then generated out as static HTML from a SQL database. Clients can enter details of their product catalogues, along with details of a merchant service provider and can then take online card orders @UK graphsfor their goods/services. The online 'control centre' then allows clients to view their customer/order details and process them accordingly. I have been involved in almost all aspects of these processes, which involve a large number of web technologies (HTML, XML, XSLT, ASP, C#, SQL, IIS).

A small but important function is the ability for non-technical staff to provide customer support, so I have been involved in a number of supporting applications have been produced to enable staff to answer customer queries.

SiteGenerator is a key system that runs continuously, and is regularly updated and expanded to include new and updated functionality - I have been involved at all levels with its maintenance and development.