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Technology Development
When Web-based technologies are implemented, a Web site becomes a platform for activity that can substantially lower costs and enhance the efficiency of an organization. Web applications empower users to accomplish things for themselves, and this conserves resources, reduces errors, lowers costs, and gives visitors a sense of instant satisfaction.
For example, when a person buys something online they access the product database for information, check inventory, place the order, and track shipment all on their own. The reduced costs of taking orders online coupled with the expanded reach of the Web can produce substantial results for companies that implement Web technologies correctly.
Below are several examples of Web-based technologies we offer that can turn Web sites into productive workhorses for their companies:
E-commerce
The ability to order and pay for goods online is an essential service that both wholesalers and retailers must offer customers today. Shopping carts can be customized to serve the needs of specific industries and buyers. Credit cards, checks, and purchase orders can be processed and validated online to speed transactions. Payments can be made electronically to maximize cash flow. The entire process can be managed electronically to reduce both transactions costs and the time required to process orders.
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Content Management
Content management systems provide tools that allow numerous contributors to create and update Web pages from diverse locations without requiring technical skills or ongoing developer expense. These systems help remove the bottleneck that's created when Web site content must first go through a "Webmaster" before it can appear on the site. Because many people can be included in adding content to sites, content management systems create a host of opportunities for organizations to provide relevant, up-to-date information, making their sites much more valuable to visitors. Examples include managing online product catalogs, publishing news items, articles and press releases, maintaining schedules and lists, providing online training, and publishing company policies and procedures.
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Database Development and Integration
Databases are the storage houses of organizations' information. Making data available on the Web can empower customers, sales staffs, and distributors. Online database integration allows updated pricing and other important product information to be made available in real-time, ensuring that transactions are not hampered by out-of-date information. When data systems are truly integrated, Web-based transactions can then update other systems along the way including inventory, A/R, billing, purchasing and reporting.
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Browser-based Administration Tools
Web-based applications can be administered easily through browser-based tools. Because a browser becomes the primary interface, no additional software is needed to run key Web applications. Furthermore, browser-based Web apps can be administered from any location at any time, even through wireless connections.
For example: a product database in an e-commerce system can be updated by a buyer at a vendor's location. A press release can be submitted by an executive at a trade show. And a schedule can be updated by manager while on vacation. Other examples of browser-based tools include network administration, calendar and contact databases, and access and authentication tools.
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Forms Processing
Web forms allow visitors to interact with the people and systems behind Web sites. Forms are primarily used for gathering information, but there are many other uses for Web forms including administering tests and quizzes in academic situations, restricting access to classified areas through password verification, and conducting Web-based polls.
Once forms are submitted the data can be aggregated into databases for later processing. Also, scripts can generate email as part of the processing routine to make people within the organization aware of activity on the site, or to respond to visitors.
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Online Market Research
What a company knows about its customers is the most valuable information it has. Knowing precisely what customers want and when they want it promotes high levels of success. Conducting market research of this sort can be costly offline. However, Web interactivity offers opportunities to obtain valuable marketing research inexpensively online.
Through simple interactive polls and surveys, companies can collect highly accurate data about customer attitudes. And unlike offline research, there are no printed questionnaires to produce, no envelope stuffing and mailing, no requiring customers to mail back surveys, and no human processing on the return end (opening envelopes and inputing data).
Online surveys are less costly to run, and generate higher response rates when done properly. More importantly, data collected online goes directly into a database where reports can be instantly generated and monitored -- especially useful when conducting product trials or promotional campaigns.
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On-site Search Engines
A large number visitors to Web sites often bypass standard navigation and look directly for a "search box" on the home page to locate what they're interested in finding. Providing a good site-wide search function for these visitors can create a very positive experience for them.
A site-wide search function requires the "indexing" of all content into a database, which can then be queried for particular terms. Advanced search functions keep track of the most popular search terms entered by visitors, which can be very helpful in determining what visitors are interested in finding. This information can then be used to refine the site in order to serve visitors better, enhancing their experience, and giving them a better opportunity to engage the organization.
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More...
Contact us to discuss implementing Web-based technologies as a part of your next project...
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