INDEPENDENCE LTD

Project Scope

Redesign and re-develop the Independence ecommerce website and order fulfilment system as a single fully integrated system

The primary goal of the project was to develop an all-in-one website and order fulfilment system to simplify the development process, by dealing with a single supplier and avoiding complex integration.

Solution

Using Magento Commerce, Rade Digital weas able to deliver a system that not only provided the single system that Independence sought, but also provide a raft of additional functionality that was required.

A large percentage of Independence’s orders are placed by telephone, so it was crucial that the team could process orders quickly and efficiently on the new system. Reducing work load and data duplication, stock, orders and shipping are now managed entirely through their Magento store making the former back office system redundant. This was achieved using a range of plugins including, Embedded ERP, a fully integrated order fulfilment plugin developed by BoostMyShop.

The configuration of the online shop was not without challenges. Certain products qualify for VAT relief, where the customer is eligible on medical grounds, which needs a customised checkout process. Added to that, sophisticated shipping rules needed to be included as well as a raft of custom reports to provide up to the minute information to help with business management and on-going marketing activities.

Key to the design had to be usability by the target market; the older generation and their carers. Employing responsive design, the website adapts to the screen being used. On a mobile screen, the layout is simplified with easy to select buttons and links. Not only does this support less agile users, it means the Independence website does not fall foul of Google’s latest mobile-friendly algorithm.

Following the launch of the site, the team at Rade have worked closely with Independence to provide on-going support. With a number of third party plugins being used on the site, regular monitoring is important, as well as ensuring software patches and updates are applied in a timely fashion. The team at Rade carry out these tasks to ensure the team at Independence can focus on their day to day duties.

Profile

Independence Ltd provides high quality aids for everyday living. Started in 1985, Independence is a family run firm that stocks a variety of products to bring greater independence and everyday enjoyment to its customers.