Business orientated Web Application streamlines the processes for one of the UK's most advanced Wholesale Jewellers

Goldmark needed a system to integrate with their manufacturing process for fine jewellery. Utilising the most modern technologies we produced a system which enables full tracking of items from start to finish, automating design processes and instructions to enable Goldmark to have one of the most advanced systems in the UK.

Being a wholesaler, Goldmark needed the features behind the system allow them to work seamlessly with both their clients, and their clients customers. This case study examines the key features around the system, and demonstrates the sheer power of both the Internet and Web Applications.

“The Cluster Internet team have delivered every time on the challenging development they do for us. Nothing seems to be out of their reach, and we are constantly changing and adding to our website. Their expertise in this area, paired with the quality design, had meant we have far excelled our competitors. We would highly recommend them for both design and development on any platform.” - Ryan Edkins, Managing Director

Key Features:

· Automated regular updates of Diamonds from various suppliers on a regular basis, including their certificates. Clients are able to view these Diamonds and the RRP. The system also updates the USD rate and Gold rate at regular intervals, to ensure dynamically calculated prices are as accurate as possible.

· Clients can submit a new bespoke design order online through the Website or via Email, which then starts the tracking process. The system creates a barcode which is then used on all documents relating to that item, allowing the order to be ‘scanned’ as it moves around different locations throughout the ordering process.

· Clients are alerted of significant status updates on the item, keeping them informed every step of the way. They are also provided with a link to view the item on a non-branded site so they can show their customer.

· Automated integration with their designers to ensure maximum speed and efficiency when creating a design and uploading the necessary files for creating models/manufacturing the items.

· Automated ordering system, so that when a Client orders a particular item, the item is checked to see if it matches a previously manufactured item - if so skipping the design process to ensure the item is created even faster.

The base principle behind their system is to create a website for Goldmark Clients to manage their orders; however the functionality and power behind this extends much further. The design process allows for full integration between both the Goldmark Staff, Goldmark Clients and their customers. The application that we have developed ensures a full CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) database, complete with an internal communication system, billing / invoice system, payments system and . The application also handles a media repository to manage pictures, Flash animations and MP4 Videos for iPhone/iPad. There is also a complete integration with the iPhone application which allows their customers to browse Products/Diamonds and purchase whilst on the go - which is ideal for when they’re out with a customer or at a trade show.

Following the massive success of the Goldmark system, we assisted with the development of a further feature which would ensure they stood out from the crowd, offering something that no other company does. A fully automated reseller Website, customised to their own logo and colours.

The customer is able to manage the markup percentages for various products, add their own categories and products, but “out of the box” the system simply takes the domain name they require, and creates them a website (live within minutes) which allows their own customers to browse their products.

The key to the success of a system is generally reflect with how the system integrates with the business processes. Whenever we develop a system, we always pay extremely close attention to how usable the system will be. We often provide recommendations as to how to change a process so as to increase efficiency, never limiting what can be done. The revolution of the Internet ensures that nothing is impossible, and utilising the most up to date frameworks and code libraries, we’re able to do this at an exceptionally affordable price. Goldmark has been no exception to our high standards and we have provided the maximum integration at every stage.

Automation has been at the forefront of everything we have developed; from automating the feed of Diamonds to the Gold prices, we have strived to make the whole process as automated as possible. When a Client of Goldmark submits a request for a design, their notes are sent off to the designer. The designer then uploads the technical diagrams and a fully rendered image; these are uploaded in formats so that they can be emailed to the Client (as per the illustration on the right) as well as sent straight to be manufactured.

This process reduces the amount of time taken drastically, since the second that a design is ready it’s uploaded, and then in the customers hands. They’re able to accept the design, or send further feedback for amendments to be made. They’re also able to relay the information straight to their own customer, who then receives the information branded with the Goldmark Client logo / company name.

Working with key suppliers, we have developed a highly complex but accurate pricing system based on automated XML feeds. These feeds ensure that on frequent basis, the prices and diamond availability are updated to ensure that the Goldmark website, plus all the reseller websites have the most up to date and accurate pricing.

The automation is carried over into producing PDF documents detailing the prices over different Diamond weights and colour/clarities. This allows the Goldmark Clients to regularly review their pricing of both the Diamonds and Gold, to ensure they are also staying as competitive as they can.

This automation ensures Goldmark can stand out from the crowd, as we have produced many tools for use both by Goldmark and their Clients, such as:

· Certified Diamond Price Calculator

· Bespoke Ring Price Calculator

· Wedding Band Price Calculator

· Shaped Wedding Ring Calculator

These tools all utilise different aspects of the system and database,  with separate administrative management systems to enter costs and fees which are then utilised in the price for the customer.