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Case Studies
Equipment Selection System Positions Manufacturer for Future International Growth
Project at a Glance |
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RDA created an Internet-based Equipment Selection application (iES) in five different languages to efficiently update product offerings and more quickly respond to customer orders and inquiries across the globe for Evapco. The iES system streamlined our client's processes, eliminated delays, and improved customer satisfaction. |
About Our Client
Evapco is a global, employee-owned manufacturing company offering solutions for worldwide heat transfer applications.
Background
Evapco's original system for selecting and researching its product line of HVAC and refrigeration units, Equipment Selection II (ESII) was a desktop application written in FoxPro. It was difficult to maintain and included three separate versions: one for internal staff, one for consultants, and one for representatives. Because it was a desktop application with no common database, Evapco was required to distribute CDs to all of its users - employees, representatives and consultants - for any changes that were made.
Evapco sought to create a new, Internet-based system that would enable sales reps, HVAC consultants and customers to access the system from anywhere in the world. The proposed system would need to meet rigid security standards, accommodate multiple languages, calculate currency exchange rates, interface with the previously developed Order Management System, handle a very large amount of data, and function continuously.
Solution Detail
RDA developed Internet Equipment Selection (iES), an Internet-based application to replace Evapco's original ESII desktop application. The new application enables Evapco sales reps, HVAC consultants and customers to access the system from anywhere in the world to select or research HVAC and refrigeration solutions. iES interfaces directly with Evapco's .NET-based Order Management System (also developed by RDA) to seamlessly move orders initiated from the sales rep through order processing.
Evapco established tight security standards for this project. To satisfy these requirements, the system was designed to limit users to specific computers for system access. Sales rep access is based on a user name, password, and machine-specific ID combination. This administrative control reduces the risk of password misuse and protects sensitive price information.
Because Evapco serves a worldwide base of customers and has 10 manufacturing plants dispersed throughout Europe, China, and the United States, the application needed to accommodate multiple languages. iES was developed using resource files and specialized Web controls to produce a user interface in five different languages: English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Evapco also required that currency conversion capabilities be built into the application. It was designed to calculate currency exchange rates using U.S. dollars, euros and Chinese RNB as its base currency.
The volume of data processed is significant, as thousands of accessories are available to complement the many products offered by Evapco. Each model has specialized accessories requiring unique documentation. In addition, the system was designed to accommodate special manufacturing requirements.
The application is designed for continuous function, as orders are processed across not just U.S. time zones but all time zones across the world. Any limitations or problems associated with this mission-critical system would impact the entire organization, so it needs to operate without error.
The large database associated with the new application allows for future expansion based on product and market changes.
Benefits
The application represents a mission-critical function for Evapco that positions the company for strong international penetration and future growth.
- iES enables Evapco sales reps, HVAC consultants and customers to access the system from anywhere in the world to select or research HVAC and refrigeration solutions.
- he seamless interface with Evapco's Order Management System enables the company to more efficiently process orders, eliminating delays and improving customer satisfaction.
- Using a Web-based operating platform has enabled the company to respond quickly and efficiently to program revisions.
- Pricing changes, product modifications and product additions are incorporated immediately as they occur, with no need for program distribution or user downloads.
Technically Speaking
This project was developed using the Microsoft .NET framework, ASP.NET, Visual C#.NET and VB.NET. The system utilizes Microsoft SQL Server.
Client Testimonial
"The new Equipment Selection system creates a solid foundation for future growth, providing our sales team, consultants and clients with comprehensive access to Evapco's portfolio of HVAC and refrigeration solutions from anywhere in the world. The seamless interface with our Order Management System enables us to more efficiently process orders, eliminating delays and improving customer satisfaction. Using a Web-based operating platform has enabled us to respond quickly and efficiently to program revisions. Pricing changes, product modifications and product additions are incorporated immediately as they occur, with no need for program distribution or user downloads."
- Bill Bartley, President and Chief Operating Officer
