Scorchsoft's new graphical interface has enhanced our capabilities. We can now geolocate and interact with our supplier data effortlessly, which is something we never had before. It has streamlined our communication with users and reduced the complexity of new supplier requests.
- Tanya, WSH Supply Chain Data Team
Provide a New Way to Search
If a user is trying to find a supplier, they’ll often search independently. With our web application, we encourage those same users to search directly through WSH. With easy location searches and approved suppliers, it becomes the best option to find a supplier the user can trust without hassle.
Current Users Have Instant Access
Because WSH already has users with accounts, we needed to make it easy for them to access the new application. The app needed a sign-on process, but we didn’t want current users to create new accounts. So, we linked the account information WSH already had and the login systems they were using with the new app. This means that users with an existing login could enter the application instantly and start searching with ease.
Multiple Search Criteria Options
The search capabilities of the WSH app had to be competitive with the likes of search engines. We built a range of different search options for users, including a simple name of supplier search. If they don’t have a supplier name, they can find one through various criteria, including categories, subcategories, and tags. This allows users to find suppliers that fit their requirements quickly and prevents them from searching through endless lists of suppliers who aren’t right for them.
Graphics Map of Suppliers
As the location was a large part of the search criteria for WSH, we incorporated a graphical map of supplier locations. The map is covered in hundreds of pins that can be filtered by proximity to the user’s location. Pin grouping technology will update the pins for easy interactive search as the user moves the map and zooms. The map also displays mass supplier data in a format that’s easy to understand and filter.
Personalised Recommendations by Admins
Through the backend of the app, we’ve made it easy for admins to pinpoint certain suppliers. If they know that a supplier suits a food outlet that has an account with WSH, they can highlight that supplier to the user. When the user searches, that specific company will appear in a different colour from the rest, making it easy for the outlet to find a great match quickly.
Reducing Administration Time
The application allows for large data downloads of spreadsheets and an easy upload process. It also allows for the mass editing of records. These steps simplify administration time for WSH and prevent the need for manual updates. We also added an automated chatbot that will be users first port of call if they have queries. The bot will direct users to the right action depending on their question, and an email copy of the chat will be sent to WSH via the backend.
Gives Users Control When Booking a Supplier
The application contains supplier information for the user to view, including a link to their website, delivery windows, and social media platforms (which can all be shared easily). If the food outlet finds a supplier, the onboarding workflow allows them to register to use them. The requests are sent instantly to WSH for approval, and both the food outlet and supplier are updated with automatic emails.
The Technology Stack
As the application was complex and needed multiple functions, we used a large and varied tech stack to meet the client’s needs. We used Laravel on the backend, React on the front-end, and MariaDB and Apache for the database and server. The single sign-on capabilities use SAML for fast, secure login.
