|
|
digitalKnowledge Solutions |
|
 |
We answer your complex business problems by developing
solutions that combine people, processes, and technology to
drive positive results.
Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Increasing Operational Efficiencies through Custom, Web-Based Solution |
[Read Full Case Study]
|
Client |
As an established leader in student music group
tours, the organization designs, develops, and operates
custom programs to meet the specialized needs of student
travel groups. The staff consists of past and present
music directors, as well as a dedicated operations team,
with more than 100 years of combined experience planning
group travel to over 150 countries. The company was
founded in 1986 and maintains operations in
Indianapolis. |
|
Challenge |
Executive management communicated a clear directive:
increase operational efficiencies by 20% without
adding staff. Management determined the
company required a robust sales and operational system
that would automate business workflows between internal
departments and ensure a seamless transfer of trips
between the groups. Additionally, to keep up with
the competition in local and national markets and
provide a new level of service to its clients, online
payment and registration capabilities would be integral
to future success and would provide an additional
selling tool for the sales team. |
|
Solution |
digitalKnowledge led the company through in-depth
system assessment, requirements, design, and build
phases. Leveraging our proven application framework as a
foundation, the iterative build focused initially on
developing core components using Microsoft .NET and C#
programming that would be leveraged across all
functional areas. Subsequent application releases
gradually evolved to encompass all areas of the business
including an external interface which provided its
clients with an online system to enter traveler details
and aid in the trip planning process. The underlying SQL
Server database serves as the central repository for all
business data entered by the users. Crystal Reports was
embedded within the application to provide seamless
reporting functionality from within the same user
interface and is also used to deliver high-quality
output documents. Leveraging the Authorize.NET
payment gateway, financial transactions are processed
online and are directly reflected within the finance
section of the application. |
|
Results |
By successfully automating business workflows,
storing trip-related data in a central location, and
providing users with a complete web-based solution, the
company has seen a significant improvement in
operational efficiencies. Productivity has increased
dramatically as users have begun to leverage the
application. The reuse of trip data across sales,
operations, and finance has positively impacted
communication lines and provided the departments with a
complete view of the trip planning lifecycle.
Standardized processes are implemented through the
system and the finance department has a real-time view
of all financial-related trip information.
Profitability percentages are enforced and there is a
greater degree of quality control. |
[Go to Top]
|
|
