A TO Z The First Complete Food Service

As a custom software development company, we embrace challenging projects that push the boundaries of innovation. Our latest endeavour involved creating a reliable, always-available e-commerce website with robust reporting tools. However, the journey to success was far from easy, as we encountered numerous obstacles along the way. At Ai Web Solutions, we take pride in not only handling web development but also offering a comprehensive suite of services, including managing Google Ads, Facebook Pages and Ads, on-page SEO, email marketing, and various design work like leaflets and brochures.

Initially, we assumed that building an e-commerce platform would be a straightforward task of uploading products and enabling customers to add them to their baskets for checkout. However, reality quickly shattered our preconceptions. Our client had nearly nine different price variations for each product on any given day. These variations included collection and delivery prices, as well as offer prices, multi-buy discounts, this week-only prices, branch-exclusive prices, and more.

Despite investing four years into development, we recognise that the journey is ongoing. We continue to add new features, optimise code for performance and security, and enhance on-page SEO. Presently, we are updating the design to deliver an even more user-friendly and modern website experience.

From day one, we faced challenges, starting with the data migration process from the client's old WordPress e-commerce website. The outdated system was slow, clunky, and cluttered with unknown add-ons. We had to develop migration tools to transfer user details, only to discover that many users had multiple accounts with the same email addresses. This raised critical questions: Which account is the primary one? How do we determine it? To resolve this, we opted not to activate all transferred accounts, deleting duplicates and merging orders under the same email address. Subsequently, we developed a user-friendly activation process where users enter their door number and postcode. The system prompts them to confirm their email address and reset their password. This solution proved highly effective. However, we encountered duplicate accounts for the same address but with different email addresses. To prevent this, we implemented an address and postcode checker, prompting users if they already had an account and providing clues to their existing email addresses. This approach successfully prevented users from creating duplicate accounts due to forgotten email addresses

These challenges represent only a fraction of the hurdles we've faced over the past four years. Building a successful e-commerce website is an intricate process that demands relentless effort. As online fraud was a concern, particularly during the early stages, we developed functions enabling our client to set maximum collection payments for all or specific users, mitigating risk. Additionally, we implemented maximum buy amounts during promotional periods to ensure fairness and prevent users from monopolising all promoted products. Furthermore, we incorporated minimum buy amounts as a contingency measure.

To cater to specific customer segments, we implemented a system where certain products could only be seen and purchased by designated customers. Considering the involvement of a sales team, we created a stock control system that seamlessly synchronises with the internal sales program. Managing stock across the client's four branches posed further complexity. To address this, we developed additional features to mark products as available for collection or delivery the following day, facilitating efficient stock management.

We introduced smart search functionality, enabling users to find products quickly by entering a few letters. While simpler solutions are available today, we developed and coded this feature from scratch three to four years ago when such options were limited. Moreover, we incorporated various reporting tools, allowing daily, weekly, and monthly sales analysis, tracking of registered users, popular search terms, page usage analytics, and identification of products missing pictures. Additionally, we enabled the publication and unpublishing of products and the management of user accounts.

Understanding the importance of website security, we implemented measures to block accounts after multiple password attempts and to thwart attacks from malicious IP addresses. We also safeguarded against SQL injections and continuously educated ourselves to stay ahead of emerging threats. Regular security updates, coupled with utilising the latest versions of PHP and MySQL, ensure our clients' websites remain secure.

While the list of functions and challenges continues, we want to mention a few additional features before concluding.

We created a postcode list, allowing our client to specify delivery areas, designated days, minimum delivery amounts, and applicable delivery charges.

We introduced reminders for open baskets and automated emails to prompt users to complete their purchases.

For the sales team, we developed a task list and note-taking capabilities for effective follow-up on open baskets.

Furthermore, we accommodated holidays, such as bank holidays, for separate collection and delivery schedules.

The system enables products to be assigned to multiple categories.

Caters to alternative spellings.

Integrates seamlessly with in-house sales software for streamlined order and user management.

Send payment requests when required.

Our journey has taught us that building a successful online shopping site requires a cohesive team effort. At Ai Web Solutions Ltd, we operate as one united company with our client, leveraging our expertise to deliver exceptional results. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with our client, gaining invaluable insights into the wholesale industry and its unique challenges. As we continue to develop new features and witness the happiness of our clients through increased sales, we remain excited, driven by the pursuit of excellence.