Barloworld Handling

who is the client?

Barloworld Handling is a global force in the materials handling industry and the sole distributor of Hyster lift trucks and warehouse equipment since 1956.

what is the project brief?

The company already had an established corporate brand identity, therefore it was imperative this indentity was reflected in the final website design. Products needed to be easy to find, with large images and detailed product descriptions to aid from a SEO perspective. The ecommerce functionality needed to incorporate user-defined customer cross/up-selling opportunities and promotional codes as well as establishing different payment methods, depending on credit availability or payment with order via credit card.The structure of the back-end of the scalable e-commerce website (content management system) needed to accommodate complex levels for users with varying levels of security and access. The ecommerce framwork also needed to be flexible and scalable as a future requirement is to integrate into the companys SAP system to give them one holistic view.

project evolution

As with any new ecommerce solution or website design Advansys worked closely with Barloworld to understand their exact needs and goals. Remeber any ecommerce solution that is built needs to be a sales tool. After assigning a dedicated account manager we developed a detailed understanding of Barloworlds operational and aesthetic requirements, which included several site visits to track the initial receipt of orders right through to picking, packing and despatch.

A front-end design was created using strong and contrasting colours to make the design stand out with an industrial feel and was tested with various user groups to refine and streamline the quick ordering process. Some of the resulting innovations included single-page express checkout pages for the most popular products.

The back-end system were developed, tested and integrated into Barloworld’s existing operational and IT structure, and their personnel received full training.

our final solution

The final ecommerce design for Barloworld not only provides the exact solution which they requested in their original brief, but also incorporated new ideas which emerged from the dialogue between Advansys and the client. The front end design is contemporary, with web 2.0 design features.

Navigation is simple, following user expectations for ease of use, as well as a clear shopping basket area for instant information for the internet consumer. The flexible ecommerce website allows for new customers and trade account users seamless access to the range with quick and easy ordering.

The client is delighted with the result and aims to further develop the front end skin for each country in which it operates.