OPC Dusk
The challenge
At the beginning of our cooperation, OPC Münster GmbH used software that could only be used to create and export shipping labels. With this solution, the data was either transferred from an Excel list or entered manually. The shipping labels were then generated automatically. This process was unwieldy and time-consuming. The system was also outdated and important connections to the various shop systems such as Shopware 5 and 6, WooCommerce and Shopify were not available.
OPC's original request to us was therefore primarily related to the development of the missing interfaces.
The objective
Workshop
After a detailed initial discussion, we were able to work out with the help of our rough concept workshop that a new central solution would make more sense in the long run. The new WebApp is easier to use and generally appears tidier. With the alternatives, many individual shop plug-ins would be imported into the old system. However, this would still be based on the old system. With the new effective solution "OPC Dusk", we had the opportunity to replace the outdated system.
Target definition
"A modern web application is to be developed to enable OPC to tap into new customers from the eCommerce sector. The system imports orders from store systems fully automatically and then creates shipping orders and package labels on the basis of these. The system is to be characterized by good usability and thus facilitate the workflows of OPC customers. Due to its modular design, the system will be expandable at any time."
Project implementation & modules
The new WebApp OPC-Dusk can be opened via any current browser. The connection is secured via SSL and we have developed the individual modules in such a way that they can be easily expanded at a later date. This is possible both within the modules and by adding further new modules. The possibility to enter shipping orders individually has been retained.
For reference, we have chosen three modules as examples.
Module: Dashboard
Important key figures and links are displayed on the new dashboard. Depending on the authorisation (admin or customer), the dashboard is structured differently.
Some of the widgets we have developed include Today's programmes and important KPI values.
For the quick import of orders from an ERP system that is not yet connected, there is, for example, an upload widget with which orders can be imported as an Excel list via drag & drop.
Module: Shop Connector
The Shop-Connector offers every OPC customer the possibility to connect one or more shops. Orders from the shops are then called up and imported from the shops every 30 minutes. Filter rules can be defined for each shop connector, for example, which orders are to be imported.
Module: Dispatch Manager
A current list of shipping orders can be viewed in the Shipping Manager module. A shipping order can then be generated there with a click. Alternatively, a shipping order can also be created manually. As long as no PDF shipping label has been printed, the order can still be changed.
The daily closing can be generated independently by the customers in the system at the end of the day and transmitted to OPC.
Our developer highlights
- Mandate-ready
- Automatic workflows
- Intelligent Shop API Connectors
- Create shipping orders via Excel import
- PDF generation in various formats
- Postcode / City Auto-Complete & Data Checks
- All modules can be further developed later
- Wizards that simply guide users through the interfaces
Result
With the OPC Dusk WebApp, we have created a solution with which OPC customers can easily enter their shipping orders online. Through the new interfaces, there is a connection between OPC Dusk and the connected WebShops (Shopware 5+6, WooCommerce and Shopify). Shop orders and shipping orders can be viewed on the customer dashboard immediately after logging in. At the end of the day, a daily closing can be generated simply by clicking and the shipments are automatically transmitted to the OPC team. The system then generates a tracking number for the packages. This makes it easy for the customer to track the delivery.
With OPC Dusk, we were able to develop a time-saving and practical solution that is easy to use and can be further developed at any time. Depending on the requirements, further WebShops can be connected to the system by us. The development of further modules and widgets is possible at a later date.
