DLRG opts for fresh, responsive shop design

Relaunch of the DLRG shop

In order to make the DLRG shop even more user-friendly and to introduce new comfort functions, the DLRG commissioned silver.solutions to update and relaunch the shop. With the update of the shop, new functions such as an improved search and filters will be added to the shop. In conjunction with the new, responsive design, the non-profit organisation is ideally positioned for the future. As the next step, DLRG is expanding its e-commerce platform to include a marketplace.

DLRG shop for members and private customers

Based on Ibexa Commerce, the Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft e.V. (DLRG), an association for the of rescue from life-threatening danger, has been successfully operating an online shop for its members and private customers for several years.

DLRG members can buy equipment from rescue gear to clothing and swimming badges in the shop. Private customers can buy everything related to water, such as swimwear, diving goggles and other gear with and without the DLRG logo. In a special area, the Wasserwacht, the aid and water rescue organisation of the German Red Cross, offers its members and customers special Wasserwacht articles.

Responsive webshop with sophisticated search functions

Now the DLRG has completed a redesign project with silver.solutions as their service provider. The modern design of the new DLRG shop is reflected in all interfaces and menus. The online shop is even easier and more intuitive to use. And that applies to every end device. The display and the usability concepts are optimally adapted to the respective device thanks to the responsive design.

When searching for specific articles, the shop supports DLRG customers with an improved search function and very fine filter options. Depending on the type of customer account, customers see different assortments and individual conditions. For example, there are items such as DLRG badges that only members can buy. For clothing sets and other items, the shop also automatically deducts a set sponsorship fee for registered members.

Extended shop functions: Vouchers and offer request

As a new offer, customers can now also buy vouchers from DLRG as a gift. In the order process, these vouchers can be redeemed by entering the voucher number.

For large orders, there is the new function of the offer request. To do this, customers collect one or more items in an offer request, add the desired number of items and the desired delivery date as well as a message with their wishes and requirements, and then ask for special conditions for their bulk order.

Another new feature is the address management, which allows logged-in shop users to edit, delete and create addresses in the customer account. All functions exchange data in real time with the ERP system.

The proven and convenient functions such as saved shopping baskets, quick ordering via CSV upload, customer centre with user management, which distinguish Ibexa Commerce as a B2B e-commerce solution, have been improved in the new shop version.

The recommendation engine Yoochoose used by DLRG offers visitors and customers further suitable articles on various pages. In this way, DLRG can increase its sales in the online shop.

B2B and B2C in one shop system

The mix of B2B and B2C shop places high demands on the shop software. Ibexa Commerce optimally maps the structure of the association and supports the internal processes of the organisation. By integrating the shop into the ERP system, DLRG can ensure that individual prices and product ranges are displayed to each customer based on the type of customer account.

DLRG previously used the Dynamics NAV industry solution UNITOP. Now DLRG is introducing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The web.connector again forms the smart interface to the online shop and ensures secure data exchange in real time.

Shop-in-shop: Assortments from partners can be ordered in the DLRG marketplace

Another feature of the DLRG shop is currently being implemented by silver.solutions: DLRG will soon also offer products from external manufacturers and retailers. This will allow customers to order items that are not in stock at DLRG but are offered by a partner via the DLRG platform.

Order splitting is used in the background when orders consist of articles from the DLRG and partner ranges. This means that the shop automatically forwards part of the order to the external dealer, who then ships the product to the customer. In this way, DLRG can build up a marketplace in which products are offered that DLRG cannot provide itself.