VANGUARD

JOOMLA | VIRTUMART | ECOMMERCE

CLIENT BACKGROUND

Vanguard is a global leader in high-quality photo/video accessories (tripods, monopods, ball heads, camera bags and cases), hunting accessories (archery bow cases, gun cases, and gun pods/shooting sticks) and sporting optics (binoculars and spotting scopes). The diverse lineup includes products with first-of-their-kind features that are molding industry standards

THE PROBLEM

Vanguard sought the expertise of Logic Solutions to develop a sophisticated corporate website complete with web applications, multi-lingual support, and eCommerce components. In addition, Vanguard desired to create three different divisions of their current website including separate portals for distributors, dealers, and consumers.

Develop a comprehensive eCommerce website for Vanguard’s high-quality photo/video and outdoor/hunting accessories, and dealer and distributor portals with sophisticated backend functionality
Enhance the overall customer experience by making product information easier to find
Strengthen Vanguard’s position as a strong, global, and international company

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Strengthed Vanguard’s reputation as an industry leader by developing a strong eCommerce component.
Logins for consumers and distributors
“Where to Buy” module allows users to search by state or product category
Translations for all 78 countries Vanguard as distributors
Revolutionary 360-degree product view

TECHNOLOGIES

Joomla, Virtumart, PHP, MySQL

THE SOLUTION

Logic worked with Vanguard to develop a complete redesign of Vanguard’s website including a modernized user interface. Logic created an entire product catalog based on Vanguard’s information using VirtuMart, Joomla’s eCommerce package that seamlessly integrates with the corresponding Content Management System. Logic enhanced the product catalog to set it apart from the competition by offering 360-degree views complete with zoom options, as well as videos and detailed product descriptions.

Logic worked in accordance with Vanguard’s objectives to create three portals to the website. The public site for consumers is universal for all users with the exception of language. The dealer and distributor portals have parallel functionality but differ in content.

Logic coded the dealer site to be reserved exclusively for use by authorized Vanguard dealers. The dealer site is separated into two divisions, one for Photo/Video and one for Outdoor Sporting/Hunting. In addition to browsing Vanguard’s entire online catalog, Logic also architected an extensive filterable database so dealers have the functionality to seek out and order products best suited to their clients’ needs.

In addition, the dealer site also includes media links to a professionally maintained photography blog. The blog integrates with Joomla and features expert how-to articles and interviews with industry celebrities.

The Distributor Center Website is reserved for authorized Vanguard distributors and used primarily for internal operations. The site is also split into two separate sites: Photo/Video and Outdoor Sporting/Hunting. Both distributor sites have identical functionality. Logic integrated several leading eCommerce elements to the website such as promotions, e-coupons, popular sales and analytics.

Logic also integrated the Joomla CMS, which allows Vanguard staff to edit content on the website through an easy to use WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. Other features were also incorporated into the website to enhance the user experience such as:

“Where to Buy” module allowing users to search by state or product category
Press Release module
“Contact Us” form
Newsletter subscription form
Dealer and distributor VIP centers containing high-resolution photos and sensitive pricing data available only with proper password login

Logic created an easy to navigate site with the user in mind. All information is retrievable with 2-3 clicks. Logic created the website with high-security standards in place to protect both the customers and Vanguard itself.

The final phase of the project will result in translating the entire website into all 78 dealer countries to provide support for all of Vanguard’s clients.