When Ann Summers’ Click and Collect solution was nearing its end of life, it approached Infotex to help rewrite it using modern technologies.
The Click and Collect solution provides an integration to the internal Ann Summers platform which notifies the store when an order comes through for in-store collection by the customer. There is also a front-end touch-screen interface, which enables the Ann Summers store colleagues’ to register customer parcels as they arrive, and to mark when they have been collected by the customer.
It was initially expected that the system would be a like-for-like replacement of the old version, but after working with staff at Ann Summers to determine the functionality required, it became apparent that some further functionality would need to be added.
So, as part of the system, an Application Programming Interface (API) was created that could receive notifications about new Click and Collect orders, whilst also responding to requests from the Ann Summers systems regarding the status of orders. Working closely with the development team at Ann Summers, this connection was quickly created, ensuring it contained all the necessary endpoints.
In parallel with this work, we developed a brand-new front-end system for the Customer Service team to enable them to check and update order statuses. Although new, this was based on the familiar existing design to avoid any costly re-learning exercises.
About Ann Summers
Ann Summers is a high street chain selling lingerie and intimate products that prides itself on being the authority on speaking out about sexual liberation and empowerment. The enterprise was brought to multinational success by businesswoman Jacqueline Gold, famed for turning Ann Summers into a British household name.
“Infotex did a great job designing and developing an agile solution for our Click and Collect upgrade. We worked with them to explore options through a test and learn scenario, which less invested and agile suppliers may not have been able to do. It’s not always the best option to build versus buy solutions, however in this case, it suited our timeline and requirements. The Infotex team were invaluable in helping build a solution and bridge the technical gap.”
Jeanette Copeland | IT and Transformation Director – Ann Summers