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PHP/Oracle/XML

PIDB Technologies

  • PHP
  • XML
  • Java
  • Oracle

Smith & Hawken is the premier provider for gardening supplies and gifts in the US. We implemented a PHP based Web interface to allow vendors to view and update product information in Smith & Hawken’s Oracle based inventory system. Product data was imported nightly from a legacy inventory system using a combination of shell scripts to import the data into a staging area, and PL/SQL to do the transformation and loading. Content is exported in XML to a remote customer support system.

A Java/Oracle dropship application was also created to allow vendors to manage orders online.

One Response to “PHP/Oracle/XML”

  1. Don Penales Says:
    December 6th, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    When Smith and Hawken decided to implement the PI (Product Information) Database, it was initially designed to keep a full record of all our product info. We had information scattered across multiple systems and there was no central repository. There was no system in house that allowed us to hold as much information about a product as the PI Database. Our other systems did not have the capability to view product pictures, hold installation instructions or even define Technical specifications about our products. Upon it’s completion, this application became a critical component to our Merchandising Team. The functionality allowed us to truly have a full product assessment in a nicely designed web interface. The PI Database evolved and became an even greater asset when we implemented visibility to our Consumer Call Center. Call Center Reps were able to pull up detailed information about products, taking full advantage of the wealth of information to help close a sale. Additionally, we developed a feed from the PI database to populate certain fields within our CRM! The ROI on implementing the PI Db has far surpassed our expectations. It has been about 3+ years since this was implemented and continues to be one of our core applications here @ Smith and Hawken.

    Karen Fishwick did a remarkable job throughout the entire process, from requirements gathering, system design, application build and support. She has done an amazing job of supporting this application through the years. Her expertise in PHP, Java and Oracle is fantastic. I hold her in the highest regard as a true expert in her domain.

    Don Penales
    Business & Operations Analyst
    Global Business Information Systems
    Smith and Hawken & The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co