The Custom Cable Configuration application was created for Datacomm Cables Inc. to reduce the number
of customer service calls and enable 24-hour ordering capabilities. Datacomm Cables Inc. is one of the
largest custom cable suppliers in the United States. The application is used internationally by customers
placing orders at Cables.com website. Some internal staff members perform administrative tasks, such as
updating price lists, product availability, shipping charges, etc.; however, the real user base are Cables.com
customers.
Prior to implementing this application, the company was only able to process complex quote requests by-hand.
Since there are many variances in price based on type of cable, length of cable, connectors, boots, etc., clients
had to call customer service for assistance with a quote. Obviously, this was an inefficient and inconvenient
method of generating quotes.
The Custom Cable Configuration application allows Cables.com customers to enter their exact specifications on
the website and get an accurate quote without interacting with customer service. The application not only streamlined
the order process; it also opened up international ordering for Datacomm Cables. Custom cables can now be ordered
around the clock rather than just during US East Coast business hours.
The application is part of the ordering process and allows a customer to enter a custom cable order. Each response
from the user creates a custom prompt for the user’s next input. The end result is that the application calculates
the cost of creating the cables in the appropriate color, with connectors attached and shipped to the customer’s location.
The customer can compare various order profiles and then place an order for the desired product.
A customer looks at the product catalog if necessary. Most of the customers placing orders at Cables.com already
know exactly what they want to order and are just interested in getting an accurate quote. The customer starts out
by selecting the cable type. Once the type is selected, a specific cable can be selected, along with different connectors
installed at either end. A length is then selected, custom labels (if desired), as well as boots, color and number of
cables. When all the information is entered, the application calculates the price and the weight of each cable for shipping
cost calculations. The customer can then revise the selections to get a different quote or elect to add the product to the
shopping cart and place the order.
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