Blink Software Solutions developed this PHP/MySQL web application that is now used to manage and bill shipping for international clients. This site contains over 60 web forms that enable clients to sign-up, enter shipping/billing information, warehouse users to process packages and package contents and invoice users, and admins to monitor package progress and generate custom reports. Most of the clients for this site live in Europe so the software was built to support internationalization and the language/presentation can be changed to the appropriate setting on the fly.

Secure Login/Auth System

  • Database authentication utilizing industry standard encryption techniques
  • Access Control Lists (ACL) controls access to site's resources based on user level

Multilingual

  • Site is used by users in several states and several European countries
  • All content on site runs through translation system so users from foreign countries can see site in their own language
  • Automatically detects standard language to use based on country site is accessed from
  • DB-powered translation admin section
  • In addition to copy changes, site also displays currency, dates, and addresses in proper format for country being accessed from

Client Sign-up Forms

  • Sign-up process involves six steps of separate forms and data collection. User can go back at any time and edit current data input
  • Validation and error messages on emails, addresses, access codes, credit card info

Payment Processing

  • PCI compliant solution integrated with ProPay's enterprise payment gateway
  • All sensitive card info is stored securely in ProPay's off-site servers
  • Client's cards are automatically charged when a shipment is processed, ability to refund charges and enter multiple cards to charge if problems arise with default card
  • Built payment processing in generic, plug-in style so in future if gateway is changed (ex. Authorize.net, PayPal) will be able to easily drop in new solutions and switch

Shipment Tracking

  • Real-Time feedback on package progress and status (can be viewed by Admin for all packages and user for their packages)

Cloud Hosting

  • Implemented custom server solution for this project utilizing Amazon's cloud computing services – Amazon EC2 and Amazon S3
  • Site is accessed around the world around the clock so wanted to ensure fast speeds and constant availability from many different locations
  • Web Services allow machines and shipping applications in Shipment Warehouse to communicate with site and main Database and remote printing of shipment labels by admin users

Activity Log

  • All user activity on site is recorded so super admin user can see all actions taken on client/shipment and troubleshoot issues

Shipment Processing

  • Warehouse section of application with AJAX shipment input form that ties packages to users in system and enables warehouse user to identify package contents and add to system

Admin Section

  • Manage Users (edit user info, create new users, change user roles)
  • Manage Shipments (edit shipment info, refund or charge additional fees, tracking)
  • Reporting (number of shipments going out and coming in, user activity, shipments per country, etc.)

Large Normalized Database

  • MySQL Database contains all application data (users, shipments, payments, etc.)
  • Transaction support for sign-up, payment processing, shipment processing to ensure data integrity in case of problems during process
  • Stored procedures and triggers tied to shipment API so shipment records always updated when new shipment status comes in

Zend Framework

  • Web application built using Zend Framework, which is a MVC PHP 5 framework
  • Many large sites built and run on Zend, proven technology

Custom look-and-feel based on program

  • Different logins are tied to different program. Each program can define its own unique look-and-feel to the client section of the site
  • Logging-in to different programs will dynamically change CSS, images, and site content