The Goal
Lead Generation through Custom Features
To generate as many qualified leads as possible, the SDK planned a fundamental modernization and renewal of its custom CMS. The challenge: Ensure that the ongoing use of all custom features remain uninterrupted during the upgrade.
In close coordination between SDK and us, a processes that would enable joint and customized developments had to be established. In addition, the website had to meet the highest security standards, to protect highly sensitive health data of customers. As an additional service and incentive for customers, the insurance group also wanted the implementation of tailored insurance calculators within the website.
Agile Website Development
Through agile software development, we ensured a flexible, requirement-oriented enhancement of the website that could respond to new needs at any time. Both the marketing and development teams of the SDK were part of every project phase.
The CMS was streamlined to make editorial work easier: After completing the upgrade, editors benefited from convenient fronted editing, as well as a central and powerful media management system.
More Flexibility and Efficiency Through Open-Source Software
To enable effective and structurally open development, we relied on modern open-source components. Although the website appears visibly unchanged to its users, one of the most modern and secure content management systems now operates beneath the surface.
We also developed revision-safe workflow components to ensure traceability in the websites maintenance process. Custom content slots enable the migration of all features while preserving their extensive individual functions and interfaces. In addition, a Solr search server was integrated to collect geographical data, which now provides users with ability to immediately contact the nearest sales partner.
More Freedom for More Productivity
Agile software development was the central pillar, guiding all processes involved in redesigning the customer’s platform. By gradually replacing existing functionalities with new framework-based modules, we ensured that a fully functional website was available at every stage of the upgrade. We consciously avoided an overly complex concept and much more relied on a lean and flexible approach.
Following the SCRUM methodology, we began programming immediately. Through constant communication with the SDK, all customer requests and change requirements were addressed immediately and without hesitation. This agile project management method provided the ideal solution for achieving a perfect result.
The Success
More Clicks, More Visits, More Leads
The SDK considers the further development of its CMS a complete success: The SDK now has a custom CMS with a modern interface, full control over all adjustments, and the guidance needed to independently continue developing parts of their web presence. Thanks to the open-source framework, future SDK developments can be integrated and system components can be continuously optimized or modernized.
The framework for creating custom insurance contribution calculators has also proven highly effective: To date, the SDK IT department has independently created and implemented 18 calculators on its website with our support. This ensures that the SDK’s online presence meets—and exceeds—user expectations regarding self-service.
Project Info
SDK Süddeutsche Kranken Leben General
URL: www.sdk.de
4 sales partner portals
Over 600,000 insured persons
4 months implementation period
Since 1999 Cooperation with Frank und Freunde
SDK
SDK was founded in 1926 and is part of the cooperative association of Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, in which all policyholders are also shareholders of the company. Since 2005, three companies have formed the SDK insurance group: Süddeutsche Krankenversicherung, Süddeutsche Lebensversicherung and Süddeutsche Allgemeine Versicherung. SDK currently serves over 600,000 policyholders from its Fellbach location and employs around 800 people.
Target Group
The target group includes both private and corporate customers: From self-employed and employed policyholders such as members, brokers and banks of the Geno network to sales representatives, the website is intended to appeal to a wide range of interest groups and provide information quickly and reliably.
Tech Facts
Apostrophe features: User, rights and media management, integrated media database, just-in-place WYSIWYG editing, rich text editor, Solr-based search engine, versioning
Individually developed Apostrophe plugins for dynamic lists, custom functions, HTML-RPC, teasers
Symfony
Framework-based OOP development
Dynamic form customization via Ajax
Solr search server
Glossary
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) Concept of asynchronous data transfer between browser and server.
APOSTROPHE Symfony-based content management system (CMS).
OOP (object-oriented programming) Programming paradigm based on the concept of object orientation.
SCRUM Agile process in product development which - in contrast to a "relay race approach" - corresponds to a rugby approach in which a team tries to cover ground as a unit, passing the ball back and forth.
SOLR (formerly Solar) Servlet included in Lucene. Solr is the most popular enterpri-se search engine.
SYMFONY Open-source web application software written in the PHP scripting language.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) A document is displayed on the monitor during editing in exactly the same way as it appears when it is output to a printer.