The goal
Generation of leads through extensive custom functions
In order to generate as many qualified leads as possible, SDK planned a fundamental modernization and renewal of the custom CMS it had been using since 2004. The challenge: in order not to restrict the permanent usability of the custom functions, the upgrade had to be implemented during ongoing operation of the website.
In close coordination between SDK and the internet agency, new processes had to be set up that would enable joint individual developments in cooperation with a view to the future. In addition, continuous further development of the website was to be guaranteed while maintaining the highest security standards and the upgrade was to aim to simplify and speed up content maintenance. In the long term, this serves to reduce the amount of training required for the growing number of SDK editors. As a further offer and additional incentive for its customers, the insurance group wanted to implement customized premium calculators on its website.
Agile further development of the website
Thanks to agile software development, the Stuttgart-based internet agency was able to guarantee flexible and requirements-based further development of the website for the future and was able to respond openly to new requirements at any time. SDK's marketing and development departments were integrated into every phase of the project. For example, FUF programmed a framework for the creation of premium calculators, which provides the client with all the necessary tools to develop further premium calculators themselves.
The CMS was simplified to such an extent that the SDK editors can work with it more easily: Once the upgrade is complete, they will benefit from convenient just-in-place WYSIWYG editing, for example, as well as centralized and powerful media management.
More flexible and leaner thanks to open source software
development, the Stuttgart-based Internet agency used modern open source components to enable effective and structurally open further development. Even if the website looks unchanged to the user, one of the most modern and secure content management systems is at work inside it: FUF relied on the PHP framework Symfony and the lean, easy-to-use plugin Apostrophe for the highly customized renewal of the web CMS.
Frank und Freunde also developed audit-proof workflow components that ensure traceability when maintaining the website. Individual content slots also enable the migration of all custom functions developed by the SDK while retaining the diverse individual functions and interfaces.
In addition, the Lucene-based search server Solr was integrated for the geolocation of the nearest sales partner.
More freedom for more productivity
Agile software development is the keyword around which all processes of the redesign of the customer's web platform revolved: by gradually replacing all existing functionalities with new framework-based modules, Frank und Freunde was able to guarantee a functioning website at all times during the upgrade. The internet agency deliberately avoided a bloated concept, preferring a lean and flexible approach.
In accordance with SCRUM, FUF started programming straight away. Thanks to a continuous exchange with the SDK, it was possible to respond to all customer requests and changing requirements at all times. The agile project management method thus represents an optimal solution that enabled perfect coordination with the customer.
The success
SDK receives added value: more clicks, more visits, more leads
SDK considers the further development of its CMS by Frank and friends to be a great success: The customer has received a customized CMS with a modern interface and complete control over all adjustments, as well as a jump-start to further develop parts of its web presence on its own. Thanks to the open source framework, subsequent developments of the SDK can be integrated and system components can be continuously optimized and modernized. System maintenance and control are also guaranteed.
The framework for creating your own contribution calculators is also very popular: thanks to the support of FUF, the SDK IT department has already been able to create 18 calculators independently and implement them on its website. This means that SDK's website more than meets users' expectations in terms of 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
The 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.
The 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.
Technology 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.
Special feature//
Integration of customer developments
In addition to good service and a technically flawless implementation of the project, the internet agency from Stuttgart attaches great importance to empowering its customers to become active themselves. For this reason, Frank und Freunde did not deliver a self-contained product, but a construction kit with which SDK can integrate self-programmed premium calculators into its website.
The prerequisite for the joint work was a standardized development environment, which the Internet agency set up on both sides - the cornerstone for the simple implementation of a whole series of further contribution calculators!
Special feature //
Online First - Digital right of way in parallel redesign
While Frank and friends were upgrading the website, the classic print communication was redesigned. What was remarkable about this interlinked process was SDK's determined approach of giving priority to the online design (online first!). The insurance group acted as moderator and thus ensured optimal coordination of the different requirements of both media with regard to the corporate design.