The current iOS app worked in one language only, US locale. Each catalog update required to republish the app. Xplicity changed that by separating the data from the platform. That way the catalog could be updated without republishing the app. Besides, it had to work for multiple language and multiple locales support.
ABOUT GEMECO
Gemeco offers their customers unmatched, cross-brand technical support for the marine market products they supply. To achieve such a good results, they have employed a team of passionate boaters, who understand the main challenges often faced in this market. The company provides a working environment, that has an integrated NMEA 2000 network and a stockpile of the latest marine technologies you can obtain. It equips every technician with the tools they need to solve their clients’ challenges. No other marine equipment distributor in the world makes such an investment to ensure their customers’ success.
THE CHALLENGE
As a leading marine equipment distributor, Gemeco constantly needs to update the product catalog. For a long time this catalog was available only on website and IOS app ( iNstall ). However, since more and more customers use the mobile catalog, it was also required to provide the same functionalities on Android platform. Since Gemeco sells worldwide, it also had to support multiple languages.
Before Xplicity implemented the essential solution, iOS app only worked in one language and only one US locale. Moreover, each catalog update required to re-publish the app. Due to such inconvenience data had to be separated from the platform for enabling system administrator to update the catalog without republishing the app. And, of course, we needed to create multilingual version supported in multiple locations.
In addition, the app also had to include tools, like wire size calculator, tilt measurement etc. to help the customer move quickly through the product selection process. Such tools were necessary for helping Gemeco to increase their conversion rate from potential buyer to buyer.
THE RESULT
At Xplicity we completely rewrote the iOS version and made sure it works on other platforms such as Android. We separated the content from the app by implementing a small content management systems.. As a result, now systems manages the translations and the catalog data themselves.
Moreover, the content is now a set of generated HTML files with images, with an easy interface. This allows Gemeco to easily update the products whenever needed. Finally, it is easier for customers to make changes. They all are immediately visible, so there is no need to republish the application.
By using the new app you can download the content file in selected language. It also constantly checks for updates, manages brochures and downloads, providing additional information to the prospective buyer and existing customers. Besides, it now also takes care of the interfacing sensors on phone like magnetic field sensor, gyroscope etc. and the app data is also available when the phone is offline.
Gemeco now has a scalable solution which allows a quick roll out to new future platforms. It runs fully integrated in the Gemeco website. Client now has a consistent product catalog presence on iOS and Android apps, helping their customers to move through the purchase process on any platform much easier.