Bromptons of Brighton are an independently owned boutique opticians situated in the heart of the fashionable North Laine of Brighton. They have the best range of contemporary and stylish designer eyewear, bespoke, handmade and vintage frames, lenses, sunglasses and accessories. Offering a full optical and eye testing service, lenses and repairs.
We approached ISOS to help develop a new software system covering all areas of our business. They made the whole process easy from start to finish. Within a short time they had understood the way our business worked and came up with some clever ideas which helped to streamline various aspects of our work. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
The Situation
An existing Access based solution was in place to handle Patient records and appointment booking but was not fit for purpose. A fairly complex Excel spreadsheet was in use to handle order taking. Payment and refund information was handled by till receipts and paper forms were used to record the bespoke order processes. A handful of PCs were used to access the various systems and control stock.
The Solution
A new network infrastructure was build with a suite of Apple computers and devices implemented to act as the foundations of an all encompassing FileMaker database. Patient records are stored displaying all related appointments, prescriptions and orders and a postcode lookup function to help with data input. Appointments are managed using a built-in calendar system with an advanced system for finding free slots. Our FileMaker developers also ensured that Optician rota allocation and holidays are handled using the calendar section. Products and stock are all logged in the database to be used in orders via barcode scanning. Orders are progressed and tracked down to individual components and payment status. The bespoke database software also has automated SMS and email functions that are used for patient appointment and collection reminders.
The Results
All day-to-day processes of running the shop are centralised into the FileMaker database reducing administration time. Easy access to all required information throughout the shop using a number of Mac computers. Access restricted functionality in various areas of the database prevents accidental data errors. Staff quick user switching is in place to allow users to log in and out of the custom database, keeping the data secure. An extensive dashboard and reporting system provide live and appropriate data to senior staff on the fly.
What we did
- Initial on-site meeting and specification
- In-depth specification refinement
- Interface mockup to company branding
- Patient record management
- Appointment booking and calendar interface
- Product and stock management
- Order processing
- SMS and email communication system
- Postcode lookup integration
- Advanced dashboard and reporting
- In-place testing before go live
- Solution deployment
- Ongoing support and maintenance