Highway Index

Highway Index: The publishing company driving the UK’s highway connections forward with tech

Industry: National construction/ highway infrastructure

Solution: Centralised business data, workflow and web content management app built on the Claris FileMaker platform. Modern and powerful industry web index web app built using the Laravel framework.

Benefits: Significant time improvements on standard internal business tasks. Increase data security and reliability. Increased advertising revenue and improved client relationships. Enhanced opportunities for end-users in contract data and local authority tendering.

Built on the foundations of books

Spinfish Publishing specialises in producing two key industry publications for the highway sector: the Highway Electrical Yearbook (HEY) and Highway Maintenance Yearbook (HMY), established 28 and 25 years ago, respectively. These hardback directories provide comprehensive data about UK local authorities' highway infrastructure, contacts and contracts, as well as an extensive database of specialist companies within the industry. Their brand Highway Index serves as the digital platform for these publications, transforming traditional print directories into a comprehensive online resource for the industry.

The company's unique value proposition lies in collecting, organising, and presenting publicly available but difficult-to-access data from local authorities. They achieve a remarkable 95% response rate through careful relationship management with local authorities, maintaining direct contacts within each department.

The publications serve a vital industry function by:

• Consolidating dispersed public sector contract information

• Providing direct contact details for key department heads

• Tracking technological developments (e.g. LED lighting, EV charging)

• Offering contract expiry information and procurement opportunities

• Providing an easily searchable and extensive database of highway sector companies in a comprehensive directory format

They maintain strong ties with the Highway Electrical Association (HEA), the main industry body for the highway electrical sector, which helps them stay current with industry developments and maintain data accuracy.

Their directories are particularly valuable because they transform fragmented, hard-to-access public data into a comprehensive, user-friendly format that serves both local authorities and private sector contractors in the highway maintenance and electrical infrastructure sectors.

Dipping the toe into the fish pond

Highway Index initially developed a simple, self-built FileMaker solution that served them well during their early years of paper-only publishing. The original system successfully managed their core data requirements, particularly in maintaining crucial Local Authority information and business listings.

Their existing Excel-based workflows, while functional, suffered from the normal issues (multiple copies of data, out-of-date versions, low data security, etc.) and so had the potential to be streamlined.

As their business grew and technology evolved, they recognised the opportunity to enhance their offering through professional development support.

One size doesn't always fit all

"To futureproof our business we knew we’d have to bite the bullet and take our two databases online. Being familiar with FileMaker already, it seemed logical to utilise the almost limitless possibilities of developing and integrating it for this purpose; we needed to make sure we had one (very safe) source database for both the printed directories and the online version. We used this as our starting point and when we found iSOS, a company who could not only develop the FileMaker system as the cornerstone of the Highway Index, but who could be tasked with transforming our ideas into something tangible and logical, we knew from the first meeting that we were in safe hands. They added their own ideas and creativity to our brief and could identify the growth areas, plus come up with all the solutions we needed." - Emma Cole, Director, Spinfish Publishing (Highway Index)

The unique nature of Highway Index’s operations presented distinct challenges that made off-the-shelf solutions for a digital database inadequate for their specialised needs. Standard software packages available in the market failed to address the breadth and complexity of their requirements, particularly in handling the intricate relationship management with local authorities and the specialised data collection processes essential to their publications.

While it might have been technically feasible to cobble together various existing technologies to create a functional system, this approach would have introduced unnecessary complications and potential points of failure, as well as the unthinkable - a higher risk of insecure data. Such a patchwork solution would have required constant maintenance and coordination between different platforms, increasing both operational complexity and the risk of system failures.

Given the sensitive nature of their relationships with local authorities and the importance of maintaining data integrity, having complete control over their technological infrastructure was non-negotiable. Third-party solutions often come with inherent limitations in terms of data handling and security customisation, which could have exposed them to unnecessary risks.

Choosing the right path

Beginning with Spinfish’s initial brief, at iSOS we always conduct a thorough meeting to properly understand their requirements and operational challenges to create the online version of both published databases, the Highway Index. This collaborative session revealed crucial insights about their unique data management needs and industry-specific processes that weren't immediately apparent in the written brief.

Through multiple collaborative sessions, we developed a comprehensive project specification covering data migration, user interface requirements, security protocols, and integration points. This led to a detailed project timeline that accounted for Highway Index's peak business periods and resource requirements from both teams.

After analysing their existing systems, we determined that replacing their self-built FileMaker solution would be more beneficial than modification. The data stored in the existing system was still of high value and would be cleansed and imported into the new solution.

The Solution

The agreed solution was to implement 2 bespoke applications:

1. A sophisticated Claris FileMaker application that serves as the core operational hub for the business as well as the centralised content management tool for the web index.

2. A Laravel web application that provides the public Index interface, end-user controls and subscription management functionality.

Using Claris FileMaker, iSOS developed a tailored workplace operating system specific to the client's requirements.

The solution includes the following components and functionalities:

A clean, powerful and intuitive app framework. We built a custom Claris FileMaker solution on iSOS's proprietary framework, implementing a modular navigation system with user/group-level permissions. The system utilises a relational structure, which is transformed using the built-in JSON functions for web publication. We included comprehensive history logging for all data transactions to maintain data integrity and provide audit capabilities.

Customer Management The system centralises management of main details, allowing both book and web index data to be maintained in one location. We implemented Book/Web Index categorisation to help end-user customers find relevant companies to work with. The contact management functionality serves both internal use and web index information needs.

Web index page content control was developed to allow company profiles to be customised on a per-company basis.

Local Authority The solution includes Works Departmental Division controls for administrative purposes. We integrated statistics management capabilities for tracking population, EV charge point installations and other relevant metrics. A contract overview feature was developed to present clear data through the web interface.

Adverts The system allows adverts to be created and linked to specific customer companies. Web image control functions were implemented alongside web metadata control for improved SEO. We developed categorisation features to determine which categories each advert appears in within the web Index.

Contracts Contracts can be created and linked to Local Authorities and Companies as needed. Public parameters of contracts are stored and controlled for web access by subscribed users, behind a paywall. This functionality serves as a practical tool for customers to forecast tender opportunities with local authorities, and allows smaller companies the opportunity to sell their products to the main contractor.

Dashboard We implemented a side-by-side data change approval system for Company detail changes submitted from the website, allowing for efficient review and management of information updates, saving time during the data-gathering process, enhancing accuracy and giving companies control over their online presence.

Web user management The system manages all signed-up users and their complimentary subscriptions. User company management role assignment was implemented to allow specific web users to perform particular functions on the index on behalf of a company. We developed straightforward tools to efficiently manage and remove any undesired sign-ups when necessary.

A unique web index Using the Laravel framework and modern web technologies, iSOS developed a comprehensive web index tailored to the client's specific requirements.

The solution includes the following components and functionalities:

Responsive Design Implementation We built the web index with a responsive design that adapts to all screen sizes, from mobile to large desktop displays. The system utilises progressive enhancement techniques to ensure functionality across all modern browsers. We implemented optimised asset loading to improve mobile performance and provide a seamless user experience regardless of device.

Authentication and Subscription Management The system includes built-in user registration, login and profile functionality to manage access rights. We integrated secure payment processing for subscription plans with robust security measures. The solution handles automated billing and invoice generation along with comprehensive subscription lifecycle management.

Search Functionality We implemented advanced company and local authority search capabilities to enhance user experience. The system employs fuzzy matching algorithms for error-tolerant searches, improving usability. We developed synonym mapping for improved search relevance alongside faceted search with dynamic filtering options. The interface provides real-time search suggestions and autocomplete functionality to streamline user interactions.

Content Management is handled from the backend business app The system centralises the management of company profiles, including service areas and certifications. We integrated local authority profiles with hierarchical department structures for clear organisation. Contract details with key dates and specifications are managed through the backend. Individual personnel profiles with role-based information are maintained within the system.

Sophisticated Advertisement System We developed dynamic ad placement based on user context to improve relevance and engagement. The system employs rotation algorithms for fair exposure across all advertisements. We implemented performance tracking and analytics to measure effectiveness. The solution supports automated management of adverts and imagery directly from the backend business app.

Company user and subscription controls The system provides functions for users to sign up new companies for approval through a streamlined process. We implemented company profile page update request submission capabilities for ongoing maintenance. The solution supports team-based subscription purchasing on behalf of a company with specific user assignment options. Company user role management allows specific users further control over the company's presence and activities within the system.

Two heads are better than one

The core development phase featured regular reviews and feedback sessions, allowing for real-time adjustments and ensuring alignment with industry practices. Weekly progress meetings enabled key stakeholders to interact with the developing system and provide immediate input, which is particularly valuable for fine-tuning specialised features like contract tracking and authority relationship management.

Where we are

“Although the printed directories are brilliant marketing tools (and we strongly believe they will continue to be an important product and revenue stream for our company) the Highway Index has answered a huge need with its immediacy, breadth, and flexibility. Our contracts database has increased by 40% and given our customers much more value, the accuracy levels are second to none and our existing customers continue to subscribe and renew. We have a steadily growing list of new subscribers and customers who’ve reached us organically and who are now transitioning across to market their companies with us in our printed books. We’ve saved time on the dull database housekeeping tasks, iSOS have developed clever fixes to make our lives easier, the interface is a pleasure to use and we rarely hit glitches or problems. We’ll continue to develop, grow and improve functionality. Most of all we’re incredibly pleased that the Highway Index is working alongside our existing products, enhancing them and adding enormous value for our customers.” - Emma Cole, Director, Spinfish Publishing (Highway Index)

The journey that began with initial consultations has yielded remarkable results for Highway Index. Those early planning sessions, which focused on understanding the intricate requirements of infrastructure data management and publication processes, laid the foundation for a solution that has transformed their operations. The careful attention paid to their unique business model and industry relationships during these preliminary discussions proved crucial in developing a system that precisely matched their needs.

Our comprehensive consultation process involved a detailed analysis of existing workflows, a thorough examination of data security requirements, and extensive discussions about future scalability. This meticulous approach to understanding Highway Index's operations enabled us to create a solution that not only addressed their immediate challenges but also positioned them for future growth and innovation in the highway maintenance sector.

The future

“On a practical level, iSOS always respond with positive solutions, even to the most challenging problems. We know it’s only the start, but we are excited about the possibilities – and very proud of the Highway Index.” - Emma Cole, Director, Spinfish Publishing (Highway Index)

Motivated by the success of both apps internally and externally, we identified several opportunities together for future enhancements. We plan to integrate more business processes into the FileMaker solution, extending its capabilities to cover additional operational areas, including automation for data generation for the printed books. The roadmap also includes expanded subscription options and advertising features to increase value for featured companies, as well as delving further into tools for campaign management and performance tracking to optimise digital marketing efforts.

Can we help you?

For organisations facing similar challenges in managing complex industry data, we iSOS welcome the opportunity to discuss how our solutions could benefit your operations.

We offer personalised consultations where we can explore your specific requirements in detail. During these sessions, we'll take time to understand your unique business challenges, discuss potential approaches, and outline how our expertise in developing custom data management solutions might address your needs.

We work with organisations of all sizes, from individual entrepreneurs to large enterprises and across diverse sectors including private companies, public institutions and charitable organisations. Contact our team to arrange a conversation about your requirements.