The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) is a distinguished association representing a broad spectrum of professionals and businesses in architectural woodwork—from manufacturers and suppliers to installers, architects, designers, educators, and students. AWI provides an array of resources, including technical standards and best practices, all designed to elevate the craft and foster innovative progress in the woodwork industry.
Project Objectives
AWI’s previous website was constrained by limited membership management capabilities that failed to meet their evolving needs for user experience, customization, and scalability. The existing platform struggled with offering a personalized experience, managing complex membership hierarchies, and seamlessly integrating educational resources. To address these gaps, AWI reached out to Advanced Communities with the aim of creating a visually engaging, Salesforce-powered solution. The envisioned member platform needed to:
- Provide straightforward access to educational content and events.
- Facilitate networking through an intuitive portal.
- Offer a customized and streamlined membership sign-up process.
- Deliver tailored membership options based on subscription types.
Our Approach & Solution
Advanced Communities took on the challenge by building a completely new website from the ground up. This comprehensive project involved:
- Salesforce Implementation: Establishing a robust framework using Salesforce Experience Cloud to effectively manage member interactions.
- Custom Portal Design: Developing a user-friendly interface that resonates with AWI’s brand, ensuring that navigation and access to resources are as intuitive as possible.
- Tailored Membership Features: Creating a bespoke subscription solution with personalization options that cater to both individual and organizational needs.
- Data Migration & Training: Seamlessly transferring data from AWI’s legacy system to Salesforce while offering training sessions to ensure a smooth transition and quick adoption of the new platform.
- Knowledge Management Integration: Incorporating AC MemberSmart and AC Knowledge Management Enterprise solutions to organize and present AWI’s extensive knowledge base in a clear, accessible format.
Our solution not only revamped AWI’s digital presence but also established an ongoing managed services relationship. This means AWI continues to receive expert support for all their Salesforce-related requirements, ensuring the system remains efficient and continuously aligned with their evolving needs.
Benefits & Results
- Enhanced Event Management: AWI now has a sophisticated event management system that simplifies the organization and promotion of both online and in-person events. Members and non-members alike enjoy a personalized registration experience. The integrated platform effortlessly handles everything from planning to engagement tracking, ensuring each event delivers maximum value.
- Streamlined Subscription Management: The new system allows AWI to manage both individual and organizational subscriptions with flexibility. Features such as auto-renewals, custom pricing, varied payment plans (annual or monthly), and user-friendly payment options have redefined subscription management, making it simple and efficient.
- Dynamic Member Directory: The introduction of a comprehensive Member Directory has significantly boosted networking opportunities. Advanced filtering options allow members to search by industry, location, and even subscription type, fostering valuable connections and collaborations that drive professional growth.
- Optimized Knowledge Base: AWI’s one-page knowledge hub now organizes all educational materials and documentation in an accessible manner. With intuitive filters and collapsible sections, members can quickly locate resources tailored to their needs—be it specific material types, duty levels, or other technical criteria. Personalized notifications ensure that members stay up-to-date with the latest updates in their areas of interest.
- Integrated Online Shop: Both members and non-members can now purchase books, booklets, and other educational materials directly through AWI’s online shop, enhancing industry insight and continuing education.
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