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Woodwork Professionals and Businesses

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5000+ active members

tile icon What was implemented

AC MemberSmart, AC Knowledge Management Enterprise

As a distinguished industry association, the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) represents a broad spectrum of professionals and businesses across the architectural woodwork sector—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.

As AWI’s membership and educational offerings continued to grow, the organization required a modern digital platform capable of supporting complex member interactions, content access, and scalable engagement.

Background & 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 professional networking through an intuitive member portal.
  • Offer a customized and streamlined membership sign-up process.
  • Deliver tailored membership options based on multiple subscription types and member roles.

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 Salesforce Experience Cloud foundation to support complex member interactions at scale.
  • Custom Portal Design: Developing a brand-aligned, user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and access to educational resources.
  • 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.

The Solution in Action

Member Portal
AWI member portal homepage mockup
Home page of the AWI member portal
Events
AWI events page with calendar and upcoming sessions
Events page with filters and online registration for members
Knowledge Base
AWI knowledge base with filters and standards content
Knowledge Base view with filters for topics and material types

Benefits & Results

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Self-service for members and staff

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Streamlined membership operations

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Cenrtalized knowledge base

The new Salesforce-powered platform has significantly improved how AWI manages memberships, content, and engagement, replacing manual processes with a centralized, self-service experience. As a result, both members and staff benefit from greater efficiency, flexibility, and scalable tools that support ongoing growth across the community.

  • 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 significantly expanded networking opportunities across AWI’s diverse membership base. 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 centralised educational materials and technical documentation, reducing friction in content discovery for members. 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.

Learn more about AC MemberSmart:
Visit AC MemberSmart page on the Salesforce AppExchange.

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