Real Journeys Booking System
Visit Site: www.realjourneys.co.nz
Project Overview
Real Journeys is well known for its world class scenic journeys in the Milford Sound and Southland region.
Real Journeys does a lot of business online. As reservations systems technology developed it became evident that Real Journeys required an upgraded reservations tool, and this tool needed to be fully integrated into their website.
Real Journeys now has one of the most advanced online e-commerce systems in the tourism sector.
The Brief
Redesign the Real Journeys website and integrate the new reservations system into the new design.
Our Solution
Planning: With multiple trip options, seasonal rates and a range of special conditions, building an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand reservations interface was a considerable challenge. Fortunately, Real Journeys has a strong team with a clear understanding of the need to invest in proper planning and preparation before leaping into the site building phase.
Specifications: The first phase of the project was to establish clear specifications on a number of key aspects: how the reservations system was to work; the implications of the various booking options; customer interaction; and Real Journeys' administrative website systems.
Communication: Clear, honest and open communication was critical during this first phase. Any assumptions, opinions and barriers needed to be clarified, tested and resolved in order to produce a specification plan that would result in smooth production. Our account management team and our developer maintained regular, sometimes daily contact with the project manager from Real Journeys and the reservations system development team.
Creation: Once the specification process was complete (a process of several months), it was time for the build to take place. Because this was based on a well thought out foundation, the build process was smooth and efficient, with little need for reworking.
Testing: As with any development of this scale, extensive testing was undertaken prior to going live. Using actual data and real life scenarios, this process identified any loose ends, presenting the opportunity for refinement prior to launch.
Project Management: Strong project management on both sides enabled this long development project to proceed to plan. Ongoing assessment of timeline and budgets ensured any deviation from these were identified and decisions regarding how to proceed could be made early.
Success Factors
A clear focus on the end results, strong project management from both Cabbage Tree and Real Journeys staff, open communication and a highly talented development team ensured this project resulted in a high quality end product that was completed with few disruptions.
The Cabbage Tree team involved in the project were:
Project Manager:
Sarah Waldron
Senior Developer
David Grimason
Designer:
Jordan Gillman