Overview

Soffe had made arrangements with Agilisys, a strategic partner of CrossView, to purchase the WebSphere Commerce Express software. They knew that they wanted to replace their existing web site, and use web based technology to make their current operation more efficient and effective. They wanted a solution that would integrate tightly with their back end system, MOVEX, so that they could leverage the customer, inventory and pricing information in that system. In addition, they wanted a solution that would meet the specific needs of each of their major lines of business, including sporting good stores, department stores, collegiate bookstores, military exchanges and the Soffe Outlet store. Soffe had limited knowledge of eBusiness systems, and no experience with WebSphere Commerce.

Reference Site

http://store.soffe.com

Reference Image

Customer Background

Founded in 1946, the M.J. Soffe Company is a vertical manufacturer of active apparel, with six distribution centers strategically located across the United States. T-shirts, jerseys, shorts and fleece wear, make up the majority of the Soffe apparel line. Soffe active sportswear is sold in sporting good stores, department stores, collegiate bookstores and the military exchanges, world wide. Soffe manufactures and produces apparel in the United States along with sourcing products from around the world. The M.J. Soffe Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Apparel, also a manufacturer and distributor of apparel.

Business Solution

CrossView and Soffe personnel, along with assistance from Agilisys and Delta Apparel, performed a WebSphere Commerce Assessment project. The purpose of the assessment was to assess the requirements of the M. J. Soffe Company in the e-commerce area. As a result of the assessment, the company had a better understanding of the next steps in the e-commerce area and the estimated costs associated with those steps. The assessment suggested a six phase approach to meeting Soffe's requirements:
Phase Description

  1. Corporate Site, Browse Catalog, Store Locator
  2. B2C Public Store
  3. Inventory Matrix - Sporting Goods
  4. Inventory Matrix - Military
  5. Order Status - B2B Customers
  6. B2B Order Entry

CrossView and Soffe began work on the Phase 1 site immediately following completion of the assessment. Phase 1 began with the installation of the WebSphere Commerce Express software at Soffe. WebSphere Commerce Express provided the catalog functionality that Soffe needed for the first phase. A key challenge was providing a "color matrix" which showed actual color samples for each product in the catalog. A required prerequisite for the phase was the implementation of a new web infrastructure at Soffe which included installing new network and servers. Phase 1 was successfully completed on July 18th, 2005.

Shortly thereafter, Soffe began work on Phase 2, the "Soffe Online Store". Phase 2 provided Soffe with the ability to sell directly to the consumer with an actual e-Business site. The runs independently from the backend MOVEX system, but does receive hourly inventory updates from that system. The site interfaces with VeriSign for automatic authorization and clearing of credit cards. The site allows Soffe to take advantage of the strength of their brand and captures much of the "browsing" traffic that accesses the catalog site.  CrossView and Soffe are currently planning work on Phase 3, which will provide customers and sales personnel with online access to Soffe inventory information.

Soffe is using two low cost alternative products for their site search and product reviews. The site search is being driven by SLI Systems. The search is "intelligent" learning search and also gives good sorting capability and has some SEO features. The product reviews are being driven by Power Reviews. Power Reviews works on a pay per click formula and integrates with SLI Systems allowing the search results to show ratings using stars.

Benefits of Solution

Soffe has established an effective, professional and stable web platform which is already paying for itself through increased sales. Soffe and Delta Apparel are excited about WebSphere Commerce and are planning to increase their use of the software for Business to Business applications. CrossView has provided both technical and project management assistance which has allowed Soffe to complete each phase on time and on budget with a high level of satisfaction.