John Smith's Student Store

01

Critical website integrations for products and suppliers

The site has a vast product catalogue of over 10 million items, with an aim to provide as many essential items as a student may need in one portal. The JSG website includes all books in print, creating a huge library which could be cumbersome to browse or search. The platform handles this by restricting searches and browsing to a limited number of titles, with more detailed or specific searches pulling through less popular or niche books when they are needed. This complex search integration plays a crucial role in making the website as simple as possible for end users.

The platform also features an extensive selection of materials from third-party suppliers. The platform integrates with trusted suppliers like Exertis, Jacksons Art Supplies, Office Depot, and Getech, allowing students to access a wide range of resources beyond textbooks. Whether a medical student requires a stethoscope or an art student needs specialist materials, the site provides seamless access to relevant products.

02

Data synchronisation and supplier communication

To easily manage such a vast library of resources, the JSG website integrates with Nielsen Bookdata, ensuring that the vast product catalogue remains current with daily updates on new titles, price changes and availability. Additionally, stock-level updates from Gardners Books and other third-party suppliers occur hourly, streamlining the process so it remains current and accurate without creating a huge demand on resources. We were able to effectively create a series of integrations that underpin the website, pulling and pushing data between key backend systems without impinging on the user experience both for end-users and the university clients.

04

Aspire integration: simplifying bursary and scholarship management

A standout feature of the platform is its integration with JSG's Aspire system. This bursary and scholarship management tool allows universities to allocate funds to students, who can then use them to purchase books and equipment from the website. The Aspire integration manages:

- A feed of new students receiving scholarships or bursaries.  An account is automatically created for the student which means it's ready to use as soon as the student starts their studies.
- Student data on faculty and course.
- A data interchange of payments received and sent to the Aspire office team.
- Account balance management, where students can receive top-ups on their accounts.
- An integration with NatWest bank that allows students to withdraw eligible funds as cash at an ATM.
- Stock level updates for each institution.
- A restriction process for bursary funds on specific product categories - a valuable feature for universities that need to control how funds are used.

05

Integration with Kitlocker

07

A foundation for growth

When a student logs in, they are met with a curated selection of materials relevant to their studies. This targeted approach not only improves the user experience but also increases conversion rates by showing students products they genuinely need. Enhanced content, including student-focused articles, further supports learners throughout their academic journey, while providing institutions with a valuable communication channel.

08

Simplifying access with SSO integration

To streamline secure access, we implemented single sign on (SSO) for universities that support it, enabling students to log in using their existing university credentials. This simplified process reduces barriers to entry, increases user engagement, and enhances the overall user experience, without compromising website or student security. Not all institutions are currently integrated, but those that are benefit from a seamless connection between university systems and the JSG platform.