Challenge
The Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) faced a number of challenges in the redevelopment of their website. Their old site content had not been well maintained or organized and no longer provided an effective means of communication among the membership. In addition, the lack of maintenance over time eroded the initial site architecture, creating usability issues for members, which ultimately hindered its use. Redengine needed to provide a solution that would serve as a cost effective vehicle for communication and, in so doing, also offer something of value to the membership that would encourage their continuous use.
Solution
The RxA required a solution that would focus on improved communication with, and between, its membership. To facilitate this exchange, Redengine incorporated some Web 2.0 functionality and features, offering some self service options to members. The site is built on Redengine’s proprietary content management system, Redengine Online Platform, which allows easy updates and access for both staff and members.
By developing a more comprehensive member section, which included features such as online registration, a pharmaceutical employment listing, effective e-content (including newsletters and articles), the RxA and its members now have a great platform to collaborate and communicate. The site has effectively united the association to its membership and boasts more frequent and robust communication. Adding new features also provided a means for cost savings. By introducing a weekly online newsletter in exchange of a previously mailed monthly version, for example, enabled the association to alleviate their print production and associated mailing costs. Other features include online registration and employment posting areas, which enable self service functionality to members where they can input their own data, creating real value for them. To ensure the site met user requirements and expectations prior to launch, it was subjected to rigorous user testing.
Result
The RxA portal has been extremely successful and well received by its members. The solution allows the association to focus on their existing and potential new members and address the membership needs in a cost effective and timely manner. The membership has embraced the technology as a manner to gather and receive up to date information and collaborate with others, owing to the website’s success.
Visit the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) online at www.rxa.ca
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