Case Studies

Alberta Museums Association

The AMA (Alberta Museums Association) website and database management system required a significant overhaul to help the organization better communicate with its members.  The existing web platform used as many as five information management tools and databases to support the growing list of programs and services. The existing content management system was also very inflexible, resulting in many navigational inconsistencies and issues.

Redengine was asked to integrate all five of the AMA's databases into a centralized, functional hub. They were also tasked with building a more intuitive and sleeker information architecture. The AMA was looking for a content management system that was easy to use and allowed for easy website changes in the future.

 

After careful review of all the issues, suggestions, and wish lists outlined by the AMA, Redengine recommended a custom web application be built to suit the workloads and budget restrictions of the client. The application was created using a modular approach. This will allow for the addition of more functionality at a later time. All of the AMA information was pulled into a single, centralized database. This solution was intended to prevent data duplication and helped keep the user interface common to all modules. Staging the release of modules also allowed certain portions of the application to be developed and launched at different times. TheRecognized Museum Program Access Database, which was not integrated, can be developed and added at a later time as a result of this  modular approach.

From an internal standpoint, the new website also offers some  advantages to AMA staff.  Rather than requiring a full understanding of five information management tools, the application can  now be managed using  only one. This streamlined process has made a significant difference to staff who, through Redengine's support, training and documentation  are now able to  effectively manage, edit and update the website content and its comprehensive databases easily on their own.

The Umbraco content management system played an integral part in fulfilling the needs of this unique and challenging project.  Its flexibility enabled Redengine web developers to integrate multiple information management tools and create a coherent and useful navigational structure for end users.  The modular approach allows for future site expansion and also allowed the AMA to improve the overall communication with their membership. The site is easy to understand for members and staff are maintain their new website.