The article describes the Store Location Extension (SLE), built by Extensible Point Solution Inc. (EXPS). SLE enhances the core functionality of Virtuemart 1.1.4 to allow centralized on-line ordering for businesses that have multiple locations. SLE utilizes the VM Turbo 1.1 Extension and creates the following functionality:

Features

• Centralized ordering through one e-commerce application for multiple stores
• Order control based on shopper's location relative to the nearest store
• Handling of pickup and delivery orders
• Scheduling desired shipping date and time with a calendar
• Integration of Google Maps for driving directions
• Dynamic shipping charge calculation for deliveries based distance and rate table
• Consolidation of order steps used to build the order
• Casual users concept that includes ability to update shopper info after user id creation without creating Joomla user accounts
• Order confirmation routing by store and department
• Tax rates based on store location (zip code)
• Tax exemption by product
• Turbo 1 VM 1.0 features
  • New coupon module
  • New basket code
  • Metafix for product and category meta data

Order Flow

The order has been designed around a “funneling” concept where user inputs are used to build the order, while allowing changes throughout the ordering process. The process is depicted in the following diagram:

The ordering process is started in the normal way by adding items to the cart and clicking a link to display the cart. At this point SLE takes over the checkout process and uses four grouping of functions to complete the order.

Select Store

At this step the shopper chooses whether the order is for pickup or delivery, enters their address and selects a store from a list of available choices. While the shopper is providing these input SLE fetches a Google Map address and calculates the distance from the shopper location to all stores, filters available stores based on a distance limit, calculates shipping and tax as applicable.

The process starts will selecting the shipping option and entering street, city and zip.

After clicking on “Find Stores” the shopper selects from available stores.

Display Cart

At this step the cart is displayed with the shipping method (pickup or deliver), store location, usual product, quantity and price information, plus applicable delivery and taxes included.

Register

At this step the shopper creates a user id in Virtuemart making entries into jos_vm_user_info for billing and shipping addresses. We call this casual registration because the user id is not reusable via a login. The registration page is also used to set the planned shipping date and time.

The shopper billing or delivery address automatically taken from the address entered previously. The registration form has been completely re-written with front and back end input validation.

The pickup or delivery date is selected via pop-up calendar.

Confirm

This is the final step in the order entry process. Here the shopper reviews the order detail, selects a payment method and then confirms the order. The shopper has the option to update shipping options (method and store), billing address, shipping address, and schedule from the final confirmation page. Order confirmations are automatically routed to stores and departments as required.

If you are interested in implementing a similar solution or need to customize your e-commerce solution to suit your business please contact Extensible Point Solutions Inc.