SituationExterion Media has recently replaced an existing legacy ERP system with Microsoft Dynamics AX, suitably customised for their business processes and installed in a managed data centre. Exterion also uses cloud-based Salesforce as their CRM system. A seamless and efficient means to integrate these two systems was required to speed up operations and avoid the need for double keying of data.For example, potential new clients created in Salesforce should be passed to AX for credit checking and approval, before Salesforce should accept orders from them. AX should provide integrated product lookups and price calculations for Salesforce, while AX manages stock levels.SolutionHaving completed a number of projects together since 2014, Exterion Media contacted Ballard Chalmers for the design and development of an integration between Salesforce and Dynamics AX using Microsoft BizTalk Server. Dynamics AX would manage product, price, inventory and discount information. Salesforce would process clients, opportunities and quotes. BizTalk would manage all data interchanges between the two systemsThe custom solution delivered by Ballard Chalmers has enabled Exterion Media to:Automate the process of approving new customers created in SalesforceEnable Salesforce to lookup products, product packs and prices in AX in real-timeEnable AX to manage the fulfilment of orders submitted from Salesforce.Outcome"We’ve used Ballard Chalmers for integration using BizTalk in a number of applications. They are refreshingly straightforward and practical and we are very pleased with the work they have done for us" - IT Director, Exterion Media

SituationMia® would use data analytics to support innovative business process transformation in order to drive growth. It would provide transparency across legacy processes, transforming the way that C-Suite leaders can capture and interpret data. Equipped with rigorous intelligence, the platform would optimise key operational areas to turn traditional risk into opportunity with data-driven clarity.SolutionWorking together with Square Marble Technology, Ballard Chalmers delivered the bespoke SaaS Mia platform with state-of-the-art security and backup.Some of the technology (that we can disclose) behind Mia includes:User interface developed in React and ReduxData requests made over AJAX primarily to an ASP.NET Web API application running in IISLINQ to SQL and Entity Framework used extensively for server-side data requestsMicrosoft SQL Server database.NET for File Import and Business Process Automation applicationsRabbit MQ used for communication between the website and file import/business process applicationsMicrosoft Power BI for Business Intelligence reportingMia’s capabilities include:Risk ManagementGroup RelationshipsOn-BoardingCredit Limit ManagementCustomer Trading Status ManagementWorkflow ManagementDispute ManagementTask ManagementAPI’sSelf Service Imports GUISelf-Service Exports GUIThe Mia State Change EngineConfigurable DashboardsRepayment Plan ModuleSingle Sign OnSMS ModuleEmail communicationsCredit CardPost IntegrationMicrosoft Power BI ReportingData ModellingMulti-Language Comms Template PackExport to CSVLine ItemsAudit HistorySearchAdvanced SearchDocument IntegrationOutcome“SMT, together with Ballard Chalmers have broken new ground with Mia. It is truly an innovative business intelligence and process management application that transforms data into a smart business process by fully automating an optimal balance between achieving best receivables performance against best operational efficiency.” - CEO SMT

Ballard Chalmers is one of the UK’s foremost experts in the energy sector custom software systems development and integration. With a track record of delivering on projects for many of the sector’s major players. The relationship with OVO Energy extends back to 2010 and as such, Ballard Chalmers was contracted to develop their software system based on BizTalk Server 2010, ASP.NET 4.0 and SQL Server 2008 R2 and 2012.ASP.NET web pages are used directly by call centre operatives, whilst BizTalk Server handles the business processes, long-running transactions and integration with the account management and financial systems that run the business.The software system automates a number of functions, including: Direct Debit Refunds: Allows refunds to be given to individual clients where requested. The system calculates the amount of refund based on the user’s energy consumption.Direct Debit Review: Recalculates customer direct debits based on their consumption pattern. Direct Debit Batch Review: Performs batch review of large numbers of accounts to ensure that direct debits are correct. Change of Tenancy: Manages the switching of an account between old and new tenants in rental properties, both of whom have to be contacted to complete the transaction. Disputed Reads: Manages the disputed read process which typically occurs when customers switch suppliers and suppliers claim different readings. Collection Management: Managing payments from customers that have not managed to keep up with their direct debits, through the use of pre-pay meters and other methods.Smart Meter Installation: Automated booking system for managing the installation of Smart Meters, for use by the call centre and direct online use by customers.