Drupal 9 upgrade for Verlag für Standesamtswesen (VfST)

Who is Verlag für Standesamtswesen (VfST)?

The Verlag für Standesamtswesen (VfST) is the leading expert in the field of civil status, both as a publisher of specialist literature and as a developer of software. The company serves registry offices and their oversight agencies, as well as anyone working with civil status law. Its offerings are backed by the expertise of authors from academia and government. For many years, the publishing house has been creating specialized systems for the particular requirements of registry offices, including the implementation of the OZG, with its software products AutiSta and ePR-Server. Its unique combination of civil status expertise and technical proficiency in software development sets it apart.

How could we help VfST upgrade their website with a move to Drupal 9? 

VfSt reached out to 1xINTERNET to update its website and improve its functionality. The goal was to move the website to Drupal 9, improve user experience, make access to stored information faster and streamline purchase transactions in order to reduce the workload on the sales department, which was frequently being contacted for assistance.

In the initial phase of development, 1xINTERNET and VfSt collaborated to revamp the design by assessing user needs and identifying which elements of the previous site were no longer relevant and which new features were most suitable. In the next phase, we evaluated the publisher's proprietary code, making modifications to ensure a seamless upgrade to Drupal 9. 

To ensure users can quickly access relevant content and complete purchases, we improved the search, content display and purchasing process, and connected it to SAP and the "Verzeichnis Lieferbarer Bücher" (VLB) database. The new search functionality and clear presentation of publications like folio collections, journals, books, and eBooks allow for faster access to the desired information. The upgrade to Drupal 9 benefits both website users and publisher's staff by providing enhanced and simplified editing tools.

Main features of the project

• Registration process - By integrating with SAP, we were able to implement a login process. Users can now access the secure customer area through their SAP interface. All of this is done adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Search - SOLR was integrated into the backend to provide a search feature that is accessible on every page.
• Display - We structured the display of VfSt publications in a more clear and organized way, and optimized it for mobile viewing. Clear organization is essential for easy discovery of publications and ultimately, for the user's purchasing decision.
• Cash desk - We integrated the existing checkout system with Drupal E-Commerce and the SAP system, allowing customers to shop within the systems they are already familiar with.