PaulMarshall

Over the last couple weeks, I have been focusing on writing unit tests for models and controllers. I am happy to announce that I have completed the tests and they run without errors. The tree_xml methods do not have tests as there were errors in outputing results. These methods are going to be replaced with JSON versions so I will add those tests when I convert those methods. This has not been a fun project, however, it is rewarding to know it is done and adding new tests will be far less daunting. I may push an update to Alpha 0.6 with the test or I may wait until I add the features for 0.7.

ActionTracks Alpha_0.6 is now available. In addition to several bug fixes and improvements several new features were added. The ActionTracks page now has screen shots. I am working on a live demo with generic field and data layout. Here are some highlights:

• My Account page for managing your account, contacts, messages, tracks.
• Application Settings similar to those of Croogo without the YAML. 
• Access Control has been implemented with the Alaxos ACL plugin.
• Added Contact Groups Tab
• Standard and AJAX flash messages

I am happy to announce the first public release of ActionTracks, a workflow driven direct marketing CRM for managing direct marketing campaigns and sales workflow. ActionTracks is based on a complex workflow driven system I developed using Goldmine. The concept for a web-based version was initially included in a business plan for suite of products for mortgage brokers. When I returned to software development full-time in 2008, I decided to use this concept to learn CakePHP.  I have used this as a test platform to prove concepts and prototype features. What has resulted is a mostly working proof of concept. While the product is functional it certainly needs a lot of work.

When the product is complete i should support the same type of system I used as a mortgage broker to automate and manage my business. My process worked like this:

I used Pay Per Click campaigns to drive niche traffic to landing pages to receive free reports for first-time homebuyers, investors, etc. In order to receive the report, the user had to provide basic contact information. The contact info is automatically imported into the CRM where a Track is attached to the new contact. If the visitor requested the first-time homebuyer report, they would receive the report. After receiving the report, they would receive a series of emails spaced every few days or weeks. If the prospect submitted an application or called for a loan, the first-time homebuyer emails would stop, the Contact Type would be changed to Borrower and the contact would start receiving a series of letters and emails walking them through the loan process and keeping them informed about what steps are still to come. As the loan moved through the loan process, the borrower and other related contacts such as Realtors, appraisers, and escrow officers would receive email, fax, or letter notifications as the status of the loan changed. When the loan was closed, a gift was scheduled and the the borrower starts receiving follow up communication to stay in touch with borrowers and ask for referrals. My system required more than 200 messages and letters.

The idea for ActionTracks was to make the process of setting up these workflows much easier. Producing the content for these can be the most daunting task. In the mortgage business, there are several companies that provide content in the way of letters, flyers, and other marketing material. I wanted a system that would support easily importing this content from content providers such as Loan Toolbox, Dave Hershman, and Brian Sacks.

I am no longer in the mortgage business and really have no need for an application like this, however, I hate to see it sit and rot. I decided to release it as an Open Source application to generate some interest from other developers or companies interested in this type of system.

If you are interested in implenting or getting involved with the development of ActionTracks, please let me know.

Since I have recently returned to working as a contractor, I thought it would be a good idea to have a site where I can both write about topics I am interested in and showcase my skills. Stay tuned for some articles/posts on CakePHP and web development. This siite is using the Croogo CMS written with CakePHP. The layout uses HTML5 and CSS3. Here are some of the things to look for:

• CakePHP and vBulletin Integration
• CakePHP and PayPal Integration
• Real World CakePHP and CodeIgniter Comparison
• My 60/40 rule of web development
• Update to my Scriptaculous Inplace Editor article
• Dynamic Binding with CakePHP