In 2001 Octahedron launched it's product as Swim® (Savings with Improved Management). By the end of 2001 Octahedron was exclusively recommended by the Nationwide buying group (sister buying group to IJO), had won the Mico Business of the Year Award and the Retailers Association Best Technology Initiative award. In 2002 the limitations of using the standard software structure were realised. The standard involved flying to the client?s premises and performing the installation and training over two to five days. This model was very intensive for the jeweler, used up valuable employee time of the client and was intrusive to the day to day running of the jewelry store. To provide a better service, Octahedron needed to change the way the software program was delivered. The solution was to create a plug-and-play device. An appliance solution that required no installation, could be accessed anywhere and could be used even when the internet was down (for point-of-sale). After three years of development, the web-based Swim® was released. With this model Octahedron's client's could now implement disruption free software. To support the innovative product, Octahedron set about creating automated systems. These systems allow Octahedron staff and Swim® users (retail jewellers), to be connected. The internal systems include online ordering, delivery tracking, online support centre, e-learning and customer portal. These systems were created for scalability, so jewelry retailers receive the same first class service, regardless of their location or size of operation. Octahedron employed a model of working with each client directly (and not outsourcing to resellers). As part of this model, Octahedron attends many trade fairs and holds free training and seminar days. During a trade fair in India in 2006, a gentleman called Martin Rapaport stopped by the stand and looked at the software. Martin Rapaport is the owner of the Rapaport group, an international group of companies, that provide diamond information and resource services, including the Rapaport diamond price list and the Rapnet diamond trading platform.
After seeing the software Mr Rapaport wanted to help jewelers around the world have greater access and awareness of this new software. To do this Rapaport joined forces with Octahedon and in 2007 became a 50% shareholder. When commenting on the acquisition, Martin Rapaport, stated that Octahedron is a first class company with excellent technology and management. Jewelers across the globe will use Octahedrons software to increase productivity and profits. The Rapaport Group and Octahedron share a common vision that embraces the benefits of technology to meet the challenges of change. Octahedron also shares our values of honesty, transparency and a total commitment to improving the business of our clients.
The relationship with Rapaport enables Octahedron to extend its global reach and benefit thousands of jewellers across the globe with its new technology. Raeleen attributes Octahedron's success so far to employing excellent staff, working closely and openly with customers and seeking the guidance and experience of others. Octahedron's next step is to further help its clients and jewelers around the world to continue to grow be profitable. In 2009 Octahedron is holding free seminars on how to be more effective with fewer resources and show how Swim® users are achieving exceptional results in all economic climates. For seminar details, see the events page. Award Winning Octahedron has won several business awards including:
- Pearcey IT Award for Innovation 2008
- Qld Business Review Business Women of the Year (Technology) 2006
- Optus Australian Micro Business of the Year 2001
- RAQ Best Technology Initiative for a Retail Store Award 2001
- FIG Queensland Government Best Financial Plan Award 2002
- Australian Micro Business Emerging Business (National Winner) 2001
- Queensland Department of State Development Micro Business Winner 2001
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