A step into the future with MACH architecture

The ANWR Group faced the task of modernizing its outdated e-commerce platform schuhe.de. The complexity of the project lay in the switch to a MACH architecture and in separating the individual components of the old system.

One essential and challenging aspect of moving schuhe.de onto the new MACH architecture was the unification of product data. The project faced the enormous task of integrating data from more than 1,400 stores. This data had to be processed in delta syncs every 15 minutes, which required continuous and precise data updates. On top of that, the item information came from nearly 40 different ERP systems that had to be converted into a unified format, a complex process with numerous interfaces.

Front-end development and system integration: A core aspect of the implementation was the development of a new shop front-end tailored to the needs of schuhe.de. Shopmacher were responsible for implementing the associated systems, including an efficient search function. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating the product data from the product information management system Akeneo. This ensured that product data was taken into the shop in a standardized way and passed on to the order system through cleanly defined interfaces.

Unification of product data: An essential part of the implementation was the unification of product data from more than 1,400 stores. This data was updated every 15 minutes and came from almost 40 different ERP systems. Consolidating this data into a unified format was crucial to ensure a consistent and efficient shopping experience.

Agile project management: One of the biggest challenges was the agile way of working required to carry out the project successfully. Shopmacher and all partners involved had to react flexibly to unexpected challenges and find efficient solutions within a set timeframe and budget. This approach proved crucial to the project's success.

Search function with Algolia: An important component of the new platform was the implementation of Algolia's search function. This AI-based solution not only improves the search experience for customers but also lets the schuhe.de team adjust the search ranking individually, for example to highlight certain products for seasonal occasions such as Halloween.

The move to the new MACH architecture was not only technically demanding but also a decisive step toward increasing the platform's efficiency and scalability. A key milestone in this process was the unification of product data in Akeneo.

This successful integration of the data now enables a consistent shopping experience across different sales channels and forms a central part of the future-proof e-commerce strategy of schuhe.de.

The new platform also laid the foundations for future extensions and the internationalization of the offering. The schuhe.de project therefore stands as a prime example of a successful digital transformation and of aligning with future market needs and opportunities.