Migration from outdated Shopware 5 to the most frequent version 6 went smoothly – we gained access to plenty of new possibilities to scale our business due to much modern architecture.
Client overview
Our client is one of Europe’s leading online retailers in the home improvement and customization sector. Since 2009, they have grown to serve over 100,000 business and private customers across Europe, establishing themselves as Germany’s premier destination for customized home solutions. Their extensive inventory includes more than 300 primary products and 1,500 accessories, with a robust logistics system ensuring immediate availability for customers. While they distribute worldwide, their primary focus remains on the European market, where they’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, customizable solutions at competitive prices.
Business challenge
The client approached us with a complex set of challenges that threatened their market position. At the core of their concerns was an aging e-commerce infrastructure built on Shopware 5, a platform approaching deprecation. This technical limitation was creating ripple effects throughout their business operations.
Their existing platform struggled with severe performance issues, particularly on mobile devices where load times exceeded 14 seconds – far above the industry standard of 6 seconds. Desktop performance wasn’t much better, with page load times averaging 5 seconds. These technical limitations manifested in concerning business metrics: a high cart abandonment rate of 70%, a conversion rate stagnating at 1.58%, and escalating customer acquisition costs.
Mobile performance was particularly problematic given that 65% of their traffic came from mobile devices. The slow load times were directly impacting their Google Core Web Vitals scores, with Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) exceeding 5.5 seconds on mobile devices – well above Google’s recommended 2.5 seconds threshold.
The situation was further complicated by increasing maintenance costs and limited scalability for product configurations. Their marketing efforts were hampered by suboptimal Google Ads quality scores, leading to inefficient ad spend and missed opportunities for market growth.
Project Scope – migration from Shopware 5 to Shopware 6
We were tasked with executing a complete platform migration from Shopware 5 to Shopware 6. This wasn’t simply a technical upgrade – it represented a fundamental transformation of the client’s digital commerce capabilities. The project demanded a delicate balance between implementing significant technical improvements and maintaining uninterrupted business operations.
The technical scope encompassed full data migration, custom module development, and third-party integrations. Beyond these technical elements, we needed to ensure the new platform would deliver tangible business improvements: higher conversion rates, enhanced mobile experience, and reduced operational costs.
Solution delivered
Codelivery’s team of experts designed and implemented a comprehensive solution that included:
Technical Implementation
Our approach to the technical implementation focused on creating a robust, scalable foundation. The migration to Shopware 6 introduced an API-first architecture, enabling more flexible integration capabilities and future scalability. We implemented an advanced caching system that significantly improved page load times and overall performance.
Performance Optimization
The performance optimization strategy centered on three key areas:
- Implementation of sophisticated caching mechanisms that reduced mobile page load times from 12 seconds to just 6.1 seconds, and desktop load times from 5 seconds to 3.3 seconds
- Optimization of the mobile experience through responsive design principles and performance-focused development, including implementing lazy loading and optimizing critical rendering paths
- Enhancement of server infrastructure to handle increased loads while maintaining consistent performance
User Experience Enhancement
We redesigned the customer journey with a focus on reducing friction points. The checkout process was streamlined, removing unnecessary steps and adding intuitive progress indicators. The product configuration system was enhanced to handle complex customization options while maintaining simplicity for users. We implemented smart search functionality that made finding specific products and accessories more intuitive.
Marketing and SEO Infrastructure
The new platform provided a robust foundation for marketing efforts. We implemented advanced SEO capabilities that improved organic visibility. The enhanced site performance led to better Google Ads quality scores, reducing advertising costs. The platform’s improved analytics capabilities enabled better tracking and optimization of marketing campaigns.
Results
The implementation of Codelivery’s custom IoT solution yielded significant benefits for the client:
Enhanced passenger safety
The system’s ability to quickly identify and report safety issues contributed to improved passenger security, allowing for rapid response to potential threats or emergencies
Improved incident response
Real-time reporting of both safety incidents and schedule disruptions enabled faster and more effective responses to various situations
Compliance with tender requirements
The client could now accurately track and report both safety incidents and schedule adherence, ensuring compliance with municipal tender requirements and avoiding potential penalties
Enhanced fleet management
Real-time incident reporting and data analysis allowed for more efficient route planning, resource allocation, and identification of high-risk areas
Cost savings
By automating the incident reporting process, the client reduced manual data entry errors and administrative overhead
Data-driven decision makin
The comprehensive incident data collected enabled the client to make informed decisions about route optimization, security measures, and maintenance schedules
Conclusion
This project showcases Codelivery’s ability to deliver complex, tailored solutions that address unique business challenges while prioritizing public safety and operational efficiency. By leveraging our expertise in custom backend development, IoT integration, and business process optimization, we were able to create a system that not only met the client’s immediate needs but also provided a foundation for future improvements in their public transportation services.
The success of this project highlights Codelivery’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that drive real business value and enhance public safety. Our ability to seamlessly integrate hardware and software components, while ensuring data security and reliability, positions us as a trusted partner for organizations facing complex technological challenges in the transportation sector.
