Backend APIs and CMS for a large-scale retail platform

Large retail platforms rarely start from scratch. They evolve over time, often becoming complex systems that are difficult to extend without risk.

In this case, a major global hardware retailer needed improvements to their existing platform covering both content management and e-commerce functionality without interrupting ongoing operations.

Intellegens joined the project through a technology partner, focusing on two critical areas:

• Enhancing the CMS layer built on Orchard
• Supporting the backend APIs powering webshop functionality

The goal wasn’t to replace the system, but to strengthen and extend it in a way that supports both web and mobile applications.

Intellegens analyzed and improved the existing infrasturcture, from the hosting environment in general to database access layer including queries and procedures.

In general this resulted in a better overall experience, reducing data loading times by 34.7% on average in areas where actions were taken.

In some places optimizations resulted in 5 times faster execution times providing a much better experience for the end users.

The backend APIs we worked on were used across multiple channels, ensuring that both web and mobile applications could access the same reliable data and functionality.

This created a more consistent user experience while reducing duplication in development efforts - a key factor for platforms operating at scale.

Due to the nature of the client and project, most details remain confidential. However, the outcome is clear: the required upgrades were successfully delivered and pushed to production, meeting the client’s goals.

Working in this kind of environment requires more than technical execution. It demands precision, reliability, and the ability to deliver without disrupting existing systems.

By focusing on targeted improvements rather than large-scale rewrites, the project delivered:

• Stronger backend capabilities for e-commerce
• Improved CMS flexibility
• A platform ready to support continued growth

Most importantly, these improvements were delivered without introducing instability, allowing the client to scale their platform while maintaining confidence in its performance.