Modernizing a fashion retailer’s operations through Integration.

Our Mission – improving efficiency and supporting digital transformation.

Solutions – successfully implemented payroll, help desk, and supply chain integrations.

Tech Stack – MuleSoft’s Anypoint Platform for API-led integrations.

Collaboration model – Started with a single developer in a remote setup, later expanding to a fully integrated team working alongside the client’s project managers.

About.

A multinational fashion retail company with a strong presence in 20 European countries, expanding its operations in the Americas and Asia. The company operates a vast network of brick-and-mortar stores alongside a rapidly growing e-commerce platform.

Initial situation.

Our client requested support in building integrations using MuleSoft’s Anypoint Platform. With several Mule applications already in place, some needed to be integrated with other applications, while others required migration to the latest stack.

The MuleSoft Anypoint Platform is an integration platform that facilitates the connection of different systems, applications, and data sources across enterprises through an API-led connectivity approach. Using this tool, our client aimed to replace their current integrations, which were time-intensive from the development perspective, with a reusable, API-led approach. This strategy enabled faster e-commerce expansion, omnichannel connectivity, and efficient system integration.

Problem space and solution.

The client had several ongoing projects they needed to be completed within a given timeline. To meet these requirements, they needed trained developers who could collaborate with business analysts to create bespoke applications.

Our first project involved integrating employee payment-related data with their identity management system across five countries. Following a two-month ramp-up and planning phase, the first features were integrated and adopted by the HR department. After twelve months, the full feature set was completed, allowing the client to consolidate payroll-related data from multiple applications into a single system. This integration provided a unified view of employee records, salary calculations, and compliance tracking, reducing manual effort and improving payroll processing efficiency across all locations.

Our next project was ‘Jira’ – more specifically, the integration of the client’s internal help desk apps with Jira’s API. The goal was to enable them to create and manage all support tickets from a single hub instead of having to monitor multiple applications. Additionally, this integration allowed the client to internalize the administration of support tickets, which had previously been handled by external suppliers. By eliminating these dependencies, they reduced operational costs and gained greater control over their support processes. After a year and a half of active development, our client successfully achieved a unified view of all their support tickets, replacing several different applications that managed issues such as cash register problems, fleet management, and IT support.

Our most significant task was modernizing the application landscape to support supply chains. By adhering to global logistics standards (SSCC, GTIN), we aimed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. We developed a few Mule applications that send orders to suppliers and receive advice messages detailing which products will be shipped to their destinations and expected arrival times at distribution centers. This initiative was already in progress when one of our employees joined the development team. After a year and a half, the application went live, with the first manufacturers already integrated and hundreds more set to follow.

Collaboration.

Remote team – proof of concept

Initially, we recruited one developer to collaborate with the client. The client wanted to assess the viability of remote work, where the developer operated separately from the rest of the team. Once the initial test proved successful, another developer joined the project, followed by two more. These additions were made following the successful trial outcome that showed no impediments to the client’s workflow.

Knowledge ramp-up

Due to a shortage of available Mule developers, we decided to train our Java developers to handle integrations with Mule instead. Through a MuleSoft training program and the MCD Integration and API Associate exam, our developers became Mule-ready within three to six months, depending on their qualifications and prior experience.

Lean organisation

We adopted a highly lean approach to organizing our team. Since the engineering requirements on the client’s side are highly specialized, we quickly established a common understanding. A weekly sync meeting to align on key priorities and a Kanban board were all we needed to succeed as a team.

Quality assured

Due to the complex infrastructure and multiple layers of test environments, we strive for simplicity within the team. As an integration team, we need to take care of significant complexity on the outside due to manifold system dependencies across multiple countries. Our top priority is ensuring production continuity, and to achieve this, we use a series of test environments as quality gates before deployment to production.

Stability first

Stability naturally comes with its own set of costs, which, in this case, means that production releases cannot be executed frequently. However, what we can do is release the most recent increments to test environments every two months. After each test release, the team receives feedback from the business users, allowing us to improve the product before it goes to production.

Results.

We have been working with this fashion retailer for approximately five years with a team that has grown over time. Our team line-up has evolved based on project requirements, but more often than not, we work collaboratively, integrating our developers with theirs or working alongside their project managers.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with this amazing client on a range of projects, some of which have been successfully released and are now in use, while others are still in development. It’s a testament to our strong partnership that our client has trusted us for over five years, thanks to our parent company and colleagues from codecentric Solingen, who initiated this collaboration. We strive for great client satisfaction every day and are proud of our ongoing relationship.

“The project management style is lean and flexible.”

So far, ProductDock has managed the project in a lean and flexible manner. They excellently communicate through Microsoft Team, Jira, and Confluence. Beyond their skills, their customer service impresses the client the most.

MuleSoft C4E Lead

Fashion Retail Company