ABOUTTHE CLIENT
As a brand with over 125 years of tradition, MERKUR has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience even in challenging times. It provides reliable customer support and remains Slovenia’s leading technical and online store. With a vast selection of products for construction, home, and garden, it ranks among the most trusted partners.
In 2022, MERKUR outlined a clear energy transformation strategy and, under the brand MERKUR Energija, offers efficient energy solutions for both individual and business customers. Additionally, it strengthens its advisory role with the help of artificial intelligence. MERKUR’s AI assistant, M.AI.A., based on ChatGPT technology, assists customers in finding product information, particularly in the garden category, and is available both in stores and online.
Through its “For a Green Planet” initiative, MERKUR strives to promote greater environmental awareness and sustainable solutions, allowing individuals to contribute to a greener future. Alongside energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, the company builds strong partnerships and enhances its reputation through charitable projects.
When help is needed for renovations or home improvements, Rečeno storjeno service experts ensure that every project achieves the desired outcome. MERKUR remains an indispensable partner for all who seek a quality and comfortable living experience.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
For Merkur d.o.o., we have developed a comprehensive solution for a B2B online store that surpasses the traditional functionalities of such platforms. It is a modern system that allows business partners access to personalized pricing and inventory information, calculated in real time based on their specific agreements and business relationships. The project was designed on a robust architecture using the latest technologies and adapted the integration platform to connect all key business systems into a unified ecosystem.
The B2B platform is not just an online store for the client but also a key business tool that ensures seamless connectivity with various backend systems such as ERP, CRM, and PIM. In this process, we faced challenges such as:
- Ensuring real-time price and stock calculations for each partner individually.
- Establishing a centralized integration management system that simplifies communication between different systems.
- Implementing high-level security in the use of public APIs and platform access.
Our approach was based on advanced technologies and a precise understanding of the client’s business needs:
- Real-time personalization: With a robust backend built on Aimeos and integration with backend systems, we ensured instant price and stock calculations.
- Integration platform: We developed a centralized platform based on Apache APISIX as an API Gateway, PimCore for product data management, Keycloak for authentication, and Kafka for managing data streams and events.
- Advanced frontend: Developed with Vue.js and Nuxt, customized with VueStorefront, allowing a fast and responsive user experience.
- Security and reliability: We implemented a proxy server with IP whitelisting to control access to public APIs and ensured a high level of data protection.
The online store has enabled the client to optimize business processes and improve the experience for business partners:
- Speed and accuracy: Partners now receive customized pricing and stock information instantly.
- Easy expansion: The modular architecture allows easy addition of new functionalities and connections to external systems.
- Centralized management: The integration platform simplifies system connections, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.
Key technologies used:
- Backend: Aimeos
- Frontend: Vue.js, Nuxt, customized VueStorefront
- Integration platform: Apache APISIX, Keycloak, PimCore, Kafka
- Security: Proxy server, IP whitelisting
This project represents a significant step forward in the digitalization of Merkur’s B2B business. The client has received a reliable, adaptable solution prepared for future challenges.
