Outlier

Platform Modernization

Challenge: Overhaul outdated Magento site to handle traffic surges, especially during flash sales

Solution: New Magento build on latest version

Ecommerce platforms continually improve. To help retailers keep up with the improvements, platform developers issue platform updates or patches. But many retailers get busy running the store and updates often take time, effort and strategy to complete. This can result in substantial site performance issues, as was the case here.

To fix this issue, Command C gave Outlier a fresh start. We created a new Magento site, including a brand new custom theme that did all of the things they needed. We rebuilt much of the functionality from their old site, and added on new features.

Then we managed the clean up of their massive amount of sales, customer, and product data. All of this information was then put into the new fresh start version of Magento. This gave Outlier the best possible platform to move forward with.

In addition to the Magento upgrade, Command C also migrated a Movable Type (for site content) install. We moved servers for both Movable Type and Magento, and eliminated many of the communication loops between these two that were slowing things down. Additionally, since the sites were now on the same server, they could communicate much faster.

Stronger Infrastructure for Bigger Crowds

Challenge: Help Outlier grow by building scalability into site

Solution: Move site to stable infrastructure and add enhancements

For a time, when Outlier would release a new product, the site would crash due to high traffic volume. To solve this issue, we got them set up with stable infrastructure. At the same time, we also fortified the site’s security features.

As Outlier grew, because of the amount of growth they were experiencing, we started to see that they needed more scalability. So we worked on performance enhancements with them. We did this through a combination of SSL everywhere and an upgrade to utilize Varnish cache. Varnish cache vastly improved page load time.

Now when they announce a limited release or a flash sale, the site has the processing power to handle the jump in customer traffic.

Improving Fulfillment

Challenge: Update fulfillment process for products in high demand

Solution: Build a custom connector to transmit data between Magento and 3PL

Outlier has grown and scaled significantly in our time working together. Recently, they needed to choose a new fulfillment provider. This is a significant challenge for any retailer. Not only do they have to manage the transfer of goods from one warehouse to the next, but there is a plethora of moving parts that need to speak to one another, and there can’t be a gap in service. So, everything needs to be orchestrated with timely precision.

Our latest project includes consult around and building of a custom connector that passes data back and forth between Magento and the 3PL, via the 3PL’s API.

Command C continues to collaborate with Outlier to improve both the frontend and backend experience as they scale. Other projects we’ve worked on together include extensive consult around custom reporting tools, help desk integration, and lots of future-focused problem solving.