Case Study: Performance Optimisation and Infrastructure Modernisation for SuperDry
Client: SuperDry
Project: Performance Improvement, Search Provider Migration, and Containerisation of Internal API
Technologies Used: PHP, MySQL, Docker, PHPUnit, CircleCI
Overview
SuperDry, a global fashion retailer, sought to enhance the performance and scalability of its PHP and MySQL platform, transition to a new search provider within a tight deadline, and modernise its development process by containerising an internal API. This project addressed these critical needs through strategic performance improvements, efficient migration planning, and robust testing and CI/CD pipeline setup.
Challenges
- Platform Performance Bottlenecks: SuperDry’s PHP and MySQL platform was experiencing performance limitations, impacting overall speed and user experience.
- Urgent Search Provider Migration: The project required a swift migration to a new third-party search provider with limited downtime and minimal disruption to customer search experience.
- Modernising the Development Workflow: The internal API needed to be containerised, tested, and integrated with CI/CD workflows to improve deployment efficiency and scalability.
Solutions Implemented
- Performance Optimisation of PHP and MySQL Platform
Our team conducted an in-depth performance audit, focusing on code efficiency, query optimisation, and database tuning. By streamlining PHP logic, optimising MySQL queries, and removing bottlenecks, we achieved significant improvements in load times and processing speed, delivering a smoother experience for both end-users and SuperDry’s internal operations. - Search Provider Migration
With a tight timeline, the transition to a new search provider required meticulous planning and execution. We developed a migration plan that minimised disruption by ensuring data compatibility, conducting thorough pre-launch testing, and coordinating across teams. The successful migration improved search speed and relevance, enhancing the overall user experience on SuperDry’s platform. - Containerisation of Internal API with Docker
To support SuperDry’s goal of modernising their infrastructure, we containerised their internal API using Docker. This process included restructuring the codebase to make it container-friendly, adding unit tests in PHPUnit to ensure stability, and implementing CircleCI for automated continuous integration. This setup enhanced deployment speed, consistency, and scalability, allowing the API to run seamlessly across various environments.
Results
- Improved Platform Performance: The optimisation of PHP and MySQL boosted SuperDry’s platform speed and stability, providing users with a more responsive browsing and shopping experience.
- Seamless Search Provider Migration: Despite the short deadline, the successful migration resulted in improved search functionality, enabling SuperDry’s customers to find products faster and more accurately.
- Streamlined Development Workflow: The containerisation of the internal API and integration with CircleCI reduced deployment time, increased reliability, and created a scalable, agile environment for SuperDry’s development team.
Conclusion
This project for SuperDry exemplifies how targeted performance enhancements, effective migration strategies, and infrastructure modernisation can drive both operational efficiency and user satisfaction. By optimising their PHP and MySQL platform, successfully migrating search functionality, and setting up a robust containerised environment, SuperDry is well-equipped for future growth and development.