Building a Next-Generation eCommerce Website and Web App for Hockenbergs
Overview

As large-scale foodservice equipment suppliers continue to digitize operations, modern eCommerce platforms have become essential for delivering seamless purchasing experiences, efficient product discovery, and integrated backend management.

Hockenbergs, a long-established foodservice equipment and supplies provider in the United States, required a complete digital transformation to modernize its outdated eCommerce ecosystem and improve customer engagement.

To address these challenges, a next-generation eCommerce website and web application were developed with advanced product categorization, enhanced search functionality, ERP integration, and customer-centric operational features.

The result was a scalable digital commerce platform that improved user experience, streamlined backend workflows, and contributed to increased online sales.

Building-a-Next-Generation-eCommerce-Website
Client Background

Hockenbergs is a US-based dealer of foodservice equipment and supplies with over 100 years of industry experience.

The company specializes in:

  • Restaurant supplies
  • Commercial kitchen equipment
  • Foodservice operation support
  • Kitchen space design and installation
  • Sustainability and waste reduction solutions

Following its acquisition by TriMark in 2017, Hockenbergs became the 14th division of TriMark and sought to modernize its digital commerce infrastructure to align with enterprise operational standards.

The Challenge

Hockenbergs’ existing eCommerce platform suffered from usability limitations, poor product organization, and outdated customer workflows that negatively impacted conversions and operational efficiency.

The organization required a scalable and customer-focused digital commerce solution capable of handling a large product inventory while integrating seamlessly with backend ERP systems.

Core Challenges
  • Outdated eCommerce website design
  • Poor user experience and low conversion rates
  • Inefficient product categorization and hierarchy
  • Limited search functionality
  • Need for ERP integration with digital sales operations
  • Requirement for customer-centric purchasing features
Key Problems
  • Difficulty navigating 40,000+ product listings
  • Inefficient order placement workflows
  • Lack of advanced search capabilities
  • Disconnected backend order management systems
  • Limited operational scalability
The Solution

A modern eCommerce website and web application were developed to streamline product discovery, improve purchasing workflows, and optimize backend operations through ERP integration.

The solution focused on usability, operational efficiency, and scalable digital commerce infrastructure.

  • Redesigned the eCommerce website and web app with modern UI/UX workflows
  • Integrated SAP ERP for streamlined order and inventory management
  • Organized 40,000+ products with structured categorization and hierarchy
  • Implemented advanced product search and filtering functionality
  • Added customer-centric features like order history and shipment tracking
  • Built scalable B2B commerce infrastructure for enterprise operations
  • Improved operational efficiency with ERP-driven backend workflows
Steps Process Details Deliverable
eCommerce Website & Web App Redesign The existing website and web application were redesigned with a modern user interface and improved shopping workflows.

Enhancements included:

  • Contemporary responsive design
  • User-centric navigation
  • Optimized shopping experience
  • Improved conversion-focused workflows
Result:

A more intuitive and engaging digital commerce experience.

SAP ERP Integration The platform was integrated with SAP ERP to streamline order processing and backend operational workflows.

Integrated processes included:

  • Order management
  • Inventory synchronization
  • Sales workflow optimization
  • Backend operational coordination
Result:

Improved operational efficiency and streamlined business workflows.

Product Categorization & Catalog Optimization Over 40,000 products were categorized and cataloged into a structured hierarchy to improve navigation and searchability.

Capabilities included:

  • Organized product hierarchy
  • Structured categories and subcategories
  • Improved product accessibility
Result:

Simplified product discovery and faster purchasing workflows.

Advanced Search Functionality An advanced search system was implemented to deliver more accurate and efficient search results.

Features included:

  • Improved search relevance
  • Faster product discovery
  • Optimized filtering workflows
Result:

Reduced search friction and improved customer satisfaction.

Customer-Centric Feature Development Additional customer-focused features were integrated into the platform, including:

  • PDF invoice downloads
  • Fulfilled order history
  • Shipping tracking status
  • Personal order guides
  • Chain accounts with multi-user functionality
Result:

Enhanced customer convenience and streamlined purchasing management.

Key Innovations
Enterprise-Grade ERP Integration

Integrated SAP ERP to synchronize backend inventory, sales, and order management workflows.

Advanced Product Discovery System

Implemented structured product categorization and intelligent search capabilities for faster order placement.

Customer-Centric Commerce Features

Added operational tools and personalized workflows to improve customer purchasing experiences.

Scalable B2B eCommerce Infrastructure

Built a future-ready digital commerce ecosystem capable of supporting enterprise-level operations.

Results Achieved
Increased Online Sales

The redesigned eCommerce platform and enhanced user experience contributed to improved sales performance.

Faster Order Placement

Advanced search and organized product hierarchies reduced the time required for customers to find and order products.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Streamlined workflows and customer-focused features enhanced overall user experience and convenience.

Optimized Backend Operations

SAP ERP integration improved inventory management, order processing, and operational efficiency.

Before vs After

 

Aspect Before Solution After Solution
Website Experience Outdated & low-converting Modern & conversion-focused
Product Discovery Poor categorization Structured product hierarchy
Search Functionality Limited & inaccurate Advanced search system
Order Management Fragmented workflows SAP ERP integrated operations
Customer Features Basic purchasing experience Personalized customer tools
Operational Efficiency Manual backend coordination Streamlined ERP-driven workflows
Tech Stack
target-database
Platform

eCommerce Website & Web App

source-database
ERP

SAP ERP

processing-logic
Architecture

B2B Commerce Platform

sync-type
Features

Advanced Product Search

Conclusion
By redesigning Hockenbergs’ digital commerce ecosystem and integrating SAP ERP workflows, the solution transformed an outdated eCommerce experience into a scalable and customer-centric B2B platform. The implementation improved product discovery, streamlined operational workflows, enhanced customer satisfaction, and contributed to increased online sales—creating a modern digital foundation capable of supporting long-term business growth.
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