Case Study: Bakes Online – Magento x Dynamics RMS Integration

The Challenges

Bakes, a retailer operating both online and offline channels, initially managed its eCommerce storefront on an outdated Asp.net platform. Over a decade old, the legacy system presented limited functionality, outdated interfaces, and an urgent need for migration. To stay competitive, Bakes decided to move to Magento 2, a robust and flexible eCommerce platform.

Simultaneously, Bakes relied heavily on Microsoft Dynamics RMS for inventory management and order processing. The RMS system was well-integrated with QuickBooks for accounting and had become deeply ingrained in the company’s daily operations. Although RMS was reaching its end-of-life support window, Bakes hesitated to adopt a new system due to its staff’s familiarity and well-established workflows.

Key Challenges

1. Preserving SEO and URLs During Migration:
   Transitioning from Asp.net to Magento 2 risked losing valuable SEO rankings and backlinks accumulated over the years. Bakes needed to ensure that old URLs were redirected flawlessly to the new Magento store to maintain online visibility and search engine credibility.
2. Integrating Legacy Systems with Modern Platforms:
   Custom integration solutions failed to connect Microsoft Dynamics RMS smoothly with Magento 2. Issues ranged from not being able to upload product images from RMS to Magento, to broader data synchronization problems, making accurate, real-time data exchange nearly impossible.
3. Eliminating Manual Data Entry and Reducing Costs:
   Without a functional integration, orders placed online had to be manually updated in RMS for shipping and fulfillment. New products created in RMS were not automatically displayed online, requiring manual, error-prone, and costly data entry. Managing thousands of products and orders this way drained resources, impeded growth, and increased dependency on human input.
4. Maintaining Operational Agility and Continuity:
   Bakes had to ensure that the new solution did not disrupt existing operations. RMS remained integral to their business, from inventory management and shipping fulfillment to accounting integrations. Any solution had to fit smoothly into existing workflows without extensive retraining or additional complications.

The Solutions

1. Seamless Magento Migration and Redirection:
   Collaborating with Variux, a Magento Development Agency, Bakes launched their new Magento 2 site. .htaccess rewrite rules ensured old URLs permanently (301) redirected to their new counterparts. This careful approach preserved SEO rankings and avoided traffic loss.
2. Connecting Magento 2 and Microsoft Dynamics RMS:
   HexaSync served as a universal translator, enabling data exchange between Magento and RMS. Regardless of the RMS platform’s limitations, HexaSync established a reliable channel for synchronizing orders, inventory updates, product listings, and customer information. This interoperability allowed Bakes to leverage their RMS environment without sacrificing advanced eCommerce capabilities.
3. Real-Time Data Synchronization and Efficiency:
   With HexaSync, orders placed on RMS instantly updated Magento’s inventory, and new online customers automatically appeared in RMS for fulfillment. This eliminated manual data entry, reduced errors, and significantly cut down on labor costs. The platform’s agility supported high-volume data transfers and evolving demands without disruption.

Critical Success Factors

1. Flexible Integration Capabilities:
   HexaSync’s ability to integrate with legacy systems—API or not—proved fundamental. Unlike custom integrations, the iPaaS platform adapted to existing infrastructures, ensuring minimal downtime and configuration hurdles.
2. Preservation of Established Workflows:
   RMS remained at the heart of Bakes’ operational model. The solution did not require the retailer to abandon familiar workflows or retrain staff extensively. Instead, the integration boosted efficiency while maintaining continuity.
3. Future-Ready Scalability:
   As Bakes grows, HexaSync’s modular architecture and scalable features allow for expanding the product range, adding new sales channels, or integrating additional platforms without starting from scratch.

The Results

1. Maintained SEO Rankings and Visibility:
   By seamlessly migrating to Magento 2 and implementing strategic 301 redirects, Bakes retained its hard-earned SEO rankings. This ensured minimal disruption to organic search traffic and preserved the business’s online visibility.
2. Reduced Manual Labor and Costs:
   Eliminating manual data entry for orders, customers, and products saved both time and money. Instead of dedicating hours to tedious tasks, staff could focus on growth-oriented activities, innovation, and customer engagement.
3. Accelerated Order Fulfillment and Improved Accuracy:
   Instant data synchronization across platforms meant faster, more accurate order processing. Customers received their products on time, and inventory levels remained correct and up-to-date, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Sustainable Growth and Multi-Channel Optimization:
With a stable integration in place, Bakes could confidently expand its product lines, refine its omnichannel strategy, and easily accommodate future system changes. The improved synergy between online and offline operations strengthened the business’s competitive advantage.