Why PLUS Supermarket needed to revamp its e-commerce platforms
PLUS is one of the leading supermarket chains in the Netherlands, known for its high-quality products, well-maintained stores, and a convenient shopping experience that caters to a broad customer base. It has over 270 outlets, many of which are operated by local entrepreneurs.
In recent years, a growing number of customers have recognized the ease and convenience of grocery delivery and PLUS has responded by placing a strong focus on its omnichannel proposition. However, the company’s e-commerce platform struggled to handle the swift growth in demand, resulting in missed opportunities to increase online revenue.
In 2021, PLUS decided it was time for a new e-commerce platform, one that offered greater stability, better performance, and a faster time-to-market.
Solution
How OutSystems addressed PLUS’s growth issues
OutSystems was already a strategic partner, driving PLUS’s digital transformation in partnership with Product League. At first, PLUS used OutSystems to create a Vacancy Management System and an internal communication app.
After experiencing the speed and flexibility that the low-code platform offered in supporting its back-end architecture, PLUS and Product League decided to use OutSystems as the front-end and foundation of the cloud-native platform. Product League harnessed the OutSystems platform to construct the front-end for both the webshop and the mobile app, allowing for rapid development and iteration. For the back-end, the team leveraged Commercetools to enable next-level shopping experiences.
The unique composable combination of OutSystems, Commercetools, and Contentful, a content management system which was deployed to handle content flow, enabled PLUS to create accessible, convenient, and differentiated shopping experiences.
Results
Taking the PLUS retail platforms to the next level
Since the adoption of the OutSystems platform, more than 25 applications have been integrated within the system. Additionally, by separating the front-end and back-end, new features can now be easily added without affecting the other functions.
Security is a significant ongoing concern for all online retailers, including PLUS. Data breaches, payment fraud, phishing attacks, malware, and vulnerabilities in e-commerce platforms could expose sensitive customer information like credit card details, personal data, and login credentials. With important security features already integrated into the OutSystems low-code platform, PLUS has been able to upgrade the security systems of its online platforms.
Development efficiency has considerably improved too. Previously, the company was running three technology teams: one for the web, one for the Android app, and one for the iOS app. Now, thanks to the single code base, PLUS only needs to perform a load and pen-test on one application instead of three, which saves significant time.
PLUS is continuing to add new features such as smart filtering of products and multiple device cart management where multiple people can add products to the shopping cart from different devices. Also, the order management system for store owners has been optimized to more precisely define the delivery area.
The new PLUS retail website went live in February 2024, providing an enhanced customer experience, and enabling an ongoing series of innovations. Using OutSystems, PLUS has delivered a robust, advanced e-commerce platform that is expected to have 25 million visitors a year who will generate approximately €180 million in sales.
“We are excited by what PLUS has achieved with our low-code platform. The innovative approach in building this composable and flexible e-commerce platform shows the potential of low-code. The reusability of components also contributes to the efficiency and sustainability of the solution, making it an inspiring example for the retail industry.”
Harmen HoogwoutRegional Vice President Northern Europe
OutSystems
