Approximately 80% faster
product detail pages
Future-proof, stable Shopware 6
architecture with a focus on B2B
Highly available hosting
by maxcluster
Management Summary
Together with our partner, the e-commerce agency Webmatch, Bierbaum-Proenen decided to comprehensively modernize its online shop.
We at maxcluster provided the high-performance, fail-safe, and scalable hosting infrastructure on which the new platform is based.
The migration to Shopware 6 and the return to standard functions resulted in a system that runs reliably in the long term, remains technically flexible, and achieves around 80% faster loading times on product detail pages.
Initial Situation
A system at its limit
Before the project began, the technical basis of the existing shop had clearly reached its limits. The Shopware version used was outdated, and many individual customizations had led to a confusing and difficult-to-maintain system.
In particular, there were regular delays and interruptions during checkout, which had a direct impact on sales and customer satisfaction. At the same time, the previous provider lacked stability, responsiveness, and technical support.
Together with Webmatch, Bierbaum-Proenen decided on a complete restart: a modern, stable Shopware 6 solution, supported by a hosting architecture from maxcluster developed specifically for e-commerce.
In a nutshell
Customer: Bierbaum-Proenen GmbH & Co. KG
Industry: Workwear / Fashion
Platform: Shopware 6
Website: www.bp-online.com
About Bierbaum-Proenen GmbH & Co. KG
Founded in 1788, this family-owned company from Cologne is known for its BP® brand of high-quality workwear and protective clothing. Quality, customer focus, and sustainability have shaped the company's philosophy for generations.
Challenges
The project involved overcoming several technical and structural challenges relating to both the existing system architecture and operational processes.
1. Technical stabilization of the shop
First, the ongoing operation of the old system had to be secured. Recurring failures and unpredictable errors significantly impaired the everyday B2B shopping experience. Together with Webmatch, maxcluster supported the short-term stabilization of the platform to prevent revenue losses and restore system reliability.
2. Update to the latest Shopware version
An important step in the project was the upgrade to Shopware 6. The new version offered a modern, future-proof technical foundation, higher security, and compatibility with new functions and interfaces—essential for the long-term scalability of the shop.
3. Return to the Shopware standard
Over many years, the shop had deviated significantly from the standard due to numerous individual customizations. The aim of the relaunch was to reduce unnecessary in-house developments in order to simplify maintenance and further development. This made it possible to create a leaner, more maintenance-friendly code base.
4. Reduction of operating and maintenance costs
In addition to technical improvements, economic efficiency was also to be optimized. Thanks to a clearly structured system landscape and maxcluster's e-commerce-specialized hosting, running costs for maintenance and operation were significantly reduced.
5. Performance optimization
A key goal was to significantly improve performance, especially on product detail and checkout pages. Thanks to close coordination between Webmatch and maxcluster, the hosting architecture was specifically designed for short loading times and stable processes.
The result: noticeably faster response times and a measurably higher conversion rate.
6. Visual and functional modernization
In addition to the technical realignment, the shop was given a modern, brand-compliant appearance with optimized user guidance. The new design ensures a consistent shopping experience—on both desktop and mobile devices.
These six tasks illustrate how closely a powerful hosting infrastructure is linked to successful technical modernization. As Webmatch's preferred hosting partner, maxcluster provided the stable, highly available platform on which the new solution can grow reliably.
Solution
Comprehensive relaunch with Shopware 6 and B2B components
In close cooperation with Webmatch, we supported the project from planning to go-live. The goal was to create a future-proof, high-performance e-commerce platform designed for growth and stability.
The measures implemented included:
- Rebuilding the architecture based on Shopware 6
- Integrating B2B components to map central business processes
- Connection of the ERP system for consistent data flows
- Use of modern tools such as Sentry and OpenSearch
- Reduction of individual developments to standard functions
- Agile project management with clear responsibilities and short feedback cycles
The close cooperation of all parties involved enabled a smooth, on-time go-live – supported by an optimally prepared hosting environment from maxcluster.
Hosting with maxcluster – the foundation for success
Realignment of the hosting structure
At the start of the project, it became clear that the existing hosting environment was no longer able to meet the growing requirements. Neither performance, availability, nor support met Bierbaum-Proenen's expectations.
Together with our partner Webmatch and the customer, various hosting options were examined. Based on numerous positive experiences from previous projects, maxcluster was chosen as a specialized hosting partner with a clear focus on e-commerce.
Customized infrastructure for B2B e-commerce
The newly set up hosting architecture was ready for use in a short time and tailored precisely to the technical and business requirements of Bierbaum-Proenen.
Thanks to true high availability with redundant servers and an active/passive architecture, the system achieved 99.99% availability during operation – a key advantage in professional B2B commerce.
Flexible scalability without downtime
Another key point was the ability to dynamically adjust resources. CPU and RAM can be expanded at any time without interruption – for example, during seasonal peaks, marketing campaigns, or growing user numbers. This flexibility ensures that the platform remains consistently fast and stable even under high load.
Personalized 24/7 expert-level support
Throughout the entire project, our technical support team was in close contact with the project team at Webmatch and Bierbaum-Proenen. Requests were handled directly by experienced administrators—no waiting on hold, no call centers, just personalized support around the clock. This meant that technical questions or adjustments could be clarified and implemented immediately.
Proactive monitoring and stable project contribution
Through our proactive monitoring of over 80 parameters, we kept a constant eye on all relevant system values. Potential bottlenecks were identified early on and resolved before they affected ongoing operations. Thanks to this e-commerce-specific monitoring and optimization, hosting was never a risk factor – on the contrary: maxcluster's infrastructure became an active, reliable part of the project team.
A key success factor
The combination of technical redundancy, flexible scalability, continuous monitoring, and personal support made hosting a key factor in the project's success.
The result was a stable, high-performance setup that enables long-term security, speed, and growth – and thus forms the basis for the successful future of the Bierbaum-Proenen shop.
"With maxcluster, we have found a hosting solution for our customer Bierbaum-Proenen that not only impresses with its excellent performance, but also with its reliable support and short response times. The collaboration is cooperative, solution-oriented and, as always with maxcluster, adds real value to the project.“ – Simon Rabente, CEO Webmatch GmbH
Results
Technically strong – measurably better
Approximately 80% better performance
The product detail pages now show a performance increase of around 80%, resulting in a significantly faster user experience.
Fewer abandonments in the checkout process
There are now significantly fewer abandonments in the checkout process, which makes it easier for customers to complete their purchases and increases sales.
Significantly faster loading times
The entire Bierbaum-Proenen shop now loads significantly faster, which noticeably improves the user experience and reduces waiting times.
Low-maintenance architecture
The shop now has a low-maintenance, standardized architecture that simplifies maintenance and ensures stability.
The significant increase in performance shows how closely an optimized hosting structure is linked to the user experience. Our infrastructure, which is specialized for e-commerce—with redundant hardware, NVMe technology, and a continuously developed stack—enables short loading times, high stability, and improved conversion rates.
If necessary, CPU and RAM resources can be expanded without downtime, which is ideal for peak loads or campaigns. At the same time, our monitoring ensures that bottlenecks are detected and resolved before they affect performance.
Since going live, the new shop has been running stably and error-free – proof of the technical quality and close, efficient cooperation between all partners. At the same time, the successful cooperation is reflected in positive customer and agency feedback, which underscores the partnership-based collaboration and efficient implementation of the project.
Conclusion
The Bierbaum-Proenen project impressively demonstrates how close cooperation between the client, agency, and hosting partner leads to sustainable success. The relaunch created a platform that is reliable, high-performing, and easy to operate in the long term.
Hosting by maxcluster played a key role in this: our combination of powerful infrastructure, technical expertise, and personal support created the foundation for stability and growth.
For us at maxcluster, this project was an example of how partnership-based cooperation leads to measurably better results – technically, organizationally, and personally.
About Webmatch
Webmatch is an owner-managed e-commerce agency based in Cologne with over 15 years of experience and a reliable partner of maxcluster. The agency offers customized shop solutions, particularly based on Shopware, and supports companies ranging from medium-sized businesses to international brands such as Toyota and AIDA. As a Shopware Gold Partner, Webmatch accompanies projects from strategy development to technical implementation.