Backer Wencel Inc.
Our Best Quarter Ever!
Project Overview
Backer Wencel Inc., a multi-product e-commerce business, needed a custom back-office system to streamline and centralize its administrative operations. The goal was to replace manual workflows and disparate systems with a unified, web-based portal that staff could use to process orders, manage shipping, reconcile invoices, and generate reports.
I was brought on as an independent consultant to design and develop the solution from scratch. The initial version went live within one month (November 2019), with ongoing feature development and support continuing through May 2024.
My Contributions
- Requirements Gathering – Collaborated with the CTO and business owners to define goals and workflow improvements.
- System Design – Architected the entire system, including frontend UI/UX, backend services, and database schema.
- Development – Built the application using Laravel, Vue.js, and MariaDB, with responsive design and API integrations.
- Deployment & Support – Managed deployment and ongoing feature updates, ensuring performance and stability.
Key Features & Outcomes
- Cost Savings – A shipping invoice reconciliation tool saved over $3,000/month by identifying billing discrepancies.
- Efficiency Gains – Reduced manual data entry by streamlining workflows, saving 12+ labor hours per week.
- System Integrations – Connected to payment processors, vendors, and shipping APIs, automating critical processes.
- Security – Implemented encrypted password storage, CSRF protection, and custom access controls with an ACL system.
- Accessibility – Designed for readability and responsive use across devices with an intuitive and accessible UI.
Tools & Technologies
PHP, Laravel, Vue.js, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MariaDB, SQL, XML, JSON, REST & SOAP APIs.
Impact Summary
This long-term project delivered measurable results for the client, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. It demonstrates my ability to lead a full project lifecycle—from concept to deployment—as a full-stack developer and independent consultant.