Future-proof E-Commerce architecture for Thieme: Shopware 6.6 with a headless approach
synaigy is supporting the Thieme Group in its transition to a modern, flexible, and low-maintenance e-commerce architecture, including a headless front end, a centralized CMS, and an optimized UX/UI.
Project profile
- GoalFuture-proof and adaptive architecture through a Shopware update, headless frontend and optimised user experience
- Duration8 months
- SystemShopware, Sanity
- IndustryMedia company with a focus on medicine/health
- TypeB2C
- OnboardingSupport and further development since 2024
Our services
Our starting point
At Thieme, numerous individual customisations had over time led to significant deviations from Shopware standards.
This made maintenance time-consuming, hindered further development and meant that updates to new versions carried high risks and required considerable resources.
On top of that came the wish to improve usability and bring the interface in line with modern design standards. Both were also to meet the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). At the same time, it became clear that further sales channels would be connected in the future. A consistent and efficient content strategy therefore also called for a CMS able to manage content centrally and deliver it across channels.
Against this background, Thieme decided to switch to a headless architecture, with a stable, close-to-standard Shopware backend as the basis and a flexible, independent frontend that creates room for modern UX and UI concepts.
Procedure and solution
In early 2024, synaigy took over management of the Shopware environment and supported the media company from the very beginning in the relaunch of its online store. Following initial work on the update to Shopware 6.5, the redesign project began in January 2025.
In a joint workshop, synaigy and Thieme fleshed out the headless strategy. For content management, synaigy initially presented the headless CMS Storyblok as a possible solution. Thieme ultimately chose Sanity to ensure consistent standards across the group.
synaigy implemented the project in four steps:
Technical architecture
Setting up a headless architecture with a decoupled front end and Shopware backend.
System update
Migration to Shopware 6.6 as a stable, easy-to-maintain foundation.
Front-end development
Development of new UX/UI components in a design sprint, incorporating the Thieme Design Library and the BFSG's accessibility requirements.
CMS integration
Implementation of Sanity for centralized, cross-channel content management.
A particular challenge was the time lag between the backend update and the frontend implementation. Since the new frontend was not available concurrently with the migration, the teams carefully coordinated deployments, interfaces, and testing procedures.
Even in challenging project phases, synaigy has proven to be a reliable partner on an equal footing, supporting us outstandingly with great commitment and pronounced technical expertise
Results
Through the close collaboration with synaigy, Thieme was able not only to modernise its existing shop architecture, but also to create a future-proof foundation for its entire digital sales strategy. The move to a headless architecture combines the stability of a close-to-standard Shopware backend with the flexibility of a decoupled frontend. This makes it possible to implement new UX and UI requirements much faster without increasing the maintenance effort. At the same time, content management became considerably more efficient thanks to the integration of Sanity: content can now be maintained centrally and delivered consistently across all channels.
The benefits at a glance:
Technical stability and future-Proofing
Technical stability and future viability: the update to Shopware 6.6 creates a robust basis for continuous further development – updates can be carried out more easily and with less risk.
Flexibility for the user experience
Flexibility for the user experience: the decoupled frontend enables modern designs, better performance and the implementation of legal requirements such as the BFSG without system breaks.
Efficiency in content editing
Efficiency in editorial work: with Sanity, content can be created and managed across channels – this reduces redundancies, speeds up processes and ensures consistent brand messaging.
Scalability for future growth
Scalability for future growth: new sales channels can be connected quickly and integrated into the existing architecture – a key advantage for the planned expansion with further sales channels.
Strategic value-add
Strategic added value: the new architecture gives the company the freedom to test and implement digital business models faster – with a clear impact on revenue, efficiency and customer experience.
Increase in Sales
Revenue growth: the new design and the additional features led to an immediate improvement in the conversion rate and therefore in revenue.
Outlook
The new architecture creates the basis for the further development of the digital sales strategy. In the next step, the previous shop of a subsidiary will be replaced and integrated into the Shopware instance as an independent sales channel. The insights gained in the project feed directly into the next phase and ensure an even smoother implementation.
In synaigy we have a partner who understands our challenges and works with us to develop pragmatic yet future-proof solutions. The headless architecture gives us the flexibility we need for our digital strategy and the confidence that we can offer our customers a stable platform tailored to their needs at all times.
Are you planning a Shopware update or a headless relaunch?
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