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Migration from Magento 1 to Laravel

Migration from Magento 1 to Laravel

Background

The WebCo specialises in Magento development, supporting versions from Magento 1 to the latest releases. A leading airport car parking provider in New Zealand required a modern, scalable, and high-performance booking system to replace their outdated Magento 1 platform. With thousands of daily users and complex business logic, the company needed a custom-built Laravel solution to enhance performance, security, and customer experience.

Challenges with Magento 1

  • 01

    End of Life Support

    Magento 1 was no longer supported, increasing security risks.
  • 02

    Performance Bottlenecks

    Slow booking processes and frequent downtime during peak hours.
  • 03

    Limited Customization

    Magento’s rigid structure made it difficult to tailor the booking flow.
  • 04

    Lack of API Flexibility

    Integration with third-party services (payment gateways, ANPR systems, loyalty programs) was challenging.
  • 05

    Mobile Responsiveness Issues

    Customers struggled with the outdated UI, especially on mobile devices.

Why Laravel?

Laravel was chosen for its performance, security, and flexibility, allowing the company to build a customised, future-proof booking system with:

Project Brief

The client’s key objectives included:

Our Approach

To facilitate a smooth transition, we conducted in-depth consultations with the client to understand their requirements and provide expert recommendations on which features should be retained, enhanced, or restructured.

Solution Overview

The re-platforming process involved the following key phases:

Planning

Our project manager collaborated closely with the development team to assess the most suitable platform for the client. We documented detailed flow diagrams and structured a comprehensive implementation plan to ensure alignment with the client’s requirements.

 

Given WordPress’s limitations in handling complex backend processes, we looked at various othe platforms for the re-platforming. After weighing up the pros and cons of each platform, we opted to use WordPress for the customer-facing interface while leveraging Laravel for the administrative portal.

 

Platform Selection

During the development phase, the existing Magento 1 booking site remained fully operational. Once the new system was ready, we created custom import tools to migrate customers and order data from Magento 1 to Laravel efficiently, preserving data integrity and minimising downtime.

Security Enhancements

Security was a top priority throughout the re-platforming process. To mitigate risks of unauthorised access and fraudulent bookings:

Database Migration

Magento 1’s intricate database structure posed a significant migration challenge. After discussions with the client, we determined that only essential customer and order data needed to be transferred. This required meticulous planning, precise data mapping, and rigorous testing.


We developed custom migration scripts to extract data from Magento 1, transform it to align with Laravel’s database architecture, and import it efficiently. This approach ensured data accuracy and consistency while minimising disruptions.


Data we needed to migrate included;

Front-End Migration

We successfully replicated the look and feel of the Magento 1 website within WordPress while implementing necessary design and functionality enhancements. This improved the overall user experience while maintaining brand consistency.

Client Communication & Training

Before launching the new system, we worked closely with the client to ensure they fully understood the updated CMS. We provided comprehensive training and support, equipping their team with the knowledge needed to navigate and manage the new platform effectively.

Development Process

An Agile development approach was adopted to enable flexibility and continuous collaboration:

Testing

Go-Live Process

The go-live phase was meticulously planned and executed during weekday business hours to facilitate immediate post-launch support. Post-deployment validation covered:

Results & Business Impact

Conclusion​

In conclusion, the migration from Magento 1 to a custom-built Laravel solution has significantly enhanced the client’s booking system, addressing critical performance, security, and usability issues. By combining WordPress for the customer-facing website and Laravel for the backend, the project successfully optimiszed the booking process, increased mobile conversions, and ensured a secure, scalable infrastructure capable of handling peak traffic. With improved security measures, faster page loads, and seamless integrations, the new system has not only improved user satisfaction but also driven higher revenue and operational efficiency. The smooth transition, coupled with detailed planning, testing, and client collaboration, resulted in a modern, reliable platform that will support the client’s growth for years to come.

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Email Address
partners@thewebco.co.nz

Phone Number
0800 444 000

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