Robust API Infrastructure
A fully functional and well-documented API based on Ruby on Rails and Rails Engines provided a strong foundation for future platform development.
Technologies used
Ruby
Ruby on Rails
PostgreSQL
JQuery
Grape
RSpec
ReScue
React
AWS
Redis
JavaScript
ActiveRecord
JSON API
Puma
Graphql
Motivation
The client, a leading online procurement software provider, struggled to manage 14,000 suppliers and over 1 million catalog items manually. Their existing platform lacked a scalable API and sufficient automation, causing delays, inefficiencies, and increased operational workload. Azati’s engagement focused on modernizing the backend, building a robust API, and enhancing procurement workflows to save time, reduce errors, and improve user experience.
Main challenges
Challenge 01
Complex API Development
The client needed a completely new API for the existing procurement platform while preserving legacy functionality and ensuring backward compatibility. The complexity of integrating with multiple subsystems and handling high data volumes required a flexible, scalable design. Azati proposed a hybrid approach using Ruby on Rails with GraphQL and JSON API, enabling long-term maintainability and easier integration.
#1
Challenge 02
Inherited Unfinished Tasks
Following the departure of the previous team lead, the project contained undocumented, unclear tasks and missing functionality. Azati’s team had to reverse-engineer requirements, prioritize incomplete features, and implement them without disrupting existing workflows. Close collaboration with new leadership and legacy engineers was essential to deliver quality, maintain stability, and ensure continuity.
#2
Our approach
Collaborative Onboarding
Azati integrated with the client's engineering team to understand the existing architecture, project goals, and immediate challenges.
Technology Evaluation
Initially assessed the feasibility of using GraphQL based on existing data schemas and project needs.
Architecture Planning
Identified limitations of GraphQL as a standalone solution and proposed a hybrid approach combining GraphQL and standard JSON API to ensure flexibility and comprehensive data handling.
Microservice-Based Design
Designed the backend using a modular microservice architecture to allow independent scaling and maintenance of different parts of the system.
API Development
Developed a new API from scratch using Ruby on Rails and Rails Engines, enabling clean separation of business logic and smoother frontend integration.
Team Scaling and Support
Coordinated with the client to onboard additional backend resources, accelerating API development and covering inherited technical debt from the previous team.
Quality Assurance
Covered new functionality with test cases and validated integration with existing systems to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
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01
Trading Module
Facilitates seamless interactions between buyers and suppliers, streamlines procurement workflows, and provides analytics for trading optimization. Supports inventory tracking, pricing adjustments, and real-time transaction monitoring.
Key capabilities:
- End-to-end trading workflow management
- Inventory and catalog tracking
- Analytics and reporting for supplier performance
02
Supplier Module
Enables suppliers to manage product catalogs, monitor sales, analyze competitor offers, and update pricing strategies efficiently. Designed for streamlined supplier-side operations and real-time visibility into buyer interactions.
Key capabilities:
- Catalog management and updates
- Sales activity monitoring
- Competitor and price analysis tools
03
Buyer Module
Allows buyers to browse products, compare offers, track payments, automate procurement approvals, and access a user-friendly dashboard for streamlined purchase management.
Key capabilities:
- Product comparison and search
- Automated procurement workflow
- Payment and order tracking
Results & business impact
Accelerated Frontend Development
With a stable and comprehensive backend in place, the client’s frontend team was able to implement new features faster and more efficiently.
Improved Feature Delivery
New functionality was delivered with thorough test coverage, increasing platform reliability and reducing production issues.
Reusable Architecture
Several independent Ruby Engines were developed from scratch, enabling modular reuse and simplified future expansions.
Enhanced Platform Capabilities
The existing platform’s functionality was significantly upgraded, improving user experience and optimizing procurement workflows.
