Streamlined Inventory Search for an Expanding Retail Chain

Centizen delivered a solution that perfectly aligns with our goals. We can now access inventory data quickly, which has improved our operations and supported our expansion into new regions.

– Head of Logistics

A Retail Chain

An expanding retail chain with 750,000 SKUs across 8 countries aimed to upgrade its inventory search to support aggressive growth targets. Their legacy SQL Server-based system struggled with performance, leading them to Centizen for a dependable, cloud-based solution.

Centizen architected and implemented a cloud-native, real-time inventory search and analytics platform on Azure, streamlining ingestion, processing, storage, and search.

Discovery & Requirements

• Led workshops with logistics, IT, and regional leads to gather functional and compliance requirements.
• Defined KPIs: 8-minute indexing, p99 < 500ms search latency, 20% cost savings.
• Mapped system integrations: SAP ERP, InRiver PIM, and vendor feeds (JSON/CSV).

Data Ingestion & Processing

• Deployed Apache NiFi to ingest 180 K+ updates per hour into Azure Data Lake.
• Used Azure Synapse Analytics for processing: deduplication, currency enrichment, and format standardization.

Storage & Access Layer

• Configured Cosmos DB for ultra-fast, region-aware storage with smart partitioning.
• Integrated Synapse SQL to enable efficient inventory reporting for logistics and planning teams.

Search Engine Implementation

• Developed real-time sync using Azure Event Hubs between Cosmos DB and Azure Search.
• Achieved 8-minute indexing intervals with keyword search, basic faceting, and region-specific results.
• Completed performance testing with 9,000 concurrent queries — maintaining under 500ms latency.
• Validated data integrity and compliance across ERP/PIM integrations, with GDPR assurance for EU datasets.

Deployment & Rollout

• Enabled auto-scaling and region-based deployment (US, EU, Africa) to support localized demands.
• Achieved 270K updates/hour capacity in final stress tests.
• Delivered 20% cost savings using Azure managed services vs. on-prem.
• Conducted full UAT with business users, validating search speed, data accuracy, and usability across devices.

Centizen’s solution modernized the retailer’s inventory search, delivering timely insights and cost savings while supporting market expansion.

Through a focused partnership with Centizen, the retailer modernized its inventory search, enhancing decision-making and supporting growth across regions in just 5 months.