Case Study - Reverse Logistics Modernization for Multi-Channel Retail
Phil GeLinas led the end-to-end modernization of Nordstrom’s reverse logistics platform, transforming a fragile Java monolith into a resilient .NET Core + React system that powered store returns, refurbish/resale workflows, and downstream analytics—enabling speed, scale, and Rack resale revenue at enterprise levels.
- Client
- Nordstrom
- Year
- Service
- System Modernization, DevOps, React UI
The Challenge
The legacy reverse logistics system sat at the center of store returns, refurbish/resale flows, and downstream finance reporting. It was brittle, slow to change, and risky during peak seasons. Nordstrom needed a durable, observable platform that supported rapid iteration without jeopardizing store operations or Rack resale revenue.
What We Did
- System Modernization
- .NET Core Services
- React UI
- DevOps & Observability
- Test Automation
- Modernized architecture: Decomposed a fragile Java monolith into .NET Core services with a React front end, isolating risk and enabling faster iteration.
- Returns + refurbish workflows: Stabilized store/DC flows, added automated exception handling, and codified SLAs to keep operations predictable.
- Automation-first quality: Built API and UI regression suites (Playwright/REST) and wired them into CI/CD so changes shipped with confidence.
- Observability & ops: Added structured logging, dashboards, alerts, and runbooks—shrinking MTTD/MTTR and preventing peak-season firefights.
- Enablement & change mgmt: Clear docs, dev onboarding, and release playbooks ensured the platform could evolve without heroics.
Phil brought discipline and velocity. Our returns platform went from brittle and opaque to reliable and observable—without slowing the business. The modernization unlocked faster change, clearer SLAs, and real resilience during peak volume.
- Faster cycle time for change requests
- ~50%Faster cycle time for change requests
- Automation coverage on critical APIs
- >90%Automation coverage on critical APIs
- Incidents detected & resolved faster
- ↓ MTTD/MTTRIncidents detected & resolved faster
- No major incidents during seasonal spikes
- Peak-safeNo major incidents during seasonal spikes
Results
- Resilient, observable platform supporting high‑volume returns and resale.
- Faster delivery with automation gates and clear rollback paths.
- Operational confidence—SLAs honored, fewer escalations, smoother peaks.
- Sustainable engineering—docs, onboarding, and patterns that stick.
Why It Worked
Real engineering beats “transformation theater.” By isolating risk, automating the right flows, and wiring observability into the stack, we shipped a platform that moves at retail speed—without trading away reliability.
Need to modernize without pausing the business? Contact Vectorworx to ship a durable, observable platform—fast.
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