We will rebuild the stock backend from the ground up and replace it with a microservice-based, event-driven architecture. To achieve this goal, the basis of the stock services will need to be reconstructed. Our next step is to install of a new reservation service.

Faster and more reliable stock changes

The new stock system will significantly speed up stock changes, as the 4→5 status check will no longer rely on stock calculations but will be event-based, allowing for faster processing, especially for customers with many open orders. Current issues with bundles, which heavily impact stock calculations due to technical limitations, will also be addressed. Reserved stock and net stock calculations will now be event-based, with improvements allowing bundles to be reserved by webshops and marketplaces, starting with eBay listings. While physical stock calculations for bundles will remain in the stock calculation for now, they will eventually be handled by the upcoming stock movement service. As a result, stock imports will be more reliable, orders will import faster, and overall stock management will become much more efficient.

* Full benefits will be realised with the release of the Movement Service

Step-by-step transition to new reservation service

The switch from the old to the new reservation service will occur in phases over a period of half a year, with customers being migrated in batches. The process will begin in September 2024, with the new reservation service set as default for new customers. Migration will pause between November 2024 and mid-January 2025 to avoid disrupting peak season for most sellers.

Close monitoring for risk mitigation

This change involves significant risk, as the reservation service is a critical component of plentysystems. Extended and repeated simulations will be conducted on real customer databases without affecting live data or systems. The migration and reservation processes will be closely monitored, with the rollout adjusted as needed to ensure stability. Any issues that arise during the rollout will be addressed promptly, with rollout speed throttled if necessary to maintain system stability.

For any questions, the PIM/Stock team is available to assist. Together, we aim to elevate the reservation service to a new level.