TYPO3 website upgrade for Ströher GmbH

Requirements:

The client’s requirements consisted of the following points:

• TYPO3 Upgrade auf Version 8.7
• Integration of dkdeploy
• Implementation of automated UATs
• Migration of the entire site to our infrastructure
• Implementation of the dkd cookie consent box
• Expansion of the product range
• Integration of a prominent interactive element
• UI customisations
• Development and finalisation of the Gepadi page

Solution:

Following an initial analysis and cost estimate, the project was set up based on the dkd standard package. Our standard package serves as a template for all the projects we implement. The package incorporates many best practices in agile software development:

• CI/CD deployment with dkdeploy
• Use of the PHP dependency manager Composer
• Use of a JavaScript package manager
• A build process for compiling assets
• Automated testing: linters, unit tests, user acceptance tests

As this was a new project with unknown requirements, the process had to be highly structured.

In our agile approach, we break down all tasks within a project into small tasks lasting a maximum of six hours, which can ideally be completed on the same day. Once completed, the ticket is moved to QA and automatically deployed to the testing environment. Thanks to the agile lean approach used, all changes were transferred to a staging environment following internal QA, where the client could approve the changes. By involving stakeholders at a very early stage, we received timely feedback on features that were not yet fully functional.

Technically, all extensions and their overridden templates were updated, and several content migrations were created. Thanks to our automated deployment and the large number of TYPO3 CLI commands, this process could also be automated. Our goal and approach for every project is: “Automate everything that can be automated”

In addition to the Ströher homepage, the Gepadi page was published for the first time using the new layout that had already been implemented. Our task was to update the existing layout to TYPO3 8.7. As well as the upgrade itself, the site’s functionality was also expanded. This means that editors can now create and link a concise CTA on every page. The editorial team can also create a landing page designed to guide the user towards the desired interaction on the page through a minimalist layout (no navigation bar, no unnecessary buttons).