Service Type: Upgrade
Timeline: 2019
Overview
SoCalGas, one of the largest natural gas distribution utilities in the United States, needed a modern and secure Shopify-based solution for internal merchandise procurement. Shopstars founders led the end-to-end development and integration of a branded merchandise store tailored for internal use, including full Punchout connectivity to enterprise procurement platforms like Coupa and later Ariba.
This project required seamless collaboration with internal procurement stakeholders and careful handling of corporate brand compliance, technical security, and B2B workflow logic.
The Challenge
- SoCalGas needed a secure, private Shopify store for employees to order uniforms and branded materials, aligned with internal purchasing procedures.
- The project required a Punchout integration with Coupa, with plans to transition to Ariba as part of an internal system upgrade.
- The store had to comply with strict corporate branding and IT security policies, while being accessible, intuitive, and scalable.
- Stakeholders across procurement, marketing, and IT needed alignment on workflows, approvals, and technical infrastructure.
The Solution
Shopstars delivered a high-performance, enterprise-ready Shopify store integrated with modern procurement systems:
- Shopify Store Development: Designed and deployed a closed-access Shopify storefront, fully branded and tailored to SoCalGas’ employee needs.
- Coupa to Ariba Migration: Built an initial Punchout integration with Coupa, then led the transition to Ariba with minimal operational disruption.
- Quantum Punchout Middleware: Leveraged Shopstars’ proprietary Punchout system to handle cXML cart transfers, purchase orders, and e-invoicing securely.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked directly with procurement teams to define custom workflows, error handling protocols, and approval routing logic.
- Ongoing Support: Provided continued operational oversight, ensuring continuity and compatibility as procurement platforms evolved.
Technologies Used
- Shopify Plus
- Quantum Punchout (CXML Middleware)
- Coupa & Ariba Procurement Integration
- Role-Based Access
- Secure Hosting & Permissions Layer
Results
- Delivered a fully functional, secure e-commerce storefront with Punchout integration in a regulated utility environment.
- Successfully migrated procurement connectivity from Coupa to Ariba with no interruption in service.
- Enabled internal stakeholders to manage branded merchandise procurement efficiently, with full audit trails and invoice automation.
- Established a repeatable model for enterprise e-commerce integrations within the utility and energy sectors.
