Service Type: Grow
Client Industry: Higher Education / Internal Communications
Timeline: 2022
Overview
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) needed a scalable solution for faculty and department staff to easily order branded promotional merchandise—without relying on manual quote forms or email-based approvals. Shopstars launched a branded Shopify store that empowered internal buyers while remaining fully aligned with university brand guidelines and procurement protocols.
By integrating Punchout functionality and developing SKU-level logic for decoration and approvals, the solution helped streamline how UAB departments access and procure on-brand promotional gear.
The Challenge
- UAB required a Shopify storefront accessible by internal teams, built with department-based permissions and guided ordering flows.
- Branding enforcement was critical: logos, colors, and print rules had to adhere to UAB’s institutional identity standards.
- Internal purchases needed to pass through UAB’s Jaggaer procurement system, requiring a fully functional Punchout workflow.
- The system had to support multiple vendors and decorators, while ensuring consistent product quality and compliance.
- Non-technical users needed an easy, intuitive interface with upload support, artwork previewing, and automatic validation.
Our Solution
Shopify Storefront Build
- Created a custom Shopify theme that reflected UAB’s identity, incorporating the university’s green and gold palette, typography, and branding system.
- Designed the site for speed and simplicity, with clear CTAs and frictionless navigation for department-based buyers.
Quantum Punchout Integration
- Integrated Jaggaer Punchout using our Quantum Punchout CXML middleware, allowing buyers to seamlessly transition from the procurement portal to the Shopify store and back.
- Configured requisition approval workflows and PO automation based on internal cost centers and budget codes.
Decoration Control & Brand Logic
- Developed product logic for print zones, logo restrictions, and available decoration methods by SKU.
- Embedded file upload validation for logo artwork, including resolution checks and approval routing when needed.
- Set up tag-based filtering to expose only approved merchandise categories to each department.
Custom Admin Tools
- Provided internal tools to export purchase data, track departmental usage, and generate compliance reports.
- Integrated artwork review tools for internal brand managers to accept or reject uploads with one click.
Technologies Used
- Shopify Plus
- Quantum Punchout (CXML, Jaggaer Integration)
- Custom Theme Development
- File Upload & Artwork Validation Logic
- Departmental SKU Filtering
- Secure Checkout with Cost Center Injection
Results
- Enabled university departments to place promotional merchandise orders independently while maintaining full compliance.
- Reduced procurement friction by connecting directly to Jaggaer’s Punchout system and automating PO workflows.
- Improved brand consistency by enforcing logo and print placement rules at checkout.
- Created a scalable model that can be reused across other departments, campuses, or university systems.
