From Legacy to Modern - Migrating Restaurant Systems to Progressive Web Apps

Nov 15, 2024

Legacy systems often work, but they don’t scale well. When a restaurant management system needed to modernize its frontend, we saw an opportunity to transform the user experience while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.

The Problem

The existing system used server-side rendering for every interaction, resulting in:

  • Slow page loads
  • Poor mobile experience
  • High server load
  • Limited offline capabilities

Our Solution: Progressive Web App

We built a PWA that integrated seamlessly with the existing backend while providing a modern, responsive frontend experience.

Architecture

Vue.js with Quasar Framework provided the perfect foundation for building a PWA that felt native on both desktop and mobile devices. Quasar’s built-in PWA capabilities simplified the implementation significantly.

State Management

Using Pinia for state management, we implemented client-side caching and state persistence. This meant:

  • Instant navigation between screens
  • Reduced server requests
  • Better offline support
  • Smoother user interactions

Integration Strategy

Rather than rebuilding everything, we designed the PWA to integrate with the existing Yii backend through a well-defined API layer. This approach:

  • Minimized disruption to existing operations
  • Allowed gradual migration
  • Maintained backward compatibility

The Results

The new PWA delivered:

  • 60% faster page load times
  • Improved mobile experience with native-like feel
  • Reduced server load through client-side rendering
  • Better offline capabilities for field workers

Key Takeaways

Modernizing legacy systems doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. By building a PWA that integrates with existing infrastructure, we achieved significant performance improvements while minimizing risk and disruption.

The key was choosing the right technology stack (Vue + Quasar) that matched the project’s needs and building a clean integration layer that respected the existing system’s architecture.

Have a legacy system that needs modernization? TechTrail specializes in incremental modernization that delivers results without disrupting operations. Contact us to learn more.