REST APIs
This project executed a massive transformation of a legacy API infrastructure that suffered from duplicate endpoints, slow PostgreSQL data retrieval, and a lack of modern features. The solution created a single, high-performance REST API version that introduced cross-module delta data retrieval and real-time Push APIs (Webhooks), effectively supporting the needs of major data aggregators and internal reporting tools.
The Vision
The vision was to elevate the API to a Tier 1, enterprise-grade product—moving it from a slow data dump to a fast, actionable data exchange layer. This included consolidating the messy V1 structure into a single, streamlined, and versioned endpoint structure capable of supporting real-time data needs and a new modular licensing strategy, ultimately reducing technical debt and opening up new integration revenue opportunities.
The PM Architecture
The architecture focused on efficiency and real-time capability by:
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Consolidating endpoint layers by replacing 42+ duplicate, flat endpoints with a single, streamlined hierarchy of only 3 core endpoints.
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Moving away from direct, slow PostgreSQL queries and introducing a high-performance abstracted layer (evaluated Neo4J) to manage data retrieval, specifically enabling cross-module delta retrieval (fetching only modified data).
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Implementing Push APIs (Webhooks)—an event-driven notification service—to alert customers instantly about new events related to their supply chains, supporting modern data consumption.
The PM Approach
My approach for API modernization focused on a strategic, phased overhaul that began with consolidating the entire API surface into a single, unified version. Initial phases prioritized defining the new architecture based on competitor trends and ensuring all existing, crucial attributes were accounted for. Subsequent iterations immediately focused on technical validation, which included evaluating the use of advanced databases (like Neo4J) to guarantee the required speed and supporting the development of the Push APIs to meet the modern, real-time data needs of the major data aggregators.
PM x Engineering x Data Science - Agile Development
The complexity of overhauling the core data access layer required constant, deep collaboration:
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As the lead PM I, defined the final target state including the elimination of duplicate endpoints and the required functionality (e.g., Push APIs, delta retrieval). I secured key stakeholder alignment needed to sunset legacy versions and ensured the new structure supported external commercial use cases (like E2Open and O9 aggregators).
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Engineering led the architectural definition, including the technical decision to move away from direct DB calls. They owned the implementation of the single, streamlined API version and the building of the Push API service, ensuring that the new endpoints were performant and easily consumable by customer engineering teams.
Result
The project delivered a single, high-performance REST API that replaced a slow, complex, 2-version structure. This transformation successfully introduced cross-module delta data retrieval and real-time Push APIs (Webhooks). The result was a dramatic reduction in technical debt, accelerated customer data consumption, and the establishment of a robust, enterprise-grade data gateway critical for supporting high-value data aggregators.
Wireframes & Concepts
