👋 Hi, I'm Horst – Freelance Software Engineer (PHP/Laravel · eCommerce · Integrations)

I build robust backend systems, transaction-safe API integrations and scalable eCommerce solutions for small and mid-sized companies.
With 25+ years of experience in web development and system architecture, my focus today lies on:

• PHP / Laravel – clean backend engineering, API design, testing, CI/CD
• eCommerce / Shopware – custom integrations, data pipelines, ERP & payment workflows
• Automation & Integrations – connecting systems, reducing manual work, streamlining processes

I’m currently expanding my skillset toward AI-supported software development, especially in the area of process automation (RAG pipelines, local LLM setups, intelligent data extraction).

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🧩 Core Skills

Languages & Frameworks

• PHP, Laravel, Symfony (basics), Node.js (basics), JavaScript/TypeScript
• HTML/CSS, Alpine.js, Vue.js (foundational)

eCommerce & ERP

• Shopware 6
• Magento (legacy experience)
• ERP integrations (Xentral, proprietary ERP systems)
• Payment & logistics integrations (REST/SOAP, Webhooks, Middleware)

System Integration & Automation

• REST APIs, data mapping, message queues
• Process automation (CI, ETL-Pipelines, RPA-ähnliche Workflows)
• AI-based automation (RAG, embeddings, local LLMs)

DevOps & Tooling

• Docker, GitHub Actions, CI/CD
• Linux/Server Management
• Monitoring, logging, performance analysis

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🚀 Selected Projects

(Code often proprietary – described at a technical level)

eCommerce Integration Layer (Laravel)

Middleware for synchronizing products, stock levels, orders and invoices between multiple shop systems and ERP environments.
Tech: Laravel, REST/SOAP, Queue Workers, Docker.

Custom Shopware Plugins & Extensions

Development of custom pricing logic, product feeds, automated order processing and external API connectors.
Tech: Shopware 6, PHP, Symfony Components.

Document Automation with AI (RAG)

Internal demo project to automate reading & extracting data from invoices and reports using local LLMs.
Tech: Python, LangChain, ChromaDB, Ollama.

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📈 Career Snapshot

• 25+ years experience in full-stack & backend web development
• Strong focus on complex workflows, data reliability and system interoperability
• Freelance since many years, working with SMEs, agencies and long-term clients
• Currently extending expertise in AI-driven automation and the Shopware ecosystem

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📬 Contact

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/horst-hein
• Website: coming soon
• Email: horst.hein@rm-gmbh.de

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