Consulting

1. more than just the shop system

With new platforms and features, processes and data flows along the commerce value chain are dynamically changing. As a result, agile IT architectures are becoming a critical success factor for retailers.

The complexity of choosing the right commerce platform is increasing exponentially (see IWB 02/2022 “Shop Tech”). It’s no longer just about selecting the appropriate shop system and checking if a ready-made solution meets all requirements.

2. fundamental questions

For technology managers and enterprise buyers, increasingly fundamental and complex (and not just “complicated”) architectural decisions are at stake early on—decisions that are almost philosophical in nature (Cloud vs. on-premise, Headless vs. standard software, prioritizing the replacement of existing components).

3. beyond manufacturer marketing

It’s hardly helpful to get an overview of the available options by consulting the software vendors themselves. They typically emphasize their strengths without clearly highlighting the weaknesses. By the time these weaknesses become apparent during implementation, it’s too late because key technology decisions have already been made.

4. Shopping experience

Engaging technology consultants can be helpful—especially if the consultants don’t just offer advice from an “ivory tower” but bring relevant operational implementation experience. Consultants who truly understand the practical advantages and disadvantages of various e-commerce solutions and adjacent system components are invaluable.