Composable commerce unlocked for B2B and B2C retailers
October 2024
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Let’s talk about traditional eCommerce for a moment. It’s not that it’s entirely ineffective. It’s just not built for the modern complexities of retail. These days, as B2B and B2C customers come together on a single platform, sticking with outdated systems just won't cut it. They lack the flexibility to innovate and will probably end up costing you more in the long run.
B2B/B2C enterprises with multiple brands face a daunting challenge: managing vast, diverse product catalogs while transitioning from traditional phone orders to sleek online sales. This shift requires seamless integration with ERP systems to manage real-time inventory and pricing, not to mention the demand for advanced tools that ensure product data quality without compromising the user experience.
Enter composable commerce, the ultimate game-changer for enterprises looking to thrive in this chaos. But we get it—you’re probably scratching your head, wondering how to dive into this whole composable thing. Don’t worry; we’re here to simplify the complexities. We break down the roadmap to selecting the right modular components to build a flexible and scalable ecosystem that can grow with your brand and adapt to different brands and markets.
The eCommerce Platform
At the core of a composable commerce setup lies an advanced eCommerce platform—think of it as the bedrock that supports your entire operation. Getting it right is non-negotiable; it’s what enables you to provide an efficient cart and checkout journey while handling complex pricing and product intricacies.
SAP Commerce Cloud is a standout option for its flexibility and comprehensive features that cater to both B2B and B2C needs. With multi-language, multi-brand, and hierarchical structures, it’s designed to tackle intricate product catalogs. Plus, its seamless integration with SAP-based ERP systems means you can count on smooth operations across the board
BigCommerce has entered the B2B market with a bang. With a robust set of functionalities and a strong ecosystem of plug-and-play add-ons, its best-of-breed partnerships make it an attractive option for enterprises wanting ease of integration without sacrificing capabilities.
Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) also deserves a shout-out for its stellar B2B/B2C features. With advanced requisition lists, quick ordering, and online quote requests, it’s designed to enhance user engagement while ensuring smooth data flow across ERP, CRM, and PIM systems.
The Storefront
But a great platform is just the beginning. The next step is creating a storefront that captivates your customers, delivering a seamless experience independent of the back-end systems. You need something that supports customisation and integration to cater to various brands and markets.
Alokai offers a scalable, composable storefront that’s platform-agnostic, allowing you to manage independent storefronts while tailoring the experience for each brand.
SAP Commerce Composable Storefront integrates perfectly, giving you a cost-effective and quick route to market without losing that essential brand consistency.
BigCommerce’s Catalyst architecture supports both B2B and B2C use cases and offers integration with Makeswift for a composable page builder. This flexibility empowers businesses to adapt their storefronts swiftly to meet changing market demands.
Product discovery
In the world of eCommerce, effective product discovery is essential. You want your customers to find what they need, when they need it. Advanced search capabilities, dynamic pricing, and AI-driven recommendations are critical in making this happen.
Algolia excels in managing extensive catalogs with advanced SKU search features. It’s perfect for dynamic pricing models, ensuring customers always see the most relevant products and prices.
Coveo supports large SKU volumes, using AI to enhance discoverability and help customers navigate complex product assortments.
Klevu, which mimics the guidance of sales agents through its advanced AI capabilities, ensuring tailored recommendations that meet specific customer needs.
Product information management (PIM)
Now, let’s talk about keeping all that product information in check. A robust PIM (Product Information Management) system is crucial for maintaining data quality across multiple brands.
Akeneo is a great choice, offering multi-brand management and easy integration with various backend systems.
Pimberly provides enterprise-level capabilities for managing complex product data from a central source, ensuring your information is accurate and up-to-date.
Embrace the future of eCommerce
For B2B/B2C enterprises with complex product needs, adopting a composable commerce architecture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic move toward scalability, flexibility, and operational efficiency. With the right mix of specialised platforms, storefront solutions, and robust product discovery and management tools, you can create a seamless online experience that meets the unique demands of your customers. Composable commerce isn’t just another trend; it’s a necessary approach for navigating the complexities of modern commerce.
