Composable e-commerce: how far will you go?
The right systems and tools in optimal cohesion to support your digital commerce strategy; will you go for an integrated platform (suite) or opt for composable with best-in-class tools? The direction you take can make or break your strategy. How far do you go in the breakdown of your IT architecture? Both approaches have pros and cons, you can read about it here.
Integrated platform: simplicity in implementation and management
An integrated platform offers a wide range of functionalities and is easy to implement and manage.
Advantages
- Simplicity: A comprehensive platform is often easier to implement and manage.
- Cost: Although initial costs can be high, operational costs tend to be lower because you are dealing with one vendor and one type of licensing fee.
- User-friendliness: An integrated system means employees only have to master one system.
Disadvantages
- Less flexible: You are dependent on one vendor for all functionalities and can't respond as quickly to changes or new technologies.
- Potential limitations: A monolithic system does not always offer the best solution for every part of your e-commerce platform.
- Upgrades and maintenance: Major upgrades can be complex and time-consuming, as all features are addressed at once.
In a composable architecture, you choose the best tool for your organization for each component in your e-commerce platform. This gives maximum flexibility and scalability.
Advantages
- Best-in-class solutions: A composable architecture allows you to choose the best solution for each component. This can result in an e-commerce platform that fits your specific needs perfectly.
- Scalability: You can quickly respond to changes in the market and integrate new technologies without major operations.
- Innovation: By using specialized tools, you can innovate faster and stand out from the competition.
Disadvantages
- Complexity: Managing multiple tools and systems technically and functionally is complex and requires specialized knowledge.
- Cost: Integrating multiple systems can be expensive, both in terms of initial implementation and maintenance. Also, diversity in tools brings diversity in cost structures.
- Training: Employees must be trained to use various tools, which requires a serious investment of time and resources.
This is the consideration Van Tilburg made
No less than 78% of Van Tilburg's requirements for a new e-commerce platform matched SCAYLE one to one. No surprise, as SCAYLE is the driving force behind the successful German retailer ABOUT YOU. A perfect match for fashion retailer Van Tilburg and therefore a conscious choice to choose this total platform.
SCAYLE not only functions as a strong e-commerce base, but Van Tilburg also successfully uses product information management (PIM) functionalities within the platform, among other things.
Van Tilburg also leverages the platform's standard functionality for on-site search and merchandising. The considerations behind this choice? Goals, time and budget were important factors. Third-party tools in the areas of on-site search and merchandising may have offered more functionality, but the focus was on other priorities. Moreover, it saved time and budget to take a straight forward approach from the platform itself.
For personalization, account management and loyalty, however, Van Tilburg chose third-party tools. The content management system is also third-party. Thus, Van Tilburg has taken steps toward composability in combination with SCAYLE's integrated total solution.
Where do you draw the line?
A composable or integrated platform is not a matter of choice; it's about where you draw the line. How far do you go in your composability? Here are some considerations:
- Organizational capabilities: Does your team have the expertise and resources to manage, maintain and optimally deploy multiple systems? If not, a suite approach may be preferable.
- Specific needs: Do you have very specific requirements that can best be met with a more composable approach? In that case, the extra complexity may be justified.
- Cost: What is your budget for initial implementation and ongoing maintenance costs? A detailed cost-benefit analysis can help you make the right decision.
- Vision for the future: How quickly do you expect your organization to grow and change? A composable architecture provides more flexibility to deal with these changes.
Can we think along?
Every organization has different priorities, focal points and budgets to consider. With 25 years of experience, XSARUS knows all about this and is happy to advise you. Tip: don't just look at the solution conceptually, but do thorough research. What tools and functionalities are supportive of your business case? And what is rather nice-to-have? By using composable as a starting point, but still working with major components within your IT architecture, you keep the way open for further detailing later.