An eCommerce Cloud Implementation Primer
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Transcript of An eCommerce Cloud Implementation Primer
An eCommerce Cloud Implementation Primer
An eCommerce Cloud Implementation Primer
If you’re a business with varied product lines
operating at scale, you need something more
robust than a cookie-cutter website store.
At Echidna, we've synthesized our
experience at implementing cloud-based
eCommerce platforms into a simple, six-step
methodology.
Step 1
Select VendorsDetermine which companies you want to partner with.
Notice the “s” on the end of vendors. You will have multiple. At a minimum, you will
have a technology platform vendor and an implementation vendor.
Technology Platform VendorA company that has built a cloud-based eCommerce platform that has invested tens-of-millions of dollars into creating a platform that you can use for a tiny fraction of the cost. It will include both hardware and software, so you’re generally 95% of the way there already.
Implementation Vendor Specializes in customizing and installing the software for you. We write new code to ensure your specific needs are addressed, and we use the technology platform to do it.
Integrated VendorAdd capabilities, like connections to credit card payment systems or product reviews, to reduce the amount of custom code that needs to be written.
Three Types of Vendors
Step 2
Define ProjectSpecificationsTake a full inventory of every little thing you want your system to do.
Consumer-facing webpages
Internal business tools
Partnership integrations
Architecture diagrams
Business requirement docs
Functional requirement docs
Much, much more
Address everything:
When we do this for our clients, we create…
Step 3
Plan the Project(The implementation vendor’s job)
Many projects require hundreds (or thousands) of
line-items.
The project plan ensures that the project will run on
time, within budget, and to high standards.
Step 4
Hand O�But don't simply hand off the project to your vendor. You must have people engaged in every stage.
Excellent communication
High morale
Strong internal leadership
Flexibility
Commitment
Projects turn out great when our clients demonstrate:
Even the best-laid plans are changed due to unforeseeable events,
whether you’re implementing an eCommerce platform or a skyscraper.
Step 5
Prepare for LaunchKnow what to expect and prepare accordingly.
People hate unexpected change. Expect
complaints and a temporary dip in sales.
Reduce this dip by building hype for the new
website in advance. Done well, you might
even get your best customers excited for the
new change.
Some of your processes will change.
You will have a new way to add products, pro-
cess orders, and handle customer
service issues.
External Prep Internal Prep
Step 6
Stick to ItThe launch isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.
Prepare your short-term and long-term strategy.
Continue to work closely with your implementation
vendor to ensure your investment was well-spent.
a) fix or avoid issues,
b) enhance the platform to stay ahead of your competition.
Help your vendor to:
A cloud-based eCommerce implementation is as difficult as it is profitable. But with the right experts in your corner, the world is yours to conquer!