The first question in eCommerce software investment: should you adjust your processes to fit the software (known as business process re-engineering) or should the software be tailored to fit your processes?
The answer largely depends on your business’s size, situation, and future plans. Many eCommerce businesses, particularly small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rightly believe their uniqueness warrants a customised solution to scale growth and profitability.
Customisable eCommerce software boosts the likelihood of successful adoption by staff, as they can continue following familiar processes. Resistance to change often hampers software implementation, so customisation that simplifies and streamlines their tasks is a win-win. Additionally, a customisable platform allows you to design your online store interface to reflect your brand and customer preferences. This personalised shopping experience can drive engagement, suggest relevant product bundles, and boost conversions.
As your business grows and diversifies, so do the demands on your eCommerce software – be it inventory management, order management, or a full ERP system. Customisable software provides the flexibility to evolve with your business needs, whether you’re introducing new products or exploring new marketplaces or regions. A tailored solution ensures continued robustness and efficiency amidst growth.
The goal of customisable eCommerce software is to encapsulate your existing processes, minimising manual data entry, reducing errors, and enhancing operational efficiency. Examples include automating supplier feeds, streamlining workflows, and implementing real-time inventory management. By cutting administrative overheads, your team can focus on activities that drive growth and profitability.
Data security is crucial for any eCommerce business. While online marketplaces and platforms bear much of this responsibility, customisable software allows you to implement additional security measures. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters customer trust and loyalty.
Understanding customer behaviour is essential for informed decision-making. Seek eCommerce platforms that offer advanced, customisable analytics and reporting capabilities. Accurate, relevant data enables you to make smart decisions about product offerings and marketing strategies. Recent blogs have highlighted the importance of monitoring margins, stock levels, and sales performance, all informed by business intelligence.
In the competitive world of multichannel eCommerce, customisable software helps you achieve operational efficiency. The more business processes your software covers, the more you can embrace automation and scale your growth. eCommerce ERP systems aim to integrate as many of your business operations as possible, facilitating this efficiency.
eCommerce is too dynamic for a ‘fit and forget’ software approach. Your software investment should meet your initial requirements to ensure adoption and continuously adapt over time. By prioritising customisation, you align your business to meet ever-evolving customer needs, driving your success.
If you’re ready to discuss customising software to your requirements, get in touch today.