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!