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ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

In this episode of the Inside Commerce podcast, Luke Hodgson from Commerce Thinking explains the common issues with ERPs and their integration with ecommerce platforms.

The conversation explores the importance of understanding ERP systems for ecommerce leaders, the evolving role of ecommerce directors post-COVID, and the demand for ERP in new businesses.

The discussion also delves into the role of middleware in ecommerce integrations, challenges related to peak order volumes, and strategies for maximising back office performance. Finally, we discuss the significance of technical leadership in ecommerce and provide practical advice for businesses facing integration issues.

Key takeaways:

• E-commerce leaders must understand their ERP systems.
• The demand for ERP has evolved post-COVID.
• Middleware plays a crucial role in integration.
• Peak order volumes require careful planning and execution.
• Technical leadership is essential for e-commerce success.
• Brands are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional ERP systems.
• Effective communication with partners is vital during peak periods.
• Breaking down problems into stages helps identify issues.
• A tech leader should facilitate collaboration among stakeholders.
• The right technical resources are crucial for successful ERP implementation.

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

In this episode of Inside Commerce, James Gurd and Paul Rogers discuss the critical decision-making process surrounding technology investment versus viewing technology migration as a cost reduction opportunity. They emphasize the importance of focusing on value rather than merely cutting costs, exploring the nuances of licensing fees, the significance of building business cases to justify technology investment. The conversation also highlights the need for customisation in SaaS platforms and the importance of planning for cost neutrality in long-term strategies via offsetting existing costs.

Key takeaways

• Investing in technology should focus on value, not just cost reduction.
• Understanding the nuances of licensing fees is crucial for accurate budgeting.
• A strong business case is essential for technology change.
• Positioning your investment request effectively can lead to better outcomes.
• Marketing spend should be viewed as an investment in long-term growth.
• Cost neutrality can be a strategic goal in technology investments.
• Customisation may be necessary to achieve desired customer experiences.
• Avoid standardised approaches that limit differentiation in SaaS.
• Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when evaluating platforms.
• Evaluate where costs can be offset to support new investments.

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

🔥 This podcast will interest a broad audience. Paul Rogers and James Gurd discuss how the B2C ecommerce marketplace has become crowded, and where vendors need to focus to get attention, and why.

If you're working for:

A retail ecommerce business

An ecommerce platform

An agency/consultancy that advises/builds tech stacks

Get your comfy seat ready 😃

Why is this episode important?

The ecommerce vendor market is crowded. There are a lot of platform telling similar product suitability stories, albeit through different lenses and campaigns.

For merchants, unless you're niche, it's hard to cut through the volume of content to discern meaningful differences that give you the confidence to decide which route to take.

What we discuss:

🥱 Why changing terminology doesn't cut through e.g. omnichannel to unified.

🚤 Ecommerce businesses want speed to market, agility, automation.

🔎 DTC mass market has no space left for new players - Shopify dominates but niche / vertical specific solutions have potential.

🥸 Some vendors have already recognised this e.g. Centra, BigCommerce.

🔬 The winning vendors will be those who focus on burning challenges and critical use cases to deliver battle ready solutions.

Key takeaways:

• Vendors must differentiate themselves to stand out.

• Understanding merchant needs is crucial for platform success.
• Niche solutions can provide a competitive advantage.
• AI is set to transform ecommerce functionalities.
• Connectivity with specialist 3rd parties is essential for growth.
• Merchants prefer platforms that offer pre-integrated solutions.
• Vendors should focus on specific use cases to attract clients.
• The future lies in targeting specific verticals effectively.
• A balanced approach is necessary for sustainable growth.