1. Analyze the Current State
Platform Review
A thorough analysis of the existing eCommerce technology stack (e.g., Shopify, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Magento) helps in understanding its capabilities and limitations. Key considerations include:
Platform scalability and performance Integration with back-office systems (ERP, CRM, payment gateways, logistics) Mobile responsiveness and omnichannel experience Compliance with security and data privacy regulations Data Flow Mapping
Understanding how data moves between different systems is crucial for operational efficiency. Diagramming the data flow ensures transparency in:
Inventory management across multiple channels Order processing, payment reconciliation, and fulfillment tracking Customer data synchronization between CRM, ERP, and marketing automation tools Analytics Audit
An assessment of existing analytics tools (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, etc.) determines the accuracy and completeness of tracking. Areas to focus on include:
Checkout funnel analysis to identify drop-off points Customer segmentation and behavioral insights Performance of marketing campaigns and attribution models Reporting gaps and data consistency across platforms Pain Point Identification
Stakeholder interviews and customer feedback analysis help uncover recurring issues in areas like:
Checkout process friction (e.g., payment failures, slow load times) Fulfillment and shipping delays Customer support inefficiencies Personalization and recommendation engine effectiveness 2. Gather and Document Requirements
Workshops & Interviews
Engaging cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, operations, IT) through workshops and interviews helps gather valuable insights. Key focus areas include:
Pain points in the current platform Desired enhancements in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) Operational inefficiencies that need automation Translate Business Needs
Converting stakeholder input into structured requirements ensures alignment between business objectives and technical execution. Requirements should be categorized as:
Functional: Features and workflows (e.g., advanced search, loyalty programs) Non-functional: Performance, scalability, security, compliance Prioritize Requirements
Using prioritization frameworks like MoSCoW (Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, Won’t-have) or RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) helps in organizing tasks effectively.
Documentation Standards
Maintaining clear and structured documentation streamlines implementation. Essential documents include:
Business Requirement Document (BRD) – Outlining objectives, scope, and requirements User Stories with Acceptance Criteria – Defining expected functionality Process Maps & Use Cases – Visualizing workflows for clarity 3. Conduct Market and Competitor Research
Feature Benchmarking
Evaluating competitors’ eCommerce features, UX/UI, and content strategies helps identify areas of improvement. This involves:
Comparing product discovery experiences (search, filters, personalization) Assessing checkout processes for efficiency and ease of use Analyzing customer engagement tools (chatbots, reviews, loyalty programs) Gap Analysis
Comparing internal capabilities with industry standards highlights areas where improvements are needed. Key aspects to assess:
Site speed and performance Mobile-first design and accessibility Advanced analytics and AI-driven recommendations Trend Monitoring
Keeping track of emerging trends ensures future-proofing the eCommerce strategy. Notable trends include:
AI-powered personalization – Enhancing recommendations and search Headless commerce – Enabling flexible front-end experiences Voice commerce and conversational AI – Optimizing shopping via voice assistants Sustainability initiatives – Eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing Deliver Insights
Synthesizing research findings into a competitive landscape summary helps stakeholders make informed decisions. Actionable recommendations should address:
Quick wins for immediate improvement Strategic initiatives for long-term growth Investment areas for technology and operational enhancements