icon picker
2. Assess the Current State

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

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.