Shulou(Shulou.com)06/03 Report--

The existing e-commerce platform model is affected by the emerging e-commerce platform model. The establishment of this new platform is a kind of cloud native application without front-end user interface or interactive application, but a kind of traditional multi-in-one platform, that is, it can dock with other applications only by API (programming interface). It is an e-commerce platform model deployed through micro-services, in which each kind of micro-services will play a specific role in online transactions. The transformation of this mode brings a new choice for B2B enterprises to transform their e-commerce model.

If you stick to the original business platform model, it may mean continued financial investment, including software development and maintenance, as well as efforts to increase revenue and improve user experience. And this kind of original complex business platform often takes 18-24 months to build and costs millions of dollars, which can be said to leave painful memories for the director of IT along the way.

However, for B2B companies, product supply, product pricing and procurement cycle are complex enough. If they are allowed to transform on the existing e-commerce road, they will face the worry that the cost is too high and the future is doubtful.

1. "China-Taiwan" business model replaces "direct migration"

What is exciting is that B2B companies have better ways to upgrade their business platforms.

From a historical point of view, the transformation of enterprise e-commerce (application replacement) is mainly the use of "direct migration" to build and customize a new platform. With the advent of cloud service providers and the "Zhongtai" model, B2B companies can now migrate their platforms in stages.

The "Zhongtai" model means that the customer-facing front-end (online store or UI) is separated from the back-end business transaction system, so that brands and merchants can use any display layer, content management system or digital experience platform to attract customers to click and buy goods on mobile apps, social media, Internet of things devices, chat robots and other touch points with a compelling customer experience.

Phased planning and migration can minimize all kinds of risks faced by the company in its operation. In addition, in a phased transformation, continuous transformation is normal because the project is divided into different business areas so that functions and data can be transferred from the traditional platform to the new infrastructure one at a time. Once the old system is replaced by the new system, continuous iterations can be carried out in each functional area. This helps to consider the project as a whole from the perspective of organization, architecture, and actual migration.

2. Organization

This sounds basic about the organization of the company, but in the long run, it is very important for the organization to support the transformation of the company. Platform migration is usually part of a company's digital transformation, but it can take a long time and effort.

However, for a more global company, the first step of transformation is to build an integrated team that includes a variety of business units. In this team, each member conducts discussions on behalf of his or her department and other departments, and promotes the department to achieve its goals. Through the establishment of internal groups, it has played an important role in decision-making, development and supervision. In addition, a landmark review system should be designed so that teams can come together to review progress.

The focus on the organization will help to maintain the initiative of the promoted project and involve stakeholders during and after the project is completed.

3. Architecture

Architecture is the blueprint for migration. It describes the different components and how they are linked and where the information is stored.

The structure chosen by the company's transformation must meet the needs of the company, taking into account the number of channels, the number of contacts, the size of the organization, and the overall way to enter the market. Many B2B organizations with a certain enterprise size are choosing next-generation platforms to become part of the entire digital ecosystem.

But the key is that when B2B organizations consider the next-generation e-commerce model, the most critical issue is to pay attention to the online user experience to a large extent. If the organization has set up separate websites for different channels, and the independent maintenance of these sites is time-consuming and expensive, or if the organization has a B2C channel such as sodimac (South American "home depot", which sells products to consumers and businesses), then it may be time to consider the Taiwan business model.

4. Migration

Once you decide to migrate to the next-generation e-commerce model, you must develop a migration strategy and roadmap to enter the new business platform in stages through channels. For example, a platform is a mobile app before entering other channels-Mission Linen is a 90-year-old industrial washing company that sells and serves flax products for restaurants, bars, car stores, hotels and other companies. First, they developed an Android-based application for sales representatives to place orders on site and track customer requirements. Next, they extend the application to other channels. This approach will help Mission Linen expand its sales territory, get customers quickly and, most importantly, provide an excellent customer experience.

The second phase is to replace all the functions of the platform one by one using a migration strategy often referred to as "suppression". For example, the front-end user experience can combine the old platform with the new platform for a period of time, or users can see the new site at certain points in the usage process, such as at checkout or pricing.

In short, a migration strategy that is suitable for one organization may not apply to another organization. But keep in mind that this new business architecture is built in the digital business world and has the ability to migrate in stages, rather than creating features to maintain the company's business competitiveness.

[Shang Yun] focuses on providing B2B e-commerce system construction services for enterprises, long-term building digital, commercial and intelligent B2B e-commerce website solutions for large and medium-sized enterprises, and building an one-stop B2B e-commerce platform closed-loop system for traditional enterprises, to achieve B2B mall system data exchange, full-chain integration, and comprehensively improve platform operation efficiency and platform revenue.

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