Customization constraints: the brake on developing your eCommerce platform

A custom eCommerce platform often seems like a good choice: flexibility gives you the freedom to shape your platform as you wish. However, there is also a downside: your current platform can become more difficult to develop further due to extensive customization. This can cause problems in the future. Earlier we already wrote about the choice between an eCommerce platform with standard features or a custom solution. In that blog, we discussed the pros and cons of standard and custom solutions. In this blog, we explore the question: what if your eCommerce platform cannot be further developed due to customization?

Limitations of custom eCommerce platforms

You generally choose a custom eCommerce platform for its flexibility and the ability to create a unique setup. You have full control over your functionalities. But alongside these advantages, custom eCommerce platforms also come with some significant challenges.

• Longer development time: just like it takes longer to create a custom suit than off-the-rack clothing, developing a custom eCommerce platform also takes longer than a standard solution. This means you can bring your platform to market less quickly. 

• Dependence on developers: for all modifications, expansions, and other possibilities, you are dependent on the developers of your platform. Due to this vendor lock, you are less flexible and dependent on the development capacity of the provider. 

• Limited community and support: when you choose a custom solution, you can rely less on community fixes and support. All questions and solutions will need to be provided by the developer.

• High (maintenance) costs: a custom eCommerce platform is expensive due to the complexity of development, unique business needs, and the costs for maintenance and support.

Standard platforms: the proven alternative to custom solutions

When it becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to develop your custom eCommerce platform further, it is wise to consider alternatives. A ‘standard’ eCommerce platform offers the perfect solution in this case. 

The idea that a standard solution offers too few functionalities and flexibility is a thing of the past. Many standard solutions have been significantly developed in recent years, making them easier to adapt to your needs. Through API connections that can be integrated, you can easily complement your platform with additional services. Customization is also possible within the standard platforms themselves. Additionally, there are other benefits, such as automatic development and updates, scalability, and high reliability. And if you still want a hybrid form between custom and a standard solution: then a strategy with a headless platform can offer the solution.

The transition from custom to standard solutions

Once you decide to transition from a custom platform to a standard platform, there are several steps to consider.

Step 1: Analyze functionalities

You start with a thorough analysis of your functionalities: what functionalities do you have in your current platform? Determine which functionalities must be carried over to a new platform, which you would like to take with you, and which you no longer need. Then, determine which new functions you want and apply the same methodology to them. 

Step 2: Map out future needs

You are not only making a choice for now; you are primarily making a choice for the future. Therefore, you want to map out future needs. When you start working on future-proofing your webshop, you will face many strategic decisions. These include, among other things, the following considerations: do you choose an open-source platform or SaaS? Which strategy will you adopt: best of breed or a monolithic system? In this blog, we briefly outlined the pros and cons of these choices. It’s not just about strategic decisions but also about which functionalities, options, and other aspects are important for your platform, now and in the future.

Step 3: Compare providers (and don’t be rushed!)

Choosing a new platform has a significant impact on your business operations and therefore requires preparation and careful consideration. Our advice is: in addition to reading this blog, take your time to carefully review the other important steps when choosing a new eCommerce platform. Don’t let yourself be rushed by a company that wants to sell you something quickly, and take the time to make a well-considered decision. Weigh functionalities, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and (peripheral) conditions. Make sure to request multiple quotes and carefully check what is included and where there might be hidden costs. For example, request a CloudSuite demo to get a clear view of what the platform offers.

Step 4: Establish and execute the migration plan

To successfully complete the transition, you need to create a step-by-step migration plan. To do this effectively, you should work closely with the provider of your new platform to determine who will carry out each step: from inventorying the current systems to migrating to your new eCommerce platform and training your staff to work with the new system. 

When you follow these steps, make strategic considerations, and take your time in selecting your platform, you can expect a smooth transition. However, a transition will always come with challenges, such as potential downtime or data migration issues. These challenges can vary depending on the provider and the situation. Therefore, it is important to discuss these challenges with your platform provider.

A standard platform as your solution for custom challenges

Your custom platform may currently offer the functionalities you need. However, there is a strong possibility that you will face increasing costs, scalability issues, and technical challenges in maintaining your platform in the future. Transitioning to a ‘standard’ platform may feel like a step back for many companies, but it is ultimately a step forward for the future of your organization. With extensive technical support, automatic development, and increased customization options, you will save costs over time and gain significant support in return.