Composable architecture is the foundation of every B2B eCommerce solution we build. This guide explains what it is, the benefits it brings to a B2B web store, and how it integrates with the systems your business already runs.

Benefits of a Composable B2B eCommerce Web Store

There are numerous benefits to using composable architecture for your B2B web store, including increased speed, stability, security and scalability. This means your web store is not only optimised in the short term, but it will be able to grow as your business does. This approach ensures better performance by optimizing operational efficiencies and enhancing user experience.

Introduction to Digital Commerce

Digital commerce, also known as e-commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It has become an essential part of modern business, allowing companies to reach a wider audience and increase their online sales. A composable architecture is a key aspect of modern B2B eCommerce, enabling businesses to create personalized and seamless digital experiences for their customers. By adopting a composable approach, companies can stay ahead of the competition and respond quickly to changing market conditions in a way that traditional commerce platforms cannot compete with. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also provides businesses with the flexibility to adapt to new market trends and technologies, ensuring long-term success in the digital marketplace.

What Is Composable Architecture?

Composable architecture is the practice of building a cohesive, business focussed whole eCommerce web store based on the best fit-for-purpose components. An API-first approach is essential for ensuring integration and communication between these technology components. Components are typically purchased from third parties and may also include bespoke components.

The key challenge for building a composable B2B eCommerce solution is being able to competently integrate the various components into a working, cohesive whole for your business. The types of components involved typically include:

eCommerce Core (like Elastic Path)
Product Information Management
Business ERP Systems
Search and Navigation
User Identity And Authentication
Configure, Price, Quote
Pricing And Availability Systems
Security Tooling
Payment Systems
Analytics
Geo-Location
And many more!

Our preferred core eCommerce platform is Elastic Path (which brings excellent account management and catalogue management features), but that is only the beginning of the journey. You can learn more about the architecture of a composable eCommerce store using Elastic Path over on our blog.

Headless Commerce and eCommerce Platforms

Headless commerce is a type of e-commerce architecture that separates the front-end and back-end systems, allowing for greater flexibility and customization. This approach enables businesses to create unique and personalized digital experiences for their customers, while also providing a unified view of their product offerings and inventory. E-commerce platforms, such as Shopify and BigCommerce, provide the necessary tools and services for businesses to create and manage their online stores. By leveraging these platforms, companies can focus on creating engaging digital experiences and building strong relationships with their customers. This separation of concerns allows for more innovative and responsive design, ensuring that the customer journey is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish which maximises the returns for your business.

Key Features of a Composable B2B Web Store

A composable web store is built from a variety of software components, allowing your business to create and manage your online store using the best tool for each job. The key features include seamless integration, packaged business capabilities, and a cloud-native architecture. This approach enables businesses to create personalized and scalable digital experiences, while also providing full price transparency and mutually beneficial relationships with their suppliers and partners. By adopting this approach, companies can improve their customer loyalty, increase their revenue, and stay ahead of the competition. The flexibility of this approach means that businesses can quickly adapt to market changes and customer demands, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Existing Systems and Integration

Our B2B eCommerce solutions build on your existing systems, no matter how old or complex they may be. A composable architecture leverages these systems by placing facades over them making them into faster, more secure and more stable components than the underlying systems. Even legacy ERP systems being run by large companies can be integrated in this manner.

Many businesses are stuck with current systems or outdated systems that limit their ability to create personalized and seamless digital experiences. However, by adopting a composable B2B eCommerce solution, companies can integrate their existing systems with new technologies and create a unified view of their customers and product offerings. This approach enables businesses to leverage their existing investments, while also creating new and innovative digital experiences. By integrating their existing systems in this way, companies can improve their supply chain management, reduce their costs, and increase their revenue. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also provides a more cohesive and satisfying experience for customers, ultimately driving growth and success in the digital marketplace.

Some of your system components will be more modern if your business has been going through a digital transformation. You may have a more modern Content Management System such as Contentful or Strapi. You may have a modern Product Information Management system such as InRiver or Pimberley. A headless architecture can integrate all of these systems along with the more outdated systems to provide a great online retail web store.

Ready to put composable architecture to work for your business? Learn more about our B2B eCommerce service or get in touch to discuss your project.