A roadmap for B2B eCommerce

A roadmap for successfully integrating ERP into modern e-commerce

When it comes to evolving your ERP into a modern, headless e-commerce solution, the “when” matters just as much as the “what.” Once you’ve defined why you need a new solution and how you want to implement it, the next critical step is to think through timing and priorities.

A lack of a clear timeline can become a real roadblock for businesses. That’s why it’s best to structure ERP integration into a modern B2B e-commerce site as follows:

1. Assess and analyze

Bring together a project team made up of members from different internal groups to discuss the current issues that need to be solved.

2. Create a timeline

Set up a progress schedule that will take you all the way to full integration.

3. Organize the data

Keeping your current ERP’s capabilities and pain points in mind, organize your data so it meets the requirements of your new B2B e-commerce solution.

4. Integration and implementation

Configure your headless e-commerce solution based on your new requirements and begin importing data from your ERP.

5. Testing

Work closely with the IT department to thoroughly test the system’s different functions before launch, leaving time for improvements.

6. Training

Make sure everyone who will interact with the new system is properly trained.

7. Deployment

Roll out your modern e-commerce solution and get it up and running with your ERP.

8. Ongoing support

Keep an eye out for any issues that arise, make sure everyone is comfortable using the system, and gather feedback on how well the integration is working across different areas.

Download our complete guide to modernizing B2B e-commerce

As you map out the path to success, keep the following in mind:

Be realistic

Integrating ERP with modern e-commerce takes time, but it’s far more effective and efficient than adding complex extensions to an existing ERP that isn’t up to the task.

Setting realistic timelines for your move to modern B2B e-commerce gives you and your team room to transition into a new digital reality, with space for accuracy, improvement, and learning. It also helps prevent a rushed data sync from coming back to haunt you later.

Think big, start small

You don’t need to start big to succeed. In many cases, starting smaller and focusing on the most important elements of your new e-commerce solution will lead to success. It lets you test the concept with products that are actually sold, while helping people across your organization get comfortable with the platform’s new systems.

Set goals

Being able to measure project success accurately is crucial. Before you begin, define specific quantitative metrics to track how your ERP integration progresses during implementation and beyond.

Stay flexible

No ERP integration into a modern e-commerce solution will ever unfold exactly as originally imagined. Be prepared for your project to take unexpected turns, and you’ll have the flexibility to adapt your approach as it evolves, regardless of what’s happening elsewhere in your business.

Make or break your business

By unifying your business under a single, centralized view, syncing your data across platforms and new sales channels, and automating labor-intensive processes, you’ll be ready for the future.

Migrating from your legacy ERP to a headless B2B e-commerce solution can be the difference between success and failure for your business. Meeting customer expectations and delivering a rich, consistent experience is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a matter of survival. Businesses need to adapt and evolve their digital commerce model. Fast.

Key considerations

1. In your existing ERP system, how is data shared and used across your organization?
2. How is data shared across the organization today?
3. How many feature extensions have you made to your existing ERP system?
4. How do you manage inventory and product information across all channels?
5. Which department has the most inaccurate data, and why?
6. What are the main issues with your current ERP system, and how can you solve them?
7. How much visibility do you have into customer orders and requests?
8. How does your business strategy align with your digital ambitions?
9. How have you planned to evolve your ERP toward modern e-commerce?
10. How much internal capacity do you have for your new B2B e-commerce project (IT, marketing, sales)?
11. What return on investment do you expect over the next 3 years?

For more information on how DJUST can help you evolve your ERP into modern e-commerce, contact us today.