Cătălin Bordei, Innobyte: Two often overlooked but essential steps in eCommerce - Consulting and Discovery
With over 18 years of experience in eCommerce, my team at Innobyte and I have developed hundreds of online stores. Our clients have ranged from traditional retailers transitioning to online sales, to large companies requiring customized…
With over 18 years of experience in eCommerce, my team at Innobyte and I have developed hundreds of online stores. Our clients have ranged from traditional retailers transitioning to online sales, to large companies requiring customized solutions, and rapidly growing entrepreneurial businesses. One key conclusion we've drawn from this experience is that the more importance an entrepreneur or manager places on the initial stages of consulting and discovery (the preliminary analysis), the more successful the eCommerce or software project is in the long run. Here's why:
Consulting – The cornerstone of success in eCommerce
The consulting and discovery process in an eCommerce project is a vital partnership between the eCommerce expert and the client, besides the obvious need to know the cost of the project beforehand. For each type of client we serve, consulting provides a personalized plan designed to avoid common pitfalls — such as scalability issues, incorrect feature selection, or poor integration (which often leads to delays and cost overruns). This process ensures the necessary infrastructure is in place and that the platform meets business objectives.
For traditional retailers venturing online, consulting and analysis facilitate the transition and help them understand the structural and workflow changes they need to adopt. Large companies, on the other hand, benefit from an expert's vast experience in integrating complex solutions and adapting the platform to their specific needs. Meanwhile, growing entrepreneurial businesses find consulting and analysis a reliable path to scaling, with a well-structured plan supporting their rapid growth.
The consulting and analysis process can also save time and money by providing clarity on the eCommerce project’s purpose, allowing for informed business decisions. For example, it enables launching the project with only the most essential features initially and planning for future phases accordingly. In some cases, it helps identify whether postponing the project due to time or budget constraints is a wiser choice — it's better to know what you're committing to upfront rather than discovering challenges later.
Preliminary analysis and preparation ensure a solid foundation for growth
The initial analysis (or discovery) stage ensures that all elements are correctly positioned for a successful launch. Before development begins, a thorough assessment of needs, processes, and existing capabilities provides a deep understanding of the current state and future objectives. This process offers a clear view of what the eCommerce platform should include, along with a prioritized list of adjustments needed to prevent roadblocks.
