In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, optimising your tech stack is not just a necessity—it's an art form. This recent episode of the E-commerce Master Plan podcast, hosted by Chloe Thomas, dives deep into the realm of tech stack optimization with insights from a panel of industry specialists such as Chris McCarthy, stocked from Push On, Jody Geeshard from Bright Pearl Bysage, Rachel Tonner from clay. Here’s a comprehensive look at their valuable advice tailored for e-commerce businesses as they step into 2024.
First, let’s demystify tech stack optimisation. Essentially, it involves leveraging your existing technology—from website tools to backend systems—more efficiently. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience while reducing costs and preserving sanity. Given the continuous pressure to do more with less, this topic couldn't be timelier.
Rachel Jones from Studio Rotate highlighted a dual approach focusing on strategic outsourcing and rigorous auditing. By delegating non-core activities to specialised third parties, businesses can concentrate on high-value tasks, thus optimising both the tech stack and internal resources. Meanwhile, auditing helps identify cost-saving opportunities and ensures compatibility and ease of use across the tech stack, making it a critical step for sustainable optimization.
The rise of automation and its integration into business processes was a recurring theme. RM from Story Lee emphasised the importance of automation not only for efficiency but also for its scalability and impact on the business. The integration of different platforms ensures a seamless flow across various customer touch points, which is essential in today’s omnichannel shopping environment.
Deepak Anand from SHOPLINE discussed the nuanced decision between building custom solutions or buying off-the-shelf products. As businesses face the evolving demands of 2024, the focus should be on composability and flexibility within the tech stack, ensuring components work cohesively without restricting future growth.
James Gurds from Digital Juggler stressed the importance of building accessibility and performance assessments into all tech changes. With a significant portion of the population having specific accessibility needs, neglecting this aspect can alienate potential customers and lead to compliance issues, impacting both reputation and revenue.
Chris McCarthy of Push On advised businesses to "audit and simplify." Many companies accumulate tech over time that they don't fully utilise, leading to unnecessary expenses. By conducting a thorough audit of what tools are essential and eliminating redundancy, businesses can streamline operations and reduce tech debt.
This podcast episode is not just a collection of expert opinions; it's a call to action for e-commerce businesses to scrutinise their tech stacks critically. The insights shared emphasise the need for a strategic approach to technology, where optimization is continuous and aligned with business goals. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, understanding and optimising your tech stack is not just about keeping up—it's about setting the pace.
Whether you're a small startup or an established player, the time to reassess and optimise your tech stack is now. Dive into the full podcast for a deeper exploration of these themes and more expert advice, and join the conversation on how to turn tech challenges into growth opportunities
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