The Right Technology for Your E-Commerce
Shop systems, ERP, PIM, CRM – choosing the right stack is overwhelming. I'll help you build a technology architecture that actually works together.
Five Systems That Need to Work Together
Successful e-commerce runs on a well-designed tech stack. Each system has its role – but integration is what sets you apart.
Shop Systems
Shopify, Shopware, Magento, commercetools, or WooCommerce? Your shop platform is the foundation. I'll help you pick the one that fits your business.
- SaaS vs. Self-Hosted
- Monolith vs. Headless
- B2C vs. B2B Requirements
- International Scaling
ERP Systems
SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Xentral, or Weclapp – your ERP is the backbone of operations. Inventory, finances, and fulfillment, all in one place.
- Inventory Management
- Financial Management
- Order Processing
PIM Systems
Akeneo, Pimcore, or inRiver – when you're managing product data across multiple channels, a PIM becomes essential.
- Product Data Hub
- Multi-Channel Capability
- Data Quality
Integrations
APIs, middleware, iPaaS – how your systems talk to each other determines efficiency. Automate data flows and eliminate manual handoffs.
- API Strategy
- Middleware Selection
- Real-Time Synchronization
Modern Architectures
Headless Commerce, MACH, and Composable Commerce – these approaches promise more flexibility. But are they right for you?
- Headless Commerce
- MACH Principles
- Composable Commerce
- API-First Strategies
Legacy Systems vs. Clear Architecture
Technology decisions shape your business for years. The right architecture scales with you – the wrong one holds you back.
Legacy Systems
- Silos without real integration
- Same data entered manually across systems
- Workarounds instead of processes
- Hidden costs through inefficiency
- Critical knowledge locked in people's heads
Clear Architecture
- Seamless data flows between systems
- Single source of truth for master data
- Automated end-to-end processes
- Transparent TCO and predictable costs
- Documented, maintainable architecture
Structured to the Right System
From requirements to decision – a proven process for making the right technology choice.
Requirements Analysis
What does the system need to do? We define functional and non-functional requirements, separating must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Requirements Analysis
What does the system need to do? We define functional and non-functional requirements, separating must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Market Screening
Which vendors are worth considering? I build a longlist, evaluate against your criteria, and narrow it down to a qualified shortlist.
Market Screening
Which vendors are worth considering? I build a longlist, evaluate against your criteria, and narrow it down to a qualified shortlist.
RFI/RFP Process
Structured outreach to shortlisted vendors. Standardized questionnaires and scenarios make proposals easy to compare.
RFI/RFP Process
Structured outreach to shortlisted vendors. Standardized questionnaires and scenarios make proposals easy to compare.
Proof of Concept
Optional: Test critical use cases in the real world. A PoC reveals what slick demos hide.
Proof of Concept
Optional: Test critical use cases in the real world. A PoC reveals what slick demos hide.
Decision & Negotiation
A solid decision brief for your leadership team. I can also support contract negotiations if needed.
Decision & Negotiation
A solid decision brief for your leadership team. I can also support contract negotiations if needed.
The best system is not the one with the most features, but the one that best fits your business model.
Compare Costs Honestly
License fees are just the tip of the iceberg. The true cost of a technology decision only shows up when you look at the full picture.
Implementation, customization, training, ongoing operations, updates, support – it all adds up. I create transparent TCO comparisons so there are no surprises down the road.
- TCO Analysis. All cost factors over 3-5 years: licensing, implementation, operations, and ongoing development.
- Functional Evaluation. Systematic matching of requirements to system capabilities. No guesswork.
- Technical Evaluation. Architecture, interfaces, performance, security – the technical due diligence.
Headless, MACH, Composable – What's Behind It?
Headless Commerce
In Headless Commerce, the frontend (the "head") is decoupled from the backend. The shop talks to the commerce system through APIs. This gives you maximum flexibility in frontend design and lets you connect any touchpoint.
Pros: Complete design freedom, faster frontend development, multi-touchpoint ready. Cons: More complexity, more development work, requires a strong tech team.
MACH Architecture
MACH stands for Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless. These principles describe a modern, flexible e-commerce architecture built on best-of-breed components.
Instead of one monolithic system, you pick specialized services for each function: Commerce, Search, CMS, Payments. The challenge? Orchestrating them all and managing increased operational complexity.
Composable Commerce
Composable Commerce takes it even further: your entire e-commerce platform is assembled from swappable components. Each piece can be replaced or extended independently.
This approach offers maximum flexibility, but it also demands serious technical expertise and clear governance. It's not the right fit for every business.
Making the Right Decision
Classic monolith, Headless, or Composable – there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best architecture depends on your business model, technical capabilities, and growth goals. The answer lives in your E-Commerce Strategy.
Once you've made the technology decision, I can support you with Project Management or Implementation Support – so execution goes as smoothly as the selection process.
Experience in Technology Decisions
System Evaluations
conducted
Years
in the digital economy
Migrations
successfully supported
01 At what company size does technology consulting make sense?
Structured technology consulting typically pays off once you hit 2-3 million euros in annual revenue, or when you're facing a major system decision. For smaller retailers, a strategy session is often enough to point you in the right direction.
02 Do you recommend specific systems or vendors?
I'm completely independent – no commissions from software vendors. My recommendations are based on your requirements alone. And sometimes that means I'll recommend sticking with your current system and optimizing it instead.
03 How long does a typical selection process take?
A full selection process with RFP and PoC typically takes 3-6 months. A quicker screening with shortlist recommendation can be done in 4-6 weeks. Timeline depends on complexity and how fast your organization can make decisions.
04 Do you support implementation too?
Yes, as your owner-side representative. I don't write code myself, but I make sure the implementation meets your requirements, join workshops, review milestones, and handle vendor coordination when needed.
05 What's the difference between RFI and RFP?
An RFI (Request for Information) is an initial inquiry to learn about vendors and their offerings. An RFP (Request for Proposal) is a detailed tender with specific requirements, asking for a binding proposal. I use both – depending on where you are in the selection process.
06 Do I really need a PIM system?
Not always. A PIM makes sense if you have 500-1000+ products, sell through multiple channels, or manage complex product data. For smaller shops, your e-commerce platform often handles it just fine. I'll help you figure out what's right for you.
07 What does technology consulting cost?
An initial architecture assessment starts at EUR 3,500. A full selection process with RFP and decision brief typically runs between EUR 8,000 and EUR 15,000 – depending on complexity and the number of systems being evaluated.
08 Is Headless Commerce the future?
Headless is powerful, but it's not for everyone. For retailers with straightforward needs, modern platforms like Shopify Plus or Shopware are often the smarter choice. Headless shines when you have complex frontend requirements, multi-touchpoint strategies, or a strong in-house tech team.
Technology Decision Coming Up?
Let's talk for 30 minutes about which systems fit your business. Independent advice, structured approach, no sales pitch.