In this article, we aim to help define the type of eCommerce for each situation, taking into account the needs of an online store and helping to find the best alternative according to its objectives.

Before building an online store, it’s necessary to ask a series of questions. The purpose of this exercise is to define the current scope without limiting the future of the eCommerce project.

Launching an online store is relatively simple and accessible to any business, regardless of budget or knowledge. The challenge lies in doing it well to meet objectives and avoid initial decisions that could constrain the project later (such as not using the platform, having to shut it down to build a new one, it not meeting medium-term needs, or it being oversized and costly).

There are many questions to consider when launching an online store, but initially, they can be reduced to the most basic:

• Do I need an online store?
• Who is my target audience?
• What benefits do I expect from eCommerce?
• What type of store best fits my situation?

Based on this, we can begin to define the type of eCommerce, which can generally be grouped into three types.

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Types of eCommerce Available

There are many eCommerce software providers, but which one is the best? The answer depends on prior analysis. Based on the answers to the above questions, different types can be considered; each may be the best option depending on the company’s situation.

ERP-Integrated eCommerce

This is an online store built directly within the ERP, making the management software the single source of information. With integrated eCommerce, the business logic of the ERP is maintained, and data is updated in real time: stock, sales, activity, etc. The online store contains all necessary documentation, and the customer can access it at any time: orders, purchases, invoicing, and more.

Independent Online Store

This is an online store completely separate from the company’s operations. It is the simplest and cheapest option, as it involves a new system with no relation to the rest: orders must be entered manually in the management software, there is another uncentralized source of information, and an independent structure must be defined. The organization’s operations remain unchanged, with no time savings or error reduction. The only benefit is having an additional sales channel online.

eCommerce Connector with ERP

This is an independent online store that requires an additional application to connect it with the ERP. This option can be as simple as a connector that ensures online orders are reflected in the ERP, or as complex as multiple connectors transferring data between the store and ERP to update orders, inquiries, discounts, stock, etc. The organization’s operations may change, as this adds another element to daily work, with its own business logic, operation, and learning curve.

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How to Decide the Best Type of eCommerce for Your Business

Investment is always a factor to consider, but it should be analyzed from the perspective of needs and objectives, not just as a number or expense.

Here are some key considerations to help identify the best option:

• I want to connect the store with the ERP.
  An independent store cannot connect to the ERP, while the other two options can.
• I have different types of customers.
  Any option is valid, but an independent store or a connector may increase investment costs.
• eCommerce is a strategic project.
  The best option is an ERP-integrated eCommerce to implement changes without rethinking the entire project.
• I want the store to adapt to the business, not the other way around.
  An ERP-integrated eCommerce is best, as the store aligns with the ERP’s business logic.

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What Type of eCommerce Do I Want to Build?

Here are some questions to consider to choose the best alternative or at least understand the implications of each option:

• Which option best fits your needs?
• Will my online store be B2B / B2C / Both?
• Will purchase access be Open / With Registration / Both?
• Do I need a Real-Time data interface / Periodic updates?
• What level of documentation will users access from the website? Complete / Limited (order history) / None?
• Should sales agents have Access / No Access?
• Will products have a Single Price / Different Prices by User Type / Multiple Types by Users?
• Will the ERP connection allow access to All Data / Some Data / Basic Data (rates, customers, products)?