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If you’re in the eCommerce business, then you’ll know that your customers always expect more.
More from your products, more from your team, and most of all, more from your content.
In the face of this demand, trying to cram a square content peg into the round hole of a traditional CMS can only take you so far.
That’s why so many businesses are making the switch to composable commerce. A flexible, scalable solutionthat means businesses can create wholly modular eCommerce solutions for only what they need, with the best tools and technologies available to them.
In this blog, we’re taking a dive into composable commerce, looking at what it is, how it helps businesses, and what the future holds for it.
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What is Composable Commerce?
Basically, composable commerce is a way of building digital commerce stores where you can pick and mix different parts, like building blocks, to create the perfect shopping experience for your customers.
By going composable, both B2B and B2C eCommerce businesses can select all the different tools they know and love, integrating modules from each seamlessly.
Instead of being stuck with OOTB integrations and mediocre parts, composable commerce architecture means businesses can select best-in-class solutions for each component. Such as CMS, payment gateways, and customer personalization tools. In the end, they get a completely modular, scalable, and agile ecommerce development that is unique to their specific needs.
Composable Commerce vs Traditional Platforms
So, what are the differences between composable commerce and traditional platforms?
Basically, a composable commerce solution lets businesses choose and combine different tools (like payment systems, search bars, or product displays) to build a digital store exactly how they imagined.
A traditional solution on the other hand gives you a pre-built store with everything included, but you can’t easily change or swap parts. This makes it hard to scale and harder to customize.
When eCommerce starting being democratized, businesses moved from custom built solutions to monolithic platform — a single provider that linked all of the individual modules together and gave you a ready to use eCommerce solution. But when it came to making your own mark on your system, well, good luck...
Monolithic platforms are notoriously challenging to change, and require complex code to make even small tweaks to your process. Want to offer dynamic pricing, multimedia showcases, or even additional purchasing steps? If it doesn’t come out-of-the-box, it just isn’t happening.
With the sales channels multiplying in the past decade, mobile phones, marketplaces, social media, Headless appeared as the solution for all. withheadless commerce platforms, you can sell anywhere from one single eCommerce solution. It offered greater flexibility but that also involved going back to custom built front ends and a learning curve for non technical marketers.
Composable commerce architecture can group several parts of eCommerce and make it one single solution. Some may refer to it as MACH architecture (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless) but it is not exactly that. MACH is only one way to implement composable commerce.
It's the promise of freedom of choice when it comes to tech solutions for each component of eCommerce, all integrated together for the best possible user experience.
4 Key Features of Composable Commerce
We’ve spoken a lot about modular ecommerce solutions and building from ‘parts’ so far, but what does this actually mean? What are the parts we can configure in composable commerce architecture, and what features make something composable?
It all comes down to MACH architecture (short for Micro services, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless). Composable commerce built on MACH makes it easier for businesses to update, scale, and customize their systems to meet customer needs. Let’s take a look at each of those in turn.
1: Microservices
Microservices break an ecom platform down into small, separate parts, like product catalogs or checkout.
Unlike one big ecommerce ecosystem system that’s built on a traditional platform where everything is connected. With microservices, each part works on its own, so you can update, grow, or change one part without affecting the rest.
Microservices completely decouple your CRM system from your email system, your invoices from your purchase orders, meaning you can choose the best of the best, without compromising. That’s why micro-services matter in eCommerce — they’re completely flexible, customizable, and scalable.
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that lets different parts of a system talk to each other and share information.
In composable commerce, the API connects things like microservices, apps, and front-end tools so they can work together, even if they’re built by different companies. For example, an API can let your website show product details from one service, process payments with another, and handle shipping updates from a third.
Having an API-first design is key in making composable commerce architecture so effective.
3: Cloud Native
All these features wouldn’t be possible without key data being stored on the cloud.
On top of information retrieval, composable commerce uses cloud-based platforms to grow and shrink as needed. This means businesses can handle busy times, like holiday sales or promotions, without slowing down or paying all those extra costs for resources they don’t use.
4: Headless Commerce
Headless commerce is what enables business to have a consistent eCommerce experience across multiple channels. It separates the back-end, which is the database where all you product info and content is stored from the front-end which is what the customer will see on each device.
Headless commerce means that you can sell on your website, mobile app, amazon store without having to update info for each channel separately. You have one central location where everything is stored - the back-end- and once quantities, product descriptions or even discounts are applied you can deploy to all channels via API.
Composable commerce is all about flexibility and to be successful in eCommerce today, flexibility is key. Whether it is B2B or B2C eCommerce composable commerce improves customer experience and removes the barrier to scale.
Flexible and Scalable
Composable commerce means your eCommerce solution is built like lego blocks allowing you to move things around, add and delete pieces without having to rebuild from scratch. This is what make it 100% flexible and scalable, allowing to adapt to change fast.
It’s all about growth and scaling. Think better management, easier workflows, and more homogenized journeys across platforms and systems. Because it’s all synched up more, it’s easier and quicker to grow when you need.
That means holiday demand and peak sales are no trouble at all for your new system. And neither is adding new features, like personalized recommendations for your customers, multimedia experiences, or synchronized launches across apps and end user experiences.
Faster Time-to-Market
Traditional ecom platforms are usually clunky and slow. They stifle innovation by forcing businesses to pass through lengthy development cycles. In fast moving industries, like SaaS ecommerce platforms and composable commerce for B2B companies, this is an issue.
But composable platforms adapt easily to agile eCommerce development. Through API design and micro services, businesses can implement the platform in stages, making agile tweaks as their business progresses.
Imagine, this could look like composable commerce for enterprise businesses, adding a new payment gateway or marketing automation tool without a complete overhaul of everything, and feeling empowered to change it even without lengthy implementation processes.
Better Customer Experiences
It’s not just for businesses. Customers see the benefits, too!
Composable commerce, powered by MACH architecture, means businesses can create consistent and personalized experiences across every channel they like.
Think engaging mobile shoppers in app, to interactive in-store displays, all that update and sync in real time — no need for multiple teams to manage and an extensive coordination plan.
Ultimately, this latest in tech helps companies design customer journeys that match individual preferences, increasing those all-important engagement and loyalty metrics.
Reduced Costs
And all these benefits impact a business’ bottom line.
Sure, the initial investment into a composable commerce system can be steep. But the long-term cost advantages are huge.
With traditional platforms, you’re vulnerable to price hikes, and tied into a n expensive monthly or annual subscription.
On the other hand, composable modules means you only pay for the features you need. And if you find one better? It’s easy to switch – no expensive implementation that drags on for years, no replacing your entire system just for one feature, no planning your system around the workarounds.
And when it’s time to update? Do it on a by-module basis and avoid downtime! Easy as pie
Challenges of composable commerce
It’s not all roses. As with any new piece of software, there are some drawbacks of the composable commerce model.
Let’s take a look so you can make an informed decision on whether composable is right for your business, plus choosing the best composable commerce platform.
Complex Integrations
Sure, integrations make this software powerful, but it’s also a drawback too. Many modules mean many different subscriptions and software tools to manage, too. And this process can get complex, especially for those who are making the switch from traditional platforms.
Integrations need regular maintenance and monitoring and will require the IT team or/and expert consultants to make sure everything is working properly and secure.
IT reliant
Just like above, integrations will require IT teams to be involved as building a system with different software is no easy task. Making sure everything is secure and working together seamlessly will require experts.
That means having a team that is capable of managing a composable commerce architecture, with sufficient technical expertise.
You’ll need skilled teams to handle headless eCommerce platforms, set up APIs, and manage ongoing development. If your team doesn’t have these skills, you might need to partner with those who do, recruit new team members, or invest in training (all of which could be costly and time consuming).
Costly Setup
Over the long term, composable commerce platforms are likely to benefit your bottom line. But in the short term, you might find yourself with a costly initial set-up.
It doesn’t have to break the bank. Choosing and integrating the right tools, selecting the right software partner, along with hiring skilled professionals, requires careful budgeting. But then if you can stick to the budget, the investment will pay off down the line.
Find the right eCommerce platform with 500+ RFP questions!
Core dna's Approach to Composable Commerce
Finding the right partner starts with a free consultation with Core dna.
Our hybrid CMS and eCommerce platform is built on the principles of composable commerce, giving businesses like yours the tools to create wholly adaptable, flexible digital commerce systems that grow with you.
Let’s take a look at what makes Core dna stand out from the rest.
A Unified Hybrid Platform
We like to think that Core dna combines the strengths of traditional CMS and ecom platforms with the adaptability and scalability of headless architecture.
This hybridity means businesses can manage content while integrating with a range of BTS and front end ecommerce features.
Unlike traditional monolithic platforms, Core dna breaks down the barriers between content and commerce, creating a smooth and completely unified customer experience.
A Range of Composable Solutions
Core dna supports a completely modular approach. Using API-first design and microservices to connect all your favorite top-tier tools for payments, customer personalization, and a whole lot more…
The platform lets mid-level businesses start small and expand as needed, staying flexible without losing performance.
Making the Complex Simple
Switching to a composable commerce system can sure feel overwhelming. But Core dna makes the entire process easy.
With expert pre-configured tools, improved workflows, and great round-the-clock support, the Core dna platform speeds up deployment and reduces complexity…. Making it easy for you to embrace in your business.
Guide to Implementing a Composable Commerce Solution
If your business is prepared to transition from legacy platforms to composable commerce, we’ve put together this 6-step guide to help.
Step 1: Check Your Current Setup
When starting a new implementation, a frank look at your starting point is very important.
Take a good look at your current systems to spot what’s working, what’s not, and what needs an upgrade. Get your team involved – what do they think? Do you have experts on the team to help? If so, great! If not, then it might be time to start recruiting.
Knowing where you’re at helps you figure out how new tools and services will fit in.
Step 2: Have clear project goals
Like any other project you need to have clear goals and expectations. There are many reason for changing an eCommerce platform, so making sure you lay out your top priorities with the new system and list the features your platform needs.
Here, you need to be precise as possible – we’re about to set non-negotiable goals that you’ll need when you start evaluating your partners.
Our expert tip is to break the plan into phases so you can handle short-term fixes while planning for the future. Also, be flexible. What might be a must-have now might not be in one year’s time as the tech changes, so while it’s important to document your goals, also keep an open mind.
Step 3: Pick the Right Tools and Partners
Find tools that work well with API-first designs and are easy to connect with your system… Look for partners, like Core dna, that can guide you with a flexible platform to make the switch smoother.
Tip! Look out for case studies (ours are below) and make sure to go through the whole demo process too. This will help you understand what the expertise is in the industry.
Step 4:Setup your implementation plan
Work hand in hand with your eCommerce vendor to create a roll-out plan that integrates your timeline and priorities.
Discuss timelines, testing, and resource planning to stay organized. Don't forget to involve all the stakeholders from the start to make sure everyone is aligned and responsibilities are clear for accountability and to keep the project moving forward.
Step 5: Integrate training and handover in the plan
A system that no one how to use is useless. Setting up a training and handover plan with your vendor will guarantee every member of the team feels empowered to use the new eCommerce solution.
And prepare yourself for some change management mitigation here. Employees used to legacy tech might cause a bit of friction as they get used to the new deal. Plan and prepare yourself and your team and you’ll make the switch manageable.
Step 6: Launch and Review
Testing and testing and testing again. Make sure all aspects of your new eCommerce solutions are working perfectly before the big Go live moment.
Set up track to measure how the new platform is performing and have clear KPIs across your team. Stay on top of those updates and subscription fees! Small delays in payments and updates can cause havoc if they’re left to cause downtime. Create a plan (and a team!) for going forward.
Case Studies: How Composable Commerce Helps These Businesses Succeed
Composable commerce is changing the game for a lot of businesses around the world. But who exactly, and how?
Let’s take a look at some case studies of composable commerce via Core dna in action.
How Clark Rubber Simplified Their Ops for Growth
When Clark Rubber, a major Australian retailer with over 60 stores, came to Core dna, they were battling a disjointed ecommerce ecosystem that had grown over time, plus inconsistent customer experiences that were harming their brand…
They knew that another legacy system would just be more of the same, so were looking for a composable platform that allowed them to build on all the individual components and scale as they grew.
By switching to a composable commerce platform with Core dna, they connected all their systems, and were able to make significant impact to their whole ops, including inventory management and streamlining order processes across their myriad of locations.
Using Core dna’s modular tools, Clark Rubber was able to solve the problem of jumbled comms, with updated product catalogs that synched, customized shipping for different locations, and were then able to offer global inventory browsing — a massive win.
While Clark Rubber struggled with the behind the scenes, it was RANDYS front end that was letting down the brand.
RANDYS Worldwide started with just one eCommerce site but then quickly expanded to seven brands, each with its own products and customers. Great for business, but this proved to be a challenge when RANDYS started to look at uniting all that into one platform.
The bottom line… their old platform couldn’t handle the complexity of managing multiple storefronts and B2B portals, meaning that their customers were struggling to find what they were looking for, and clogged up customer service reps with phone orders instead of using the web.
RANDYS came to Core dna with a mission to decrease phone orders and provide a better way for their customers to process orders online.
With Core dna’s composable commerce ecosystem, RANDYS centralized their backend while still keeping unique storefronts for each brand.
This reduced the manual work required of their reps (the phones stopped ringing off the hook!), made operations so much smoother, and improved customer satisfaction, with skyrocketing website order forms!
Learn more about RANDYS Worldwide journey in our case study on managing multiple brands.
Future Trends in Composable Commerce
It’s undeniable, then, that composable commerce is transforming ecom, offering businesses the flexibility to keep up with fast-changing demands (even as their system changes and shifts).
Composable commerce, once a tool for big companies, is now something that smaller businesses are adopting too. And this is a trend we see to continue in 2025 and beyond.
Now, more and more affordable, modular solutions are cropping up, bringing this tech to every business. This means that businesses stuck in burdensome legacy systems might be left behind as the world of ecom moves towards modular MACH architecture.
AI-powered features are making a big impact in composable commerce, with things for predictive inventory management and automated customer support helping businesses run smarter and faster — and that’s only going to increase!
And finally, another big trend will be personalization, as AI and dynamic platforms adapt to the individual customer. This will work by analyzing real-time data to give shoppers highly tailored recommendations and content.
The Last Word
Composable commerce is the new thing on the block, and it’s captured your competition by storm.
The truth is, legacy platforms just don’t cut it anymore. Your customers want more personalized experiences and innovative online shopping.
The future is more agile, more bespoke, and more modular, and the only architecture that can support this is composable commerce. What could it do in your business?
Have questions? Speak with our experts to find your ideal solution.
Core dna team
Our team of digital and marketing experts share their practical insights on technology, digital experience, and business transformation. If you have questions or would like to learn more feel free to contact us.
