Introduction
With the rapid evolution of eCommerce technology, many businesses using Salesforce’s SiteGenesis are contemplating the transition to more modern versions of Salesforce. This transition can be daunting, but understanding the process, benefits, and considerations can make it smoother and more effective.
Understanding SiteGenesis and Its Evolution
SiteGenesis, originally built by Demandware and later acquired by Salesforce, has undergone several iterations. Its legacy code architecture, though still functional, lacks the agility and innovation offered by newer platforms like SFRA (Storefront Reference Architecture) and the composable storefront. While businesses can continue to use SiteGenesis, the inability to leverage newer Salesforce features without customizations could limit growth and efficiency.
Considering the Transition: When and Why?
Deciding to move away from SiteGenesis involves considering various factors. The key is to assess whether the current platform restricts your ability to improve performance, customer experience, or innovation. If you find your business hitting these limits, it may be time to consider migrating to a more modern solution like SFRA or a composable storefront.
SFRA vs Composable Storefront: Which Path to Choose?
SFRA offers a more traditional upgrade path, maintaining a monolithic architecture but with enhanced features and capabilities. On the other hand, the composable storefront represents a more significant shift, embracing a headless and modular approach that allows for greater flexibility and faster deployment. The choice largely depends on your business’s specific needs, goals, and digital maturity.
Operational Impacts and Required Skillsets
Migrating to a new platform, especially a composable one, impacts operations and requires specific skill sets. Businesses need to consider their in-house capabilities, such as React development skills for managing front-end changes and strong product ownership to navigate the new architectural landscape. This shift often requires new training or hiring strategies to ensure the team can fully leverage the new platform’s capabilities.
Accelerating the Transition with Front-end Accelerators
To aid in the transition, especially in the case of the composable storefront, utilizing front-end accelerators can be beneficial. These tools bridge gaps, such as integrating a headless CMS or search provider, and enable businesses to maintain functionalities like content scheduling and personalization. Accelerators can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with migrating to a new platform.
Making the Business Case for Migration
When contemplating migration, it’s crucial to build a strong business case. This involves understanding the potential ROI, the scalability offered by the new platform (especially for businesses aiming for global expansion), and the operational changes required. A phased approach, starting with a proof of value on a smaller scale, can help in demonstrating the benefits and making a stronger case for a broader rollout.
Conclusion
Migrating from Salesforce SiteGenesis to modern platforms like SFRA or a composable storefront is a significant decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By understanding your business needs, preparing your team for the operational changes, and utilizing available tools and resources, you can make this transition a stepping stone to greater digital success.
