An eCommerce website requires several key elements like seamless product navigation, checkout carts, payment gateways, inventory, etc. But integrating them all into a single platform may limit the functionality, scalability, maintenance, etc. That’s where the importance of a modular structure is highlighted.
Just like building with Lego bricks, eCommerce websites are often constructed from smaller, interconnected components called modules. These modules handle specific tasks from showcasing your products to processing orders. So you can create a powerful store without getting bogged down in complex coding.
So what basic modules are most often used by the professional eCommerce development services? And how are they integrated? Let’s begin.
Modular Structure in eCommerce
In eCommerce, a module structure refers to building the eStore using independent, self-contained components. These modules can be things like product listings, shopping carts, payment gateways, or even content management systems.
The beauty of this modular approach lies in its flexibility. Each module acts like a specialist, focusing on a specific task and communicating with others through predefined channels. So you can:
- Pick and choose the best tools: You’re not limited to a single vendor’s suite of features. You can select best-in-breed solutions for each function. It helps create a customized platform that perfectly fits your needs.
- Develop and maintain the store easily: Since modules are independent, updates or bug fixes in one area won’t affect others. This makes development and maintenance a breeze.
- Future-proof your store: As your business grows and your needs evolve, you can easily add new modules or swap out existing ones for more advanced functionalities.
Overall, a modular structure offers a future-proof and adaptable foundation for your eCommerce website. So you can build and scale your online store with ease. Let’s look at the benefits of this approach a little further.
Why Use Modules in eCommerce?
While the monolithic structure offers a seemingly all-in-one solution, the modular approach gives more flexibility, customization, scalability, and maintainability. Here are a few more benefits offered by the latter.
Enhanced Flexibility and Customization
You can meticulously choose the ideal modules for product management, secure payment processing, data analytics, and targeted marketing tools. That helps craft a bespoke suit for your eCommerce website.
Streamlined Development and Simplified Maintenance
The independent nature of modules fosters a more efficient development process. Updates or bug fixes within a specific module are isolated, preventing unintended consequences in other areas. So you can develop and launch the store swiftly.
Moreover, maintenance is quite easy and targeted. For example, if a payment gateway requires an upgrade, you simply implement the necessary adjustments within that specific module. It eliminated the need to overhaul the entire system.
Scalability to Accommodate Growth
A thriving business demands a platform that can adapt and evolve alongside it. With modules, you can seamlessly integrate new functionalities to accommodate the changes. This inherent scalability ensures your eCommerce platform remains future-proof. It will perpetually adapt to your evolving business needs.
Effortless Integration with External Tools
Many modules are designed with seamless integration in mind. You can connect them effortlessly with popular business tools like CRMs or marketing automation platforms. That means a more cohesive ecosystem, enabling you to manage various aspects of your business from a centralized location.
Reduced Development Costs
While some pre-built modules may incur licensing fees, the overall modular development cost is often lower compared to a custom-built solution. This is due to the pre-coded and thoroughly tested nature of modules.
This is due to the pre-coded and thoroughly tested nature of modules. With these pre-built components, you can reduce the development costs and time along with the resource allocation.
By adopting a modular approach, you’re essentially building a dynamic and adaptable online store that caters to your specific business goals. If you want the best eCommerce module built with a modular approach, consult with our eCommerce development experts.
Basic Modules of eCommerce Website
If you are trying to build an eCommerce website with the module approach, there are few basic modules you will need.
Product Information Management (PIM)
This module acts as the heart of your online store, housing all product details – descriptions, specifications, images, and variations. An effective PIM allows for efficient product creation, updates, and organization. So your customers have access to accurate and comprehensive information.
Key Features
- Product Creation & Management: Easily add new products, edit existing ones, and manage product variations (size, color, etc.).
- Rich Product Descriptions & Specifications: Provide comprehensive information about your products, including detailed descriptions, high-quality images, technical specifications, and user manuals.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels in real-time to avoid stockouts and ensure product availability.
- Product Categorization & Filtering: Organize products into clear categories and subcategories for easy browsing. Facilitate product filtering based on various attributes (price, brand, color) to streamline the customer search process.
Content Management System (CMS)
Beyond product listings, your website likely requires dynamic content like blog posts, about us sections, or promotions. A CMS empowers you to create, edit, and publish this content effortlessly, fostering a more engaging shopping experience for your customers.
Key Features
- Effortless Content Creation & Editing: Craft engaging blog posts, informative product descriptions, or captivating “About Us” sections with a user-friendly interface.
- Flexible Page Management: Add new pages, edit existing ones, and control their layout and hierarchy.
- Promotions & Marketing Materials: Create compelling banners, landing pages, and promotional content to drive sales and brand awareness.
Shopping Cart & Checkout
This module acts as the virtual shopping bag for your customers. It allows them to add and remove items, view their selections, and navigate seamlessly towards secure checkout.
Key Features
- Product Addition & Removal: Customers can add and remove items from their cart with ease, adjust quantities, and view their selections before proceeding to checkout.
- Guest Checkout Option: Offer a streamlined checkout process for both registered users and guests.
- Secure Payment Processing: Integrate with a reliable payment gateway to ensure safe and secure customer transactions.
- Multiple Shipping Options: Provide customers with a choice of shipping methods and estimated delivery times.
- Clear Order Summary: Present a breakdown of the order including product details, quantities, shipping costs, and total amount before final confirmation.
Order Management System (OMS)
Once a purchase is complete, the OMS takes over. It manages order processing, tracks inventory levels, and facilitates communication with fulfillment centers or shipping carriers.
- Order Processing: Automate order processing tasks like confirming orders, sending invoices, and updating inventory levels.
- Inventory Management: Maintain real-time inventory data and prevent overselling.
- Fulfillment Integration: Seamlessly connect with fulfillment centers or shipping carriers to facilitate order fulfillment and shipment tracking.
- Customer Communication: Enable automatic order confirmation emails, shipment notifications, and order tracking information for customers.
Payment Gateway
This module securely handles customer transactions. It helps integrate with payment gateways (credit cards, eWallets etc.) to ensure safe and reliable payment authorization and collection.
Key Features
- Integration with Payment Processors: Connect with various payment processors such as credit card companies, e-wallets, or digital payment solutions.
- Secure Transaction Processing: Employ robust security measures to encrypt sensitive customer data and ensure safe payment authorization and collection.
- Fraud Prevention: Utilize fraud detection tools to minimize the risk of fraudulent transactions.
Customer Account Management
This module allows customers to create accounts, store their details, track order history, and manage preferences. It personalizes the shopping experience and fosters customer loyalty.
Key Features
- User Account Creation: Allow customers to create accounts to store their shipping and billing information for faster checkouts in the future.
- Order History & Tracking: Provide customers with access to their order history, order status updates, and shipment tracking information.
- Wishlist & Saved Items: Enable customers to create wishlists or save items for later purchase, fostering a sense of continuity and encouraging repeat visits.
- Account Preferences: Allow customers to manage their account information, update preferences, and subscribe to newsletters or promotions.
Analytics & Reporting
Understanding customer behavior is crucial for success. Analytics modules track website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. This data empowers you to optimize your store’s layout, marketing strategies, and overall customer experience.
Key Features
- Traffic Tracking: Understand visitor volume, source (organic search, social media etc.), and user journey through your website.
- Customer Behavior Analysis: Track product popularity, conversion funnel drop-off points, and segment customer base for targeted marketing.
- Performance Measurement: Monitor key metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and ROI to gauge website effectiveness.
- Customizable Reporting: Generate reports tailored to your needs for in-depth insights into customer behavior and website performance.
Combining these core modules is important for integrating the best functionalities on the website. It helps build a robust and feature-rich eCommerce website more effectively.If you need custom modules for your website, you can consult with our eCommerce development agency. We’ll analyze your requirements, create the suitable modules, and integrate them into the website.
FAQs on Basic eCommerce Modules
Q1. What is a PIM (Product Information Management) module?
A PIM is the central hub for all your product data, like descriptions, specifications, images, and variations. It allows you to easily add, edit, and manage product information, ensuring customers have access to accurate and comprehensive details.
Q2. What does the Shopping Cart & Checkout module handle?
This module acts as your virtual shopping bag. It allows customers to add and remove items, view their selections, and navigate seamlessly towards a secure checkout process.
Q3. How does the Payment Gateway module ensure secure transactions?
This module securely handles customer payments by integrating with various payment processors. It employs robust security measures to encrypt sensitive data and ensure safe payment authorization and collection.
Conclusion
A modular platform empowers you to create a website that’s not only functional but also adaptable. As your business grows and your needs evolve, you can seamlessly integrate new modules to enhance your online store’s capabilities.
The most basic modules necessary for any eCommerce website are:
- Product Information Management (PIM)
- Content Management System (CMS)
- Shopping Cart & Checkout
- Order Management System (OMS)
- Payment Gateway
- Customer Account Management
- Analytics & Reporting
If you want a modular structure for your eCommerce website, consult with our experts today!
