Overview
SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA) is a comprehensive e-commerce platform designed to deliver a high-performing, fully integrated online shopping experience. This guide provides an overview of the requirements and deliverables for a typical SCA implementation, covering platform deployment, segment-specific site development, core e-commerce features, catalog migration, loyalty program integration, and more.
1. Platform Deployment
Requirements
The primary goal of the platform deployment is to implement SuiteCommerce Advanced (SCA) for e-commerce operations. This involves setting up multiple domains for various customer segments and ensuring that the core features of SCA are available across all sites.
- Deployment of three domains:
- Main Domain: A centralized domain directing users to both e-commerce and informational websites.
- Wholesale Domain: A full-featured e-commerce store with customer accounts, checkout, pricing, and loyalty program support.
- Retail Domain: An informational-only site focused on brand visibility and product awareness.
Deliverables
- Main Domain: Centralized navigation point for all user segments.
- Wholesale Domain: Full e-commerce capabilities for wholesale transactions.
- Retail Domain: Informational site with minimal transactional features.
- Sandbox Demo Domains: Development and testing environments for each domain.
2. Segment-Specific Site Development
Requirements
Development will include tailored solutions for different customer segments, focusing on both functionality and content requirements.
- Wholesale Segment: Full-featured e-commerce functionality, including customer accounts, checkout, pricing, and loyalty program integration.
- Retail Segment: Informational-only site showcasing the brand and product offerings without the need for advanced e-commerce features.
Deliverables
- E-Commerce Website for Wholesale: Complete functionality, including product listings, checkout, and customer account management.
- Informational Website for Retail: Focused on product visibility and brand awareness without transactional capabilities.
3. Core E-Commerce Features
Requirements
The core e-commerce functionality should cover all essential features that ensure a smooth and efficient online shopping experience. This includes product management, search functionality, stock visibility, and backorder support.
- Product Management: Support for images, embedded videos, and downloadable documents.
- Stock Visibility: Real-time inventory data displayed across multiple warehouses.
- Backorder Functionality: Allowing customers to place orders for out-of-stock items with notifications on backorder status.
- Product Search and Sorting: Advanced search functionality with filters for better product discovery.
- Faceted Navigation: Dynamic filtering based on attributes like price, category, or brand.
Deliverables
- Product Detail Pages: High-resolution images, videos, and downloadable documents.
- Inventory Visibility: Real-time stock status for products across multiple warehouses.
- Backorder System: Clear labelling of out-of-stock items, ETA for replenishment, and customer notifications.
- Advanced Search and Sorting: Filtering and sorting options for products based on various criteria.
4. Catalog and Loyalty Program Migration
Requirements
The catalog will be migrated from an iframe-based solution to native SuiteCommerce components. Additionally, a loyalty program may be implemented to encourage customer engagement and retention.
- Catalog Migration: Transition from iframe-based catalog to a fully integrated SuiteCommerce catalog.
- Loyalty Program: Evaluation and integration of a loyalty program using either a SuiteApp or custom-built functionality.
Deliverables
- Native SuiteCommerce Catalog: Migration of product data into NetSuite item records with support for faceted navigation and mobile responsiveness.
- Loyalty Program: Implementation of either a pre-built SuiteApp (e.g., NetScore Loyalty Rewards SuiteApp) or a custom loyalty module, including features such as reward points, redemption options, and integration with the checkout process.
5. Branding and Theming
Requirements
The e-commerce site’s branding and design must be consistent with the business’s visual identity. This will be achieved using NetSuite’s standard themes or custom theming based on specific requirements.
- Site Branding: Use one of NetSuite’s standard themes or a custom design to align with the branding guidelines.
Deliverables
- Branding Implementation: Configuration of the website’s theme (e.g., Summit, Horizon, Posh, Threads) to match the company’s branding and design standards.
6. Additional Functionalities
Requirements
In addition to the core e-commerce features, the site may include several additional functionalities to enhance customer interaction and support.
- Contact Us Page: A dedicated page for customer inquiries with a structured contact form.
- Testimonial Submission Page: A page for customers to submit feedback or testimonials.
- Security Enhancements: Implementation of Google reCAPTCHA for additional security.
Deliverables
- Contact Us Page: A contact form that routes submissions to a designated support email and creates a custom record in NetSuite.
- Testimonial Submission Page: A form for submitting customer feedback stored in custom records on NetSuite.
- Google reCAPTCHA Integration: Added to the “Forgot Password / Reset Password” page for account security.
7. Implementation and Testing
Requirements
Comprehensive testing will be performed to ensure the system works as intended. This includes validating e-commerce functionality, product management, search, and catalog migration.
- Test Scenarios: Create test cases to validate core features like product search, checkout, and loyalty program functionality.
- Performance Testing: Ensuring the platform performs under expected traffic loads.
Deliverables
- Test Cases: A suite of test cases to validate the various functionalities of the e-commerce site.
- Performance Reports: Testing results to confirm the platform’s readiness for production.