As brands scale, so do the number of tools and platforms they use to simplify their tasks increase. What happens to the data in each of these systems and platforms? How about the management of various franchises and a flagship model with various departments in various countries? How many more integrations can make the overall functioning of the brand seamless and easy to use?
In this blog, let me guide you on the ease of use of a headless architecture and if you are not using one, why you should use a unified platform to make your brand accessible and seamless.
What is Headless Architecture?
Headless architecture is a way of building websites or apps where the layers are separated. There are three layers: the front end (customer-facing, such as the UI – user interface), the back end (line of code), and the middle layer that has the ESB (Enterprise Service Bus). The front end and back end communicate through an API (Application Programming Interface).
What if there are multiple such programs and platforms that the business uses across its various stores or countries? The ESB brings all these programs on track, helping them reach their respective destinations with ease. Incorporating an ESB addresses unique pain points by providing a decoupled architecture that offers seamless solutions.
Headless technology supports a unique business model: customers can buy and return items anywhere, while retailers can sell anything, anywhere.
However, traditional monolithic architecture struggles with scalability, integration with other systems, and fault isolation. Without a proper framework, numerous integrations with legacy and disparate systems can compromise or disrupt the entire business.
Why the Need Arose to Imbibe Headless Architecture?
The retail sector has seen significant growth over the last decade. With retail tech in place, especially post-COVID-19, one cannot stress enough the benefits of online brand presence. Going headless isn’t just about implementing a CMS or e-commerce solution. It’s about integrating retail stores with online platforms which in turn enhance the sales practicality.
According to a study by Statista, retail e-commerce sales are estimated to exceed 6.3 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide in 2024, with continued growth expected. The projections for 2027, seem to surpass 8 trillion U.S. dollars!
But it’s not just about sales: customer experience is also crucial. Brands aim to build unique experiences with each interaction, and managing multiple detached platforms wastes valuable time. This is where a unified platform molds.
Here are some more benefits of incorporating unified platforms:
- Cost Reduction: Managing over 20 platforms can be reduced to handling just one, simplifying tasks.
- Customized Setup: Ensures brand identity is preserved across all touchpoints, from retail stores to online platforms.
- Single View of Customer Data: Helps stylists and managers better serve clients based on their purchase history, all stored in a single platform.
Unifying disparate systems is a key innovation in retail tech. Unified commerce platforms build trust and enhance seamless use across the globe. Retail tech integrations simplify front-end customer experience while improving back-end data management. Analytics are streamlined, funneling all data through the ESB.
Value Proposition of Partnering with XY
Integrating systems improves business function, making operations easy and seamless, all on a single platform. Partnering with XY ensures a smooth transition to headless architecture, bringing efficiency and innovation to your brand.
XY offers a unified view of customer data stored across different platforms. This platform directs users to the data they need effortlessly. Imagine a customer shopping for a shirt and not finding the desired color. A stylist in the clienteling sector can quickly pull up the needed information regarding the availability of the specific shirt. XY system’s seamless interface saved the day in finding the right shirt without leaving the customer’s side.
Yes, the platform is that seamless—allowing stylists to stay connected with the customers without abandoning them or hampering the overall customer experience. XY not only provides an eye on all inventories but manages how data is utilized across the various stores spanned across countries. This is the essence of headless architecture and the simplicity of using the platform—it’s like pulling up an app that handles everything from clienteling to CRM, and much more on a single surface.