From requirements engineering to systemevaluation

Choosing the right system is a challenge given the large number of providers and innovative technologies. We help you select the right system for a sustainable digital transformation by comprehensively recording all requirements and validating possible solutions at an early stage.

[Translate to Englisch:] Übersichtsgrafik Systemwechsel

Choosing the right system is one of the biggest challenges facing companies today - especially when they are confronted with evolved system landscapes and complex requirements. The range of system service providers is huge and it is difficult to find the right solution to meet current and future needs. Questions often arise such as:

  • Which software will suit my company in the long term?
  • Where can I stay close to the standard and where do I need a customized solution?

And new, innovative architectures such as MACH (microservices, API-first, cloud-native, headless) or composable also present many companies with a difficult decision: Are these new concepts really what we need, or do they offer more complexity than benefits?

Another key aspect is the integration of existing systems. Particularly in companies whose system landscapes have grown over the years and are partly outdated, the question arises as to which systems should be retained and which should be replaced. It is often also a question of deciding whether replatforming is necessary - or whether a partial migration is sufficient to achieve the desired results.

In addition, many stakeholders with different requirements and perspectives are involved in the decision. It can be a challenge to reconcile their needs and find a solution that works for everyone. And while the pressure to find a future-proof solution is mounting, companies must also pay increasing attention to costs. Especially in times of rising license costs and growing operating expenses, many are wondering whether the expensive enterprise solutions are really the right choice for their business or whether a more flexible, cost-effective solution is better suited.

[Translate to Englisch:] Teaser Ensinger Successstory

Success Story: From vision to realisation: Ensinger's eCommerce transformation

Ensinger, a leading supplier in the plastics industry, was faced with the challenge of transferring its extensive product range and complex corporate structures to the digital world. Together with Smart Commerce, Ensinger developed a customised eCommerce strategy and a comprehensive requirements matrix. The resulting system selection ultimately enabled a seamless transition to the implementation phase of the selected shop software and a successful transition of the various business areas into the eCommerce age.

 

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Our solution

1. Precise recording of requirements

In order to meet these challenges and make the right decision together with you, we rely on a structured, methodical approach. With our Tech Canvas, we go far beyond mere functionality and capture not only technical but also non-functional requirements such as security, scalability, integrations and future viability. By involving experts from various fields in the initial phase, we ensure that all relevant aspects - from architecture to legal requirements - are taken into account.

We understand that the diversity of requirements and the large number of stakeholders present a challenge. That is why we involve all relevant decision-makers in the process at an early stage. Through stakeholder interviews and workshops, we gather valuable perspectives and ensure that all requirements - from customers and users to IT and management - are precisely captured.

2. Understand data flows, processes and dependencies at an early stage

In order to develop a suitable target architecture and make a well-founded system decision, we develop as complete a picture as possible of all future data streams and business processes. This allows us to identify risks, dependencies and potential challenges at an early stage. This analysis allows targeted measures to be derived at an early stage of development, which are essential for the successful implementation of the desired functionalities in the subsequent target system.

Based on this structured requirements analysis, we develop detailed user stories and define a prioritized backlog. This serves as a central decision-making basis for the system selection and enables a targeted, efficient implementation of the digital solution.

3. Early Validation

The sooner the developed requirements are validated on the basis of real user feedback, the sooner necessary adjustments to the requirements can be incorporated or even new or redundant requirements can be identified. In a 5-day design sprint combined with user questionnaires, we develop an initial prototype that can be tested by real users. In this way, we ensure that the selected solution meets the actual requirements and not only works as a concept, but is also accepted by the users. In this way, we avoid wrong decisions and ensure that the solution not only makes sense in theory, but is also successful in practice.

[Translate to Englisch:] Grafik zu Systemwechsel

4. Well-founded system selection for long-term success

[Translate to Englisch:] Consultants im Workshop

At the end of the process, you will not only have a clear big picture and a precise definition of your requirements, but also an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and a roadmap for future expansion stages. The user stories and the backlog, which are based on the collected requirements, provide the basis for a well-founded system decision that suits your company in the long term. Through our transparent comparison of different systems based on prioritized evaluation criteria, you can ensure that you find the right solution for your specific needs - a solution that not only covers current requirements, but also remains flexible and scalable in the future.

1. Precise recording of requirements

In order to meet these challenges and make the right decision together with you, we rely on a structured, methodical approach. With our Tech Canvas, we go far beyond mere functionality and capture not only technical but also non-functional requirements such as security, scalability, integrations and future viability. By involving experts from various fields in the initial phase, we ensure that all relevant aspects - from architecture to legal requirements - are taken into account.

We understand that the diversity of requirements and the large number of stakeholders present a challenge. That is why we involve all relevant decision-makers in the process at an early stage. Through stakeholder interviews and workshops, we gather valuable perspectives and ensure that all requirements - from customers and users to IT and management - are precisely captured.

2. Understand data flows, processes and dependencies at an early stage

In order to develop a suitable target architecture and make a well-founded system decision, we develop as complete a picture as possible of all future data streams and business processes. This allows us to identify risks, dependencies and potential challenges at an early stage. This analysis allows targeted measures to be derived at an early stage of development, which are essential for the successful implementation of the desired functionalities in the subsequent target system.

Based on this structured requirements analysis, we develop detailed user stories and define a prioritized backlog. This serves as a central decision-making basis for the system selection and enables a targeted, efficient implementation of the digital solution.

3. Early Validation

The sooner the developed requirements are validated on the basis of real user feedback, the sooner necessary adjustments to the requirements can be incorporated or even new or redundant requirements can be identified. In a 5-day design sprint combined with user questionnaires, we develop an initial prototype that can be tested by real users. In this way, we ensure that the selected solution meets the actual requirements and not only works as a concept, but is also accepted by the users. In this way, we avoid wrong decisions and ensure that the solution not only makes sense in theory, but is also successful in practice.

[Translate to Englisch:] Grafik zu Systemwechsel

4. Well-founded system selection for long-term success

[Translate to Englisch:] Consultants im Workshop

At the end of the process, you will not only have a clear big picture and a precise definition of your requirements, but also an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and a roadmap for future expansion stages. The user stories and the backlog, which are based on the collected requirements, provide the basis for a well-founded system decision that suits your company in the long term. Through our transparent comparison of different systems based on prioritized evaluation criteria, you can ensure that you find the right solution for your specific needs - a solution that not only covers current requirements, but also remains flexible and scalable in the future.

Our free audits:

Most projects start with a problem that needs to be solved. You spend weeks or months working through a series of challenges, most of which are uncharted territory for you or your company. In the field of digitalization, this is often in the nature of things. A quick look from external professionals can work wonders. Professionals who take an objective look at your challenges to confirm your previous assumptions or to recommend a tried-and-tested approach. We are happy to provide this support. Our consulting teams offer a fixed monthly quota of non-binding consultations in the form of short audits: We look at your challenges or listen to you and give our professional opinion. You gain valuable insights and we do what we enjoy doing the most: Promoting digitalization. Are you interested? Contact us without obligation and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

We let our work speak for us

Our experience in digital strategy consulting is based on numerous successful projects and just as many successful, individual strategies that our clients have implemented (with or without us). The results and measurable competitive advantages that our work has achieved speak for themselves. See for yourself!

[Translate to Englisch:] Ensinger Logo

Ensinger

Project scoping for sub-areas of the new eBusiness strategy, development of architecture target image, compilation of all requirements and creation of future backlog, system selection for future eBusiness backend, CMS and PIM system. Long-term implementation support through project management, product owner support, scrum master and requirements engineer.

[Translate to Englisch:] Zeppelin Logo

Zeppelin

Evaluation of a central eCommerce backend for various applications and touchpoints, evaluation of the existing system in terms of functionality and scalability, as well as comparison with other solutions, presentation of cost indications and migration scenarios, system recommendation.
 

[Translate to Englisch:] simatec Logo

simatec

Development of a long-term eCommerce strategy for different customer groups and usage scenarios as well as for automated processes, comprehensive requirements engineering and development of a prioritized product backlog, system evaluation and recommendation, preparation of effort and cost indication as well as project roadmap.

Your advantages at a glance

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild für die Anforderungsaufnahme

Requirements analysis

Detailed recording of all stakeholder requirements for a precise definition of the project scope and a clear objective.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild für frühzeitige Validierung

Validation

Early review of requirements through design sprints to avoid bad investments and set priorities in a targeted manner.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild für Dokumentation

Documentation

Structured recording of all requirements for a seamless handover and an efficient start to implementation.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild für optimale Integration

Integration

Seamless integration of existing systems and processes and identification of redundancies, risks and automation.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild für Microservices

Architekturberatung

Analyse moderner Technologien und Architekturen wie MACH oder Microservices, um eine fundierte Entscheidungsbasis zu schaffen.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild Systemauswahl

System selection

Systematic selection of the optimum solution based on clearly defined requirements to ensure efficiency and future-proofing.

Other Services

eCommerce

We develop & implement customised eCommerce systems for you with leading technology partners.

Cloud Operations

Modern public cloud solutions with maximum automation for operating efficient e-commerce systems. 

Digital Experience Platform

Maximise your eCommerce potential with our Digital Experience Platform - personalised experiences, seamless integrations, more conversions!

PIM

Optimise your product management with our PIM services - centralised, efficient, error-free. More consistency, less effort!

Artificial Intelligence

Use artificial intelligence for your online success - smarter processes, personalised experiences, more sales. Future-proof and efficient!

We are happy to assist you!

Asking questions costs nothing! Can we assist you with a problem? Or are you interested in collaboration? Or do you have any remaining questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to us! We are here to help!

Phone Number:
+49 711 18 42 01 00

E-Mail:
hello@smartcommerce.de

Contact our experts directly:

Klaus Becker, Head of Dev. Ressources

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