E-Commerce Implementation

The strategy diagram divides implementation into the technical and the business aspects and these are briefly considered below:

Technical Implementation: The approach to technical implementation of an E-Commerce system depends on the business objectives, business requirements and technologies that have been selected. It is noted that many internet E-Commerce systems are cobbled(repaired) together rather than designed and that is often apparent. It is important that the design process considers:

Is of use of system by intended end-users: Always an important factor in system design but crucial if the end user are to be members of the public with perhaps limited computer literacy and the option to switch to an alternative website if not satisfied.
Functionality that users need: This has to be what the users want rather than what the organisation things they need. Uses of e-commerce are not a captive audience that can be interviewed and evaluated like the uses of a traditional IS development.
Back office systems: Customer of an online service quite reasonably expect a rapid response and back office systems need to be able to meet this requirement. For a volume E-Commerce system this requires that the customer front-end integrates with the IS system.

Business Implementation: Building its e-shop (or other E-Commerce facility) the organisation needs to:

Put in place the business infrastructure to support the new e-commerce facility.
Market the new e-commerce facility to the intended users.

Most organisations moving into e-commerce will take a staged approach. Initial implementations May have limited functionality and be offered to a limited audience. Full implementation of e-commerce can have a considerable effect on the shape of the business and the way it does business.

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