4 tips for a successful selection process of Composable DXP products
Selecting the right products for a Composable DXP (Digital Experience Platform) can be complex. However, with a well-thought-out selection process, you can make the best choice for your organization. Here are four essential tips to streamline your selection process and set up your platform effectively.
1) Define the necessary roles within your platform
Start by creating a list of requirements and desired features for the entire platform. Use two perspectives: must-haves and nice-to-haves. The first are essential requirements, while the latter are features that are not critical but could make the system more efficient or attractive. This list will give you a clear overview of the functionalities you need and help you define the right roles. Examples of these roles include:
Content management
Managing text and media on your website.
Digital Asset Management (DAM)
Managing digital files like images and videos.
Forms management
Handling forms on your platform.
Site search
Offering advanced search functionality for users.
2. Use online reviews and comparisons
Once you’ve determined the necessary roles, it’s time to search for the right products. Use comparison and review websites to aid your search. Pay attention to factors such as:
- User-friendliness: How do other users experience the product?
- Features & capabilities: How do the products compare to each other?
Based on this information, create a shortlist of up to three products per sale.
3. Develop a small-scale Proof of Concept (PoC)
A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a small-scale test or prototype developed to verify whether a product works as expected. Its purpose is to demonstrate feasibility before making significant investments in time or money. Allocate one to several weeks for this, depending on the platform's size.
Why use a PoC?
- Minimize risks: test on a small scale to see if the product meets your requirements and expectations.
- Fail fast: discover what works and what doesn't without wasting too many resources.
- Support decision-making: a successful PoC provides concrete evidence, helping you convince investors or decision-makers that a solution is worth pursuing.
- Perform functional tests: test and refine specific features, integrations, or workflows before fully developing the project.
4. Look beyond your current CMS usage
When drafting your list of requirements and desired features, don’t just focus on what you currently do with your CMS, but also on what you’d like to do in the future. Many businesses still rely on outdated processes, such as passing Word documents back and forth for content approval. Modern, headless CMS systems offer solutions for real-time collaboration, extensive workflow capabilities, and version control. By considering these aspects during the selection process, you can optimize workflows you may not have even known were possible.
Need help selecting the right products for your Composable DXP?
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