Unlocking Modern Commerce: How "Outgrown the Homegrown" Addresses Legacy System Challenges.

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. The Shift from Custom Commerce to Scalable Solutions
4. A New Framework for Modernization
5. Quip: A Case Study in Successful Migration
6. The Cost of Inaction
7. Moving Beyond Legacy Systems

Key Highlights:

• Modernization Imperative: The need for agility is driving enterprises to transition from outdated, custom eCommerce platforms to more flexible and scalable solutions.
• Framework for Success: Avex’s “Outgrown the Homegrown” provides a structured pathway for brands to migrate to Shopify efficiently, reducing costs and improving speed-to-market.
• Real-world Impact: Brands like quip illustrate the tangible benefits of modernization, achieving significant reductions in cost and improved growth capabilities post-migration.

Introduction

As the digital commerce landscape evolves, the pressure is mounting on brands to not only keep pace with consumer expectations but also to leverage technology that enhances operational efficiency. For many enterprises, particularly those relying on outdated custom platforms, the ability to adapt and thrive is becoming increasingly complex. These legacy systems once promised a tailored approach and control but have since become cumbersome and costly.

Avex, a Premier Shopify Partner, recognizes this growing challenge and has introduced “Outgrown the Homegrown,” a comprehensive framework tailored for enterprises and high-growth merchants. This initiative aims to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional eCommerce systems to a modern, cloud-based infrastructure that not only promises agility but also positions brands for sustainable growth in an ever-competitive market.

The Shift from Custom Commerce to Scalable Solutions

Custom commerce stacks, while once considered a competitive advantage, have increasingly become a burden for many companies. With high maintenance costs and an inability to scale effectively, these systems frequently hinder progress rather than propel it. Recognizing this trend, Avex has crafted a solution that shifts the focus from maintaining these anchors to embracing flexible, future-ready platforms.

The Challenges of Custom Platforms

In an age where the eCommerce environment demands rapid changes and responsiveness, rigid custom systems can inhibit innovation:

1. High Maintenance Costs: Enterprises often find themselves pouring resources into keeping outdated systems functional, which detracts from investment in new growth opportunities.
2. Fragility: Custom stacks, built on legacy technology, often face unexpected downtime and operational vulnerabilities, threatening the bottom line.
3. Inflexibility: In fast-moving markets, the inability to pivot can mean the difference between leading the pack and lagging behind.

“Outgrown the Homegrown” is designed as a response to these challenges, emphasizing a structured migration path towards Shopify that helps mitigate risks associated with such transitions.

A New Framework for Modernization

Avex's innovative approach encompasses three key imperatives aimed at setting enterprises on the right path toward modernization:

Cancel the Noise

Businesses often find themselves bogged down by unnecessary complexities. By identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within legacy systems, Avex’s framework encourages teams to shift their focus from maintenance burdens to strategic growth initiatives. This operational clarity allows organizations to allocate resources more effectively, ultimately driving better outcomes.

Follow the Signal

Collaboration is essential during the migration process. Avex underscores the importance of aligning all stakeholders throughout the journey. The framework encourages the sharing of proven migration pathways, utilizing success stories from brands like quip and Tru Earth to establish confidence among stakeholders. This collaborative spirit fosters a culture of innovation and shared responsibility.

Retire the Stack

Transitioning to a robust, scalable platform like Shopify not only enhances reliability but also allows organizations to unify disparate systems into a cohesive eCommerce strategy. By retiring outdated technologies, companies can fortify their operational foundation, which is critical for handling increased demand and navigating future challenges.

Quip: A Case Study in Successful Migration

The recent replatforming of quip serves as a compelling example of how Avex’s framework can yield significant benefits. Previously constrained by a brittle and costly system, quip’s transition to Shopify under Avex's guidance exemplifies the framework’s potential.

Achieving Agility

In less than four months, quip successfully migrated to Shopify, fostering an environment conducive to rapid product launches and cost reductions. This shift has empowered the brand to concentrate on customer-centric growth while navigating the complexities of a fast-paced digital market. Notably, quip has reported:

• 36% Lower Total Cost of Ownership: By reducing reliance on costly legacy systems, quip can reallocate savings towards strategic initiatives.
• 37% Faster Time-to-Value: The transition has allowed quip to bring products to market more efficiently, enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
• Access to Extensive Integrations: With over 10,000 integrations and apps available on Shopify, quip has significantly broadened its operational capabilities.

“Partnering with Avex gave us the ability to move more quickly and nimbly, and to take full advantage of Shopify’s ecosystem to grow our business,” remarked Meredith Glansberg, CEO at quip. This testimony underscores the tangible impact of modernized infrastructure on achieving business goals.

The Cost of Inaction

While the potential for growth is significant, the realities of maintaining legacy systems can be daunting. Each quarter spent clinging to outdated technology compounds costs and resource strains, ultimately widening the gap between competitive players.

“Outgrown the Homegrown” offers enterprises not only a path to modernization but also diagnostic audits and expert guidance designed to unlock agility and efficiency on platforms like Shopify. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risks associated with traditional migration methods, allowing brands to make informed decisions that optimize their operational capabilities.

Moving Beyond Legacy Systems

The move to embrace modern eCommerce platforms is not merely an option; it is a necessity for survival in today’s market. Brands that hesitate to adapt may quickly find themselves overshadowed by more agile competitors. Avex’s “Outgrown the Homegrown” framework stands ready to assist those organizations ready to retire their outdated custom stacks in favor of a cohesive and scalable solution.

As demonstrated by the successes of brands like quip, taking the leap to modernize provides substantial long-term benefits. The emphasis on agility, operational clarity, and stakeholder alignment paves the way for sustainable growth.

FAQ

What is "Outgrown the Homegrown"?

"Outgrown the Homegrown" is a migration program developed by Avex in collaboration with Shopify, designed to help enterprises transition from outdated custom eCommerce platforms to more efficient, future-ready solutions.

How long does the migration process typically take?

The program aims to provide a structured migration pathway that can deliver measurable results in under four months, significantly reducing the downtime traditionally associated with such transitions.

Why should companies move away from custom platforms?

Custom platforms can often become costly and inflexible, hindering growth and scalability. Switching to a more agile system like Shopify allows businesses to remain competitive and responsive to market changes while reducing operational costs.

Can smaller businesses benefit from this framework?

While primarily aimed at enterprise and high-growth merchants, the principles of the “Outgrown the Homegrown” framework can be adapted to fit smaller businesses looking to streamline their operations and embrace modern eCommerce solutions.

How can businesses get started with the migration?

Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out to Avex for a consultation to evaluate their current systems and discuss potential pathways toward modernization.