The economy is dynamic and ever-evolving. So are B2B ecommerce requirements.

The economy is dynamic and ever-evolving. B2B e-commerce requirements are also present.

Distributors and manufacturers both have flexible business structures. As mergers and acquisitions, shifting consumer expectations, and the introduction of new products drive growth in ecommerce, change is a constant. Beyond product information, these dynamics also affect consumer contract terms and even customer experiences. The potential and problems grow as firms add more channels.

The key to B2B e-commerce success? a database structure that is as flexible as the company.

Product Specifications and Contract Conditions Are Variable

In ecommerce, product attribution is well known. It offers the details and information needed to create a wonderful customer experience that helps B2B buyers select the ideal products.

In B2B e-commerce, an attribution data model must go beyond products to account for contract terms.

Customer sales contracts are complicated in the business models of distributors and manufacturers. Legacy contracts are frequently unique to the account and motivated by sales demands to win the business on the conditions of the clients. In B2B e-commerce, the data model must take into account the nearly limitless variations in contract terms that can be set up and applied to accounts and segments.

Dynamic Businesses, Meet a Dynamic Relational Database Schema

Znode features a dynamic relational database schema that is built into the platform itself to meet changing and dynamic business models.

But relational e-commerce databases aren’t dynamic, right? Once a relational database is designed, updates must be made by database administrators and developers. The dynamic nature of Znode’s e-commerce database schema means that merchants are no longer dependent on developers to modify the database, implement APIs, or expand the platform. In a fast-paced business environment, this improves speed to market while saving time and money.

Ecommerce teams can add properties to the data via the administration console thanks to the schema. An API endpoint is automatically expanded when an attribute is created. Welcome to the B2B ecommerce dynamic relational database structure.

Dynamic Ecommerce Attribution: Applying the EAV Model to Ecommerce

Enterprise business software, particularly product information management (PIM) systems, frequently uses entity attribute value (EAV) models. Business users can build data entities, the accompanying attributes for those entities, and the values that make up those attributes using an EAV model. The AV from the EAV model is applied to certain ecommerce entities in the platform via Znode’s dynamic ecommerce database design.

Non-technical e-commerce teams are able to create attributes in Znode. The well-known product-attribute-value structure, such as “T-shirt – Size – Medium,” can be created by linking values to attributes. The qualities of an entity have a direct bearing on how that entity participates in the transactional customer experience.

he dynamic ecommerce database schema enables the ecommerce team to move quickly and adapt to the dynamic business needs as product information changes, a company is bought, or a new product line is formed.

Beyond the product catalogue, Znode extends this dynamic ecommerce database schema and EAV idea, enabling deeper personalization and configuration within the platform and reducing reliance on bespoke programming. This is a long-term strategy for controlling costs, accelerating time to market, and responding for market fluctuations. The various kinds of properties that can be used with Znode entities include the following:

Global attributes:

Act as the container for unique data pieces that may be produced and allocated to different entities (stores, accounts, and users), enabling administrators to define permissions and manage data when necessary.

Product attributes:

These are the fundamental components of the product data model, which include details about products that users can access when doing product searches, administrators can use to organize and merchandise products, and Znode may use to make personalized product recommendations.

Category attributes:

For those just getting started, Znode offers a large number of default category properties. To be utilized when creating categories, administrators can easily establish custom attributes. When media assets are uploaded to the media library, the system largely defines the media attributes.

Are you prepared to locate an online store that supports a B2B business model? Get the B2B ecommerce RFP template from Znode.

The Reverse: Traditions are Difficult to Break:

A conventional strategy for controlling e-commerce and dynamic business models is an alternative. The platform is customised and the database is changed as the business evolves. Naturally, this requires time and money. not very lively at all.

This conventional method has long-term effects. Any e-commerce platform’s basic database can be changed, and developing bespoke code makes upgrading a pain when new software releases and outmoded ones are retired.

Dynamic had just come to a complete halt.

Business Model Alignment in Znode

Multiple business models can be easily matched with Znode’s ecommerce database design, supporting a wide range of use cases. Here are a few examples of dynamic ecommerce database schema used by Znode customers:

Technical data sheet files and CAD drawings were identified by Bradley Corporation using media attributes, and then those media files were linked to specific items for presentation on the product display page (PDP).

For the purpose of enabling PDP filtering of complicated products for use across many storefronts, Drew Shoe made use of Znode’s inherent PIM system and product attribution. Color, size, width, and other combinations were among the product qualities.

To connect Znode users with the records in its ERP system, Ariat established user and account global properties.

To connect Znode users with the records in its ERP system, Ariat established user and account global properties.

Through a single shop, School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger connected over 700 hundred catalogues organised by a school, a programme, grade, gender, and more.

As it builds unique promotional goods storefronts for clients, Summit Group developed a number of store global properties to show/hide items on the storefront and to update labels on the storefront.

Replicating the data models of other business systems

Administrators can replicate the database attributes and values of an existing business system by using Znode’s dynamic ecommerce database schema capabilities. There is no need to modify the Znode API in order to receive data as long as the business systems—whether an ERP, CRM, third-party PIM, etc.—pass the data.

Products with Configurations, Simple to Complex

Significant data must be accessible to prospects and consumers and easy for them to understand if sophisticated products are to be sold online. Ecommerce attribution enables customers to access the full range of a product offering, whether it is by controlling color variations, adding supporting documents like installation guidelines, or categorizing product dimension data. The PIM system from Znode uses a dynamic relational database structure to enable the creation and management of an endless number of product attributes.

Discover Products Across All Categories Using Any Attribute

The ecommerce attribution data supplied for product identification when B2B customers arrive on category list pages (CLPs) will be very different from that shared for product identification on the product display page (PDP). The ability to generate category attributes should have no less flexibility than creating product attributes. The facilitation of necessary data for product list consolidation and identification increases the customer experience and conversion rate, regardless of whether B2B customers are looking for products based on pricing, product fit, or inventory availability.