Beyond AI Magic: Exploring the Core Capabilities of Salesforce Commerce Cloud

At AAXIS, our primary focus is on developing eCommerce solutions. While we are new to the Salesforce Partner Ecosystem, we have more than 20 years of expertise in creating outstanding eCommerce customer experiences for some of the internet's top sites, both in B2B and B2C Commerce businesses across the globe. Picture us as the Jedi Masters of B2B and B2C Commerce. It’s with this unique focus and perspective that we evaluate Salesforce Commerce Cloud.  

What about Salesforce Commerce Cloud? Sure, you'll get some dazzling AI magic in Salesforce, but what about the good old basics? How well does Commerce Cloud handle the everyday stuff you need to keep the eCommerce ship sailing smoothly? So, without delay, here are the top nine essential commerce features that we believe makes Salesforce commerce cloud an excellent choice for your eCommerce site. 

1. Exceptional Experiences: First impressions matter. You want your site to look drop-dead gorgeous whether on desktop or on the phone. With Commerce Cloud, your website becomes a masterpiece of form and function, ensuring a seamless and delightful shopping experience, anywhere in the world. This isn't just about keeping up; it's about setting a standard that leaves your customers wowed and coming back for more.
2. Customization: One size doesn't fit all in eCommerce. Your business has unique needs, and Salesforce understands that and provides ample capability. It offers a high degree of customizability on top of the standard platform, allowing us to tailor the solution to your specific requirements. For instance, one of our clients, a laptop manufacturer wanted a "configure-to-order" feature, allowing customers to pick their preferred configuration while ensuring only valid choices were available. Or think about an auto parts reseller needing a "check-fit" function to ensure the parts selected by customers are compatible, like another of our customers. These customizations give you a competitive edge by meeting your specific needs that then allow you to gain and keep your customers.
3. Integration Capabilities: Your website cannot function in a silo and must connect with third party services. Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers seamless integration with a wide array of technology partners through the AppExchange, providing you with a competitive advantage. Think of it as having a stack of specialized bricks that can turn your toy truck into the coolest ride on the block. What's more, this ecosystem is continuously expanding. Notably, it was one of the first commerce solutions to support Apple Pay for mobile web.
   
   Furthermore, you have the flexibility to link your eCommerce operations with your CRM, marketing tools, messaging systems, and more. This interconnectedness enhances your overall business efficiency and customer experience. 

4. Scalability: As your business expands, your eCommerce platform needs to keep pace. Salesforce is specifically designed for scalability, ensuring that your website can effortlessly manage growing traffic and transactions. It's robust enough to handle millions of users daily, allowing you to confidently plan ambitious marketing campaigns to expand your reach. Rest assured that even during unexpected traffic spikes and surges in transaction volumes, Salesforce Commerce won't let you down with system downtime. So, dream big and seize the world – it's within your reach!
5. Security: Security breaches can spell disaster for eCommerce businesses. Salesforce takes security seriously, offering comprehensive and robust protection. This includes encryption and regular updates to safeguard your data and customer information.
   
   The security superheroes at Salesforce are always on the lookout, actively monitoring their services to ensure everything runs smoothly. They tackle issues even before they have a chance to mess with your storefront. With these guys watching your back, you can enjoy peaceful nights, knowing your online shop is in safe hands! 

6. Analytics and Reporting: To make smart decisions, you need data. But dealing with the vast amount of data your shoppers generate can be a real headache without the right tools. Salesforce commerce cloud once again comes to the rescue. They provide modern and comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, making it a breeze to monitor sales, customer behavior, website performance and more – all in one unified eCommerce platform.
   
   But wait, there's more! By embracing predictive analytics across your organization, thanks to Salesforce's Einstein AI, you can uncover even more hidden value within your data. 

7. Order Management and Fulfillment: A remarkable shopping experience isn't complete unless you flawlessly deliver on orders, and that's where Salesforce Commerce Cloud truly shines. From efficiently handling orders, processing payments, and orchestrating shipping and delivery to effortlessly managing returns, processing refunds, and providing customer appeasements, the system covers all the bases.
   
   But that's not all – Salesforce takes order management to the next level with additional features like inventory management to ensure you always have the right products in stock, precise order tracking so customers know exactly where their package is, and streamlined order workflows to keep your fulfillment process running like a well-oiled machine. With Salesforce Commerce, delivering goods to your customers isn't just simple; it's a finely-tuned art that keeps them coming back for more. 

8. Omnichannel: Salesforce Commerce is your all-in-one solution, seamlessly connecting your online and offline worlds. Customers can kickstart their journey by seeing a social media post, then hop over to your website. From there, they can connect with your call center for questions, place an order, and even pick it up in-store, all without leaving your ecosystem.
   
   Salesforce is the wizard behind this magic, merging eCommerce, order management, and offline store operations into one easy-to-use SaaS solution. This platform's main goal is to empower retailers to run their business smoothly across various channels, all from a single platform. It is renowned for its ability to simplify operations, supercharge sales, and handle fulfillment on a grand scale, making it a game-changer for retailers. 

9. World Class CRM Integration: While some folks might think 'build it and they will come' is a solid plan, B2B websites require a tad more finesse. Sure, having a killer website is great, but to turn it into a moneymaker, you've got to reel in those leads, nurture them, make them customers, and have their info at your fingertips when they call to check on their orders. That is where your CRM integration comes in handy.
   
   Here's the real opportunity to create value – integrating a top-tier CRM into your eCommerce system. Picture it as the secret sauce that elevates your online business game. In fact, when we surveyed two out of every three P&L-wielding business executives, they wholeheartedly agreed that this integration is a major game-changer. It's a no-brainer! 

Conclusion 

With over two decades of expertise in crafting exceptional eCommerce solutions worldwide, AAXIS offers valuable insights into Salesforce Commerce Cloud in this concise article. Beyond the glittering allure of AI, we've delved into how it tackles the essential aspects of eCommerce. 

As you embark on your eCommerce journey, remember that the right platform and integration partner can be transformative. Salesforce, with its fusion of innovation and reliability, stands as a beacon in a crowded landscape of choices. AAXIS Digital can be your guiding light, ensuring unparalleled success for your business. 

Whether you're a seasoned eCommerce veteran or a newcomer, Salesforce Commerce, combined with AAXIS Digital's expertise, promises to be your ticket to thriving in the highly competitive eCommerce realm. Schedule a free consultation. 

---------------

This article was co-authored by our articulate and prolific Chief Technology Officer, Naresh Ram, and our freshly minted and highly skilled leader of all things Salesforce, Heath Brownsworth.