Which ecommerce platform stands out, SuiteCommerce Advanced or OroCommerce?
1. B2B and B2C
Both SuiteCommerce Advanced and OroCommerce offer a rich array of B2B functionality. However, if your business leans more toward B2B, there could be chances for tapping into the B2C market. Even if B2C ecommerce isn't your main focus, it’s definitely wise to consider the B2C features of the ecommerce platforms you’re evaluating.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
Designed for both B2B and B2C businesses, SuiteCommerce Advanced genuinely addresses the requirements of both sectors. Unlike some platforms that only superficially offer B2B capabilities through B2C features, SuiteCommerce Advanced effectively serves the needs of both business models.
Pro: Offers all essential native B2B and B2C features, including customized pricing, terms, and credit options.
Con: None. SuiteCommerce Advanced is a powerful choice for B2B ecommerce, and any missing features can typically be added via customization or third-party applications.
SuiteCommerce Advanced includes B2B functionalities like tracking sales beyond your online store. The My Account features for B2C customers include options for checking order status/history and managing address books. Meanwhile, B2B My Account tools allow clients to handle quotes, view outstanding fees and credits, make payments online, and place orders from tailored catalogs. Additional standard features include estimates, quotes, and inventory visibility for users.
OroCommerce
OroCommerce’s main selling point is its dedicated design for B2B enterprises, ensuring that the B2B features are genuinely tailored for such businesses rather than merely adapting B2C options. OroCommerce’s B2B functionality includes digitized product catalogs, self-service online ordering, quote-to-order portals, and multi-vendor marketplace capabilities. While OroCommerce can meet basic B2C demands, it may lack some critical B2C features due to its primary focus on B2B.
Pro: Perfect for companies that prioritize or exclusively operate within the B2B sector.
Con: If B2C will play a significant role in your ecommerce strategy, it may not offer all necessary functionalities.
If your business emphasizes B2B ecommerce, OroCommerce could be an excellent fit. Since OroCommerce is continuously evolving, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on new product updates from Oro Inc. to stay informed on the latest for both B2B and B2C enhancements.
B2B and B2C Champion
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business model. If your company caters to both B2B and B2C customers evenly, SuiteCommerce Advanced currently stands out as the superior option. However, if B2C will be minimal in your ecommerce activities, OroCommerce should meet your requirements effectively.
2. ERP
When evaluating an ecommerce solution, it is crucial to determine if it will integrate smoothly with your existing ERP system and assess the quality of that integration. Certain ERP-to-ecommerce connections function effortlessly, whereas others may result in cumbersome integrations. Based on your circumstances, you might want to choose an ecommerce solution that links well with your existing ERP system. Conversely, it might also be beneficial to consider refreshing your ERP system when adopting a new ecommerce platform.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
NetSuite ERP underpins all other NetSuite offerings. A significant advantage NetSuite holds over competitors is the seamless integration of various NetSuite Modules with the ERP system. Hence, there’s no need to invest in developers to create connections between your ecommerce solution and your ERP, CRM, or WMS systems.
Pro: SuiteCommerce Advanced directly connects with NetSuite ERP and other NetSuite Modules.
Con: Requires the use of NetSuite ERP.
For companies already utilizing NetSuite ERP, SuiteCommerce Advanced is undoubtedly the optimal choice for ecommerce. If its features appeal to you but you don’t currently use NetSuite ERP, I strongly recommend consulting with a NetSuite Specialist to assess whether transitioning could be advantageous for your business.
OroCommerce
Oro Inc. does not currently offer an ERP system. Instead, they provide the OroPlatform, a rapid application development platform that allows customers to create their own PIM, CRM, or ERP platform. Built on PHP and Symfony, it enables developers to craft secure and seamless applications. OroCommerce can connect to certain existing ERP systems, with some integrations also available in their app marketplace.
Pro: Allows you to create an ERP solution tailored to your specific business requirements or link to an existing ERP system.
Con: No ERP system designed particularly for OroCommerce by Oro Inc. at this time.
If you are already using a NetSuite ERP, SuiteCommerce Advanced remains the top option for ecommerce solutions. However, if you have a different ERP system that is working well for you, it’s worth exploring its compatibility with OroCommerce.
ERP Champion
Currently, SuiteCommerce Advanced has a more sophisticated ERP integration capability. Although various options exist for connecting OroCommerce to ERP platforms, the flexibility comes with added complexity. Until OroCommerce develops a tailored ERP solution, SuiteCommerce Advanced is likely to be the preferred choice for ERP connections. However, it’s important to note that OroCommerce is still emerging, and I expect to see an ERP solution designed specifically for it from Oro Inc. soon.
3. CRM
In today’s global ecommerce environment, effective customer relationship management is essential. You either need to offer an exceptional product that stands out uniquely or you need robust CRM tools.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
SuiteCommerce Advanced links directly with NetSuite CRM, giving your business a comprehensive approach to manage the customer lifecycle and adapt to their needs. The NetSuite CRM platform, seamlessly joined with NetSuite ERP and SuiteCommerce Advanced, offers managers greater control and insight into crucial data and analytics, without requiring convoluted integrations. Features like upselling, order management, marketing automation, and a complete customer view help meet objectives such as boosting sales performance or enhancing customer relationships.
Pro: NetSuite CRM is a comprehensive platform.
Con: None identified.
Whether your goal is to optimize your lead-to-cash journey, boost productivity, or improve customer service, NetSuite CRM provides all the necessary tools. It offers visibility into the entire customer journey accessible through customizable dashboards and reports.
OroCommerce
OroCommerce provides strong CRM capabilities when paired with OroCRM. Key functionalities of OroCRM include account and contact management, tracking leads and opportunities, and a holistic view of the customer.
Pro: With OroCRM, OroCommerce has the necessary features for understanding customer relations.
Con: None mentioned; it is generally considered a robust system.
Similar to SuiteCommerce Advanced, OroCRM includes vital elements like sales and marketing dashboards, reporting, and RFM analysis to help collect, analyze, and use data effectively to boost your ecommerce strategy. By accessing a complete view of your customers, you can better grasp sales fluctuations and what makes your customers unique.
CRM Champion
This area is quite even. While a direct comparison reveals differences in functionality and terminology, both platforms hold their ground well against each other. OroCRM still needs to demonstrate that it can match the performance and capabilities of NetSuite CRM, but overall, their basic functionalities measure up decently.
4. Global Business Features
Does your ecommerce solution require numerous language options? How about tax and VAT features? Do you need to accept a wide range of currencies? These considerations are crucial when selecting an ecommerce platform.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
SuiteCommerce Advanced integrates a broad suite of global ecommerce tools, enabling sales in multiple languages and currencies within a single platform. It allows your team to manage operations in various countries efficiently and seamlessly.
Pro: Excellent global features that allow for genuine international sales of your products.
Con: For some regions, you may still need to customize or add specific location- or culture-oriented features.
SuiteCommerce Advanced equips you with all the tools needed to tackle global business challenges, such as tax and VAT functionalities, along with support for various payment methods.
OroCommerce
While OroCommerce does offer some global features, its claims need careful scrutiny. The term "multiple" can be vague, so when a company states their platform supports several languages or currencies, it’s essential to clarify what that means. Many global capabilities can be added through customizations and plugins, but larger businesses might find they require a more flexible foundation from the get-go.
Pro: Offers various global functionalities suitable for international ecommerce.
Con: Limited capabilities in this domain; it may or may not meet your specific international business needs.
As a newer platform, OroCommerce's global features are still developing. However, it could suit businesses that operate primarily in a few major markets like German, English, Russian, and Spanish. If those are your target areas, OroCommerce may suffice - even if SuiteCommerce Advanced provides broader global capabilities, those extras might not be necessary.
"Global Business Features" Champion
At this time, I still prefer SuiteCommerce Advanced for global business capabilities. It appears that OroCommerce lacks certain features in this area, likely due to its newer status. Although the OroCommerce platform seems robust, it might be worth delaying its adoption until more robust global functionalities are offered. I expect even the areas mentioned will expand as OroCommerce continues to grow.
5. Add-ons
Manual customizations are valuable, but sometimes existing solutions can be even better. Add-ons save time by leveraging work done by other developers, sparing your team the effort of building from scratch.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
A great source for add-ons for SuiteCommerce Advanced is its online store. This trusted and expanding NetSuite App Store features both SuiteCommerce and NetSuite ERP apps.
Pro: A variety of useful add-ons are available.
Con: Some third-party apps may be poorly designed; thus, it’s crucial to source them from reputable vendors.
SuiteCommerce Advanced grants developers access to the source code, but integrating pre-existing solutions from other developers can often be advantageous.
OroCommerce
Similar to SuiteCommerce Advanced, OroCommerce offers a wide range of extensions, saving time for your developers. The most suitable place for finding these apps is the OroCommerce Marketplace, which features many approved applications ready for integration.
Pro: A wide selection of quality apps is available.
Con: As with SuiteCommerce Advanced, it’s important to ensure that apps come from trustworthy sources.
While OroCommerce presents solid offerings, it may require additional plugins due to missing features when compared to SuiteCommerce Advanced. For instance, a large enterprise using OroCommerce could end up managing a more complex array of plugins than if they had chosen SuiteCommerce Advanced. However, if those additional features aren't necessary, OroCommerce may still be the ideal option for many businesses.
Add-ons Champion
I declare this section a tie. Both platforms provide excellent options for add-ons. It’s important to use apps judiciously regardless of your choice of platform. Balancing code customizations with plugins is key; overloading your developers by recreating existing solutions should be avoided, but simply turning to third-party apps for every missing feature is also not advisable.
6. Support
Once your ecommerce site is live, you may still have questions that arise.
SuiteCommerce Advanced
The established SuiteCommerce Advanced platform has led to the creation of numerous support resources. While online forums certainly serve their purpose, you might prefer more individualized assistance. The best support often comes from a NetSuite Developer specializing in SuiteCommerce, who can help you fully utilize the platform’s features and flexibility to cater to your specific business needs.
Pro: An abundance of support resources is available, from personal consulting to extensive online materials.
Con: None identified.
SuiteCommerce Advanced presents a strong support system. From free online instructional videos to comprehensive personal consulting from certified NetSuite Partners, help is always accessible.
OroCommerce
Due to the relative youth of the OroCommerce Platform, support availability is somewhat limited. However, OroCommerce does provide solid online resources for developers, while personal consulting options are also available from professionals who focus on OroCommerce.
Pro: OroCommerce includes robust online developer resources.
Con: Currently, there are fewer help resources available for end-users compared to developers.
While OroCommerce offers a valuable resource for developers working on code customizations, support options for managers handling day-to-day tasks in OroCommerce are quite limited.
Support Champion
If you are a seasoned developer who prefers independent research for solutions, OroCommerce meets your needs effectively. However, if you favor more user-friendly tutorials, SuiteCommerce Advanced may offer a superior support framework. In both scenarios, users have access to expert assistance from professionals experienced with the software.
7. Summary
Taking everything into account, SuiteCommerce Advanced emerges as the better choice based on its features and overall performance. It excels in B2C functionalities, ERP integration, and global business features. However, depending on your specific requirements, OroCommerce might serve you well too. Similar to SuiteCommerce Advanced, OroCommerce boasts robust offerings in B2B, CRM, add-ons, and support. After covering the basics of both platforms, I suggest consulting a developer to discover which solution best fits your business needs.
Hopefully, this article provides a clear understanding of the capabilities of SuiteCommerce Advanced and OroCommerce to aid in your decision-making.
