The architecture of an e-commerce platform serves as the foundation for successful online business. It outlines how the system will operate, how it will cater to user needs, and how it can expand as the business expands.
This guide takes you on a visual tour of the key parts and processes of e-commerce architecture, using diagrams to simplify the intricate relationships between its elements.
Keep reading to learn how selecting the appropriate architectural design can help you in achieving your business requirements and goals.
ECommerce Website Architecture
E commerce architecture is the layout and design of an online shopping system, which includes the front-end and back-end components required for customers to make purchases and interact with the business. This structure consists of different layers and components that collaborate to create a smooth ecommerce system.
ECommerce Website Architecture Diagram
In this part of the article we will showcase 3 different architecture diagrams of an ecommerce platform:
1. Component Diagram: The Structural Overview
This diagram breaks down the system into its main components and demonstrates how they work together.
Components from the diagram :
- Content Management System (CMS): The main tool that helps website administrators control product listings, content, and other site features.
- Product Catalog: The collection of products in a database, with details like descriptions, prices, and availability.
- User Profiles: The system that organizes user details, preferences, and security measures.
- Order Management: The process for handling orders, from adding items to completing purchases.
- Payment Processing: The system that manages transactions, connecting with external payment services.
- Search Engine: The tool that helps users quickly find products on the website.
- Analytics: The part that keeps track of user actions and sales data for analysis.
- Marketing & SEO: The methods and tools used to draw in and keep customers.
2. Entity Relationship : Data in Detail
An Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) helps us understand how information is organized and saved in the e-commerce system. It displays how different types of data, such as users, products, and orders, are connected to each other.
3. Sequence Diagram : User Interaction Flow
Sequence diagrams are used to show how people interact the e-commerce system. It illustrate the steps and information flow from the user’s point of view.
Types of ECommerce Architecture
There are many different types of e-commerce architecture, but we will focus on three main types :
1. Two-Tier Architecture :
A two-tier architecture in ecommerce business involves two main parts: the client side where the user interacts, and the server side which stores data.
There are two web applications on each side: the business logic and the customer-side application. The business logic can be on either side, while the client processes are on the other side, that helps the entire system work efficiently.
The customer-side application operates on the user’s device to collect and send data to the database server, ensuring smooth communication between the two tiers.
2. Three-Tier Architecture :
While the simple two-tier setup may suit some businesses, others might require more features. That’s why the three-tier ecommerce design adds an extra layer called the business side to the components already present in the two-tier model.
In this three-tier system, each layer – the presentation layer, the business layer, and the data layer – functions independently on its own server but collaborates to create the overall architecture.
Compared to the two-tier model, the three-tier approach is more effective at collecting data and improving decision-making processes. Let’s discuss how each layer functions.
The Presentation Layer:
The presentation layer is the part of a system that customers see and interact with. It includes the user interface and communication features, allowing users to interact with a website on the front end while the application collects data and handles requests on the back end.
The Business Layer:
The business layer, sometimes called the application or service layer, is a crucial part of the application. It applies business rules to collect and manage information, and can make changes to the data layer by adding, removing, or altering information.
The Data Layer:
The data tier, or database layer, is the last layer where data is stored and requests are handled. Information is typically stored in a relational database management system like LINQ or SQL.
|Also Read: Why You Should Choose Laravel for E-commerce Website
3. SaaS
For smaller or newer online retail businesses, using a pre-packaged ecommerce solution might be a better choice. This type of setup utilizes Software as a Service (SaaS), where the software and data are stored in the cloud and can be accessed through web browsers.
The Final Word
Before you invest time and resources into designing and marketing your online store, it’s essential to first establish a strong foundation for your website’s structure and functionality. If your website is hard to navigate, visitors are unlikely to stay on your site.
FAQ
What is Headless Commerce?
Headless Commerce is an e-commerce setup where the front-end is separated from the back-end. This architecture allows for more flexibility in customizing the user experience across different devices.
What is Monolithic Architecture?
Monolithic Architecture is a traditional software design where everything—the front-end, back-end, and database—are built as one single unit. This makes it easier to develop but harder to scale or update individual parts.
What are Microservices?
Microservices is an architecture style where an application is built as a collection of small, independent services that work together. Each service handles a specific function, making the system more flexible and easier to update or scale.
What is Composable Architecture?
Composable commerce is a flexible way to create online shopping platforms. It allows businesses to pick and combine different technologies to make a customized solution that fits their needs.
What is Modular Architecture?
Modular Architecture is a design method where a system is divided into separate, self-contained modules. Each module can function on its own, making it easier to manage, update, and scale the system.
