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The Challenge

API’s website was previously limited in its ability to offer standards, recommended practices, technical reports, and specifications. API required a future-proofing solution that would transform their website into an authoritative source for industry standards on a global scale, leveraging a direct-to-consumer commerce solution. 

The Goal

API aimed to develop an AI-powered, ecommerce-enabled platform that delivered the highest quality information to member organizations and customers. The platform needed to provide real-time access to standards, services, and training information related to certifications, licenses, projects, and industry regulations. API’s goal was to create a seamless digital experience that would enable 24/7 global access to its vast library of industry standards. 

The Solution

CEI deployed a full-service team, working in close collaboration with API’s IT services and business stakeholders. The team began by conducting a competitive analysis, defining user personas, and capturing a comprehensive set of functional requirements. These steps allowed CEI’s business and UI/UX analysts to map out the user journey, identify key use cases, and develop wireframes, high-resolution mockups, and proofs of concept (POCs). 

The solution centered on Sitecore OrderCloud, a headless architecture that provided API with a flexible, API-focused ecommerce platform. By leveraging Sitecore XM + Headless SXA, CEI delivered a commerce solution integrated with industry-leading point solutions and legacy systems, ensuring a fully connected and future-proof platform. The system, hosted on Azure, supports customers, administrators, and customer service representatives, enabling seamless interactions across all user touchpoints. 

Sitecore OrderCloud Application

Buyer and Seller Interfaces

Buyer/Seller Management

Cloud commerce Management

Integration Management

Pre-Built Integrations

Tax Management, Payments, Shipping, etc.

Product Catalogue and Orders Integration

Custom Integration

MS Dynamics- User Management, FileOpen, Coveo Search, Reporting, etc.

API First Headless eCommerce Platform

This experience is fully hosted on Azure. It supports customers, empowers administrators, and enables customer service representatives.

What Specific Capabilities Did API Gain?

CEI delivered a variety of ecommerce capabilities, including:

Cognitive Search including recommendations, relevance, date sorting, and advanced filter facets delivered via integration with Coveo.

Standards purchasing with multiple delivery options including, digital (.PDF) or Print on Demand.

Email subscription management & notifications when addendums, errata and/or new versions are released.

Past purchase history, standards access and management.

Site created in Sitecore Headless SXA, integrated with Microsoft Dynamics for CRM.

Product catalog management with rich UI.

Address validation, tax calculation, and payment gateway integration.

Order management, preview, processing, and refunds/exchange management.

Digital Rights Management preventing unauthorized distribution.

GA4 integration for web traffic reporting and analysis.

The Results

The implementation of this commerce solution enabled API to significantly enhance its global reach and improve the digital experience for its members. Within the first 30 days of launching API’s new Standards Webstore, the following key benefits and performance outcomes were realized: 

Expanded global awareness

API achieved increased visibility of applicable standards and the benefits of adherence, broadening their global market reach.

Decreased customer service and support requests

Customer service requests dropped significantly as users found the platform more intuitive, reducing the burden on CSRs. 

24/7 Customer and Member Access

The platform provides global 24/7 access to up-to-date standards and services, allowing users to purchase and access critical information anytime, anywhere. 

~800 Standards Published

Over 800 standards were successfully published to the online catalog, including versions, addenda, and errata. 

70% of 2023 Daily Online Sales Goal Reached

Within the first 30 days, API reached 70% of their daily online sales target for 2023. 

On Target to Transition 20-25% of Annual Sales

API is on track to transition 20-25% of their total annual sales to the digital platform. 

Aligned Promotion of Training, Certification and Licensing programs

Training, certification, and licensing programs are now directly aligned with the platform’s supported standards, enhancing the overall user experience. 

Enhanced global outreach, identification, and inclusivity

The new platform has improved API’s ability to reach a broader, more diverse audience and engage committee members across the globe. 

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