Deploying Sitecore OrderCloud for eCommerce Enablement at the American Petroleum Institute (API)
Since 1924, American Petroleum Institute (API) has been a cornerstone in establishing and maintaining standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. Today, it represents more than 600 corporate members that participate in all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry, such as producers, refiners, pipeline operators and transporters in addition to service and supply companies that support the industry.
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.
Our Services
Explore our end-to-end capabilities to drive digital transformation across your organization.