The Complete Guide To SAP Hybris: A-Z Handbook To Unleash The Power of SAP Commerce Cloud

SAP Commerce Cloud provides tools to manage customer data, marketing, and integrated trading processes. It serves as a complete customer engagement and commerce solution for both B2B and B2C companies with its state-of-the-art features.

The Evolution of SAP Hybris / Commerce Cloud

Initially, Hybris was an independent e-commerce software company that catered to both B2B and B2C companies. In 2013, it was acquired by SAP, which is a market leader in enterprise application software. This was a major milestone that sparked the deep integration of SAP Hybris into the SAP cloud technology ecosystem. The integration has enabled the platform to leverage the advantages of the cloud technology of SAP and offer enhanced tools to optimize margins and drive customer loyalty.

In 2018, Hybris officially became SAP Commerce Cloud, and today, it is more than just an e-commerce platform. It is a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to deliver consistent, contextual, and relevant experiences to their customers regardless of the channel or device. As of the third quarter of 2023, there are 3,679 live stores running on the SAP Commerce Cloud platform.

Features and Advantages of SAP Hybris / SAP Commerce Cloud

SAP Commerce Cloud comes packed with a multitude of features that make it the first choice for businesses looking to jump on the digital bandwagon. Here are some of the key features and benefits that have earned SAP Commerce Cloud its place as a trusted e-commerce and customer experience platform:

• B2B Commerce Capabilities- One of the key advantages of SAP Commerce Cloud is its robust B2B commerce capabilities. This includes self-service functionality, personalized catalogs, and contract management. This feature makes it easier for businesses to manage their B2B operations and build strong relationships with their business customers.

• Omnichannel Commerce- SAP Commerce Cloud allows businesses to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels, be it online, mobile, social media, or physical stores. This ensures that customers have a consistent and personalized shopping experience, regardless of the channel they choose.

• Customer Engagement- It provides businesses with the tools they need to engage with their customers effectively. The SAP Hybris Cloud enables businesses to manage customer data and track customer behavior easily, and then use this information to create personalized marketing campaigns.

• SAP Hybris SmartEdit- SAP Hybris SmartEdit is a new CMS that offers personalization capabilities. In line with the growing popularity of personalized marketing, SmartEdit allows businesses to tailor their content and offerings to meet the unique needs of their customers. With SAP Hybris SmartEdit, businesses can also manage and update their website content without the need for technical expertise.

• Product Content Management- This SAP E-commerce platform also provides a robust product content management system that allows businesses to manage all their product information in one place. As a result, customers always have access to accurate and up-to-date product information.

• Order Management- SAP Commerce Cloud also offers a comprehensive order management system to help businesses manage all aspects of the order process, from order placement to delivery. The order management feature ensures a smooth and efficient order process, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

• Unified Customer Experience-SAP Commerce Cloud allows businesses to provide a seamless and personalized customer experience across all channels. This naturally improves customer satisfaction and boosts their loyalty.

These comprehensive features of the SAP Commerce Cloud make it a powerful tool for businesses in diverse sectors. Now, let’s discuss the scope and applications of SAP Commerce Cloud in more detail.

Business Applications of SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris

The versatility and robustness of SAP Commerce Cloud make it a preferred choice for leading companies across different sectors. For instance, take the retail industry. SAP Commerce Cloud helps businesses create engaging and personalized shopping experiences for their customers to improve conversions. In the manufacturing industry, SAP Commerce Cloud enables companies to manage their customer data effectively. This again leads to improved customer relationships and increased sales.

SAP Hybris Applications (Alt- Application of SAP Hybris)

Let’s dive deeper and discuss the key areas where SAP Commerce Cloud is commonly used and check which features are applied in each to understand how SAP Commerce Cloud is revolutionizing major industries:

• E-commerce- SAP Commerce Cloud allows businesses to manage their online stores effectively. The wide range of SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris commerce features helps businesses deliver a seamless and personalized online shopping experience. These include product content management, order management, and customer engagement tools.

• Marketing- SAP Commerce Cloud equips businesses to create effective marketing campaigns. It provides businesses with tools to manage customer data, track customer behavior, and use this information to create personalized marketing campaigns.

• Sales- It also helps businesses streamline their sales processes by providing a unified platform for managing customer data, tracking sales activities, and managing orders. This guarantees improved sales efficiency and productivity.

• Service- SAP Commerce Cloud provides businesses with the tools they need to deliver next-level customer service. It helps manage customer interactions across various channels, track service requests, and provide timely and effective customer support.

• B2B Operations- The SAP Commerce Cloud also offers robust B2B commerce capabilities, including self-service functionality, personalized catalogs, and contract management. This makes it easy for businesses to manage their B2B operations and build strong relationships with clients.

• Content Management- SAP Hybris SmartEdit makes it easy to manage and update website content. This allows businesses to keep the website content fresh and relevant, improving customer engagement.

How Various Industries Benefit From SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris

As we discussed, a major advantage of SAP Hybris or Commerce Cloud is its versatility, and you can see this in action across all major industries:

• Automotive- SAP Commerce Cloud aids in crafting personalized customer journeys throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle, from selection to service. It also introduces new business models like car sharing, subscriptions, or pay-per-use, and syncs with connected car tech.

• Consumer Goods- It assists in reshaping revenue growth by strategizing sales channels and promotions. It also fosters direct consumer engagement via digital marketing, loyalty schemes, and e-stores.

• Medical- SAP Commerce Cloud also expedites digital services for stakeholders like doctors and patients. It ensures regulatory adherence, simplifies pricing, contracts, and streamlines order and billing processes.

• Chemical- It digitizes sales and service operations, including quoting and delivery. Additionally, it offers value-added services like product suggestions, technical aid, or online training.

• Industrial- SAP Commerce Cloud refines supply chain and inventory management through IoT integration. It also boosts customer service with features like self-service portals and chatbots.

• Retail- SAP Commerce Cloud also crafts unified shopping experiences across platforms like web and physical stores. It utilizes data analytics to comprehend customer tendencies, presenting apt products and offers.

Now that we have understood the advantages and vast applications of SAP Commerce Cloud, let’s have a quick look at the platform from a job seeker’s perspective to decipher what job roles you might have to incorporate while implementing it.

SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris Pricing

The cost of the SAP Commerce Cloud depends on many factors, such as the edition, the number of licenses, the add-ons, the implementation services, and the maintenance fees. The basic cost of a license may start from around $54,000, while the cost of implementing a SAP e-commerce B2B project on Hybris can be much higher. You can request a quote from SAP or its partners for accurate pricing information for your business.

SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris Jobs

As an increasing number of businesses flock to the SAP Hybris platform, it is no surprise that there’s a surge in demand for SAP Hybris professionals in the job market. So, here are some SAP Hybris job roles you should consider if you plan to implement the tool- 

• SAP Commerce Cloud Consultant- SAP Commerce Cloud or Hybris Consultants essentially bridge the business needs and the SAP Commerce Cloud platform. They deeply understand these business needs, strategically implementing and managing the SAP Commerce Cloud platform to align with them. Hybris Consultants are involved throughout the entire lifecycle of the SAP Commerce Cloud implementation – from initial planning to maintenance. With their strong problem-solving and communication skills, they provide training for users, ensuring the effective utilization of the platform’s remarkable features.

• SAP SAP Commerce Cloud Developer- Developers carry the baton from SAP Commerce Cloud Consultants. SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris Developers develop and customize the SAP Commerce Cloud platform for specific business needs. With a solid understanding of coding languages (primarily Java), these professionals eliminate bugs and ensure the smooth functioning of the platform, contributing to a seamless customer experience. They collaborate with teams, ensuring that the final product resonates with everyone’s input.

• SAP Commerce Cloud Architect- The SAP SAP Commerce Cloud is an indispensable role in overseeing the technical aspects of SAP Commerce Cloud implementations. They design a comprehensive architecture for the Commerce Cloud solution that fulfills business requirements and is in line with the company’s IT strategy. They work in tandem with developers, consultants, and other key stakeholders, making sure the cloud platform is implemented successfully.

• SAP Project Manager- SAP Project Managers are the ringmasters of the SAP project circus. Tasked with managing SAP projects, they ensure the project stays within budget and is delivered timely. They juggle various stages of the project, from planning and design to its implementation and maintenance. With their strong leadership and outstanding communication skills, they coordinate between teams and stakeholders effectively.

Getting Started with SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris

Embarking on your journey with SAP Commerce Cloud is an exciting step towards digital transformation and enhanced customer experiences. However, it can be a little intimidating too if you are not experienced in the area! So, I’ve put together some important steps to help you get started:

• Understand Your Requirements- Before diving into the implementation, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your business needs and how SAP Commerce Cloud can address them. This involves identifying your e-commerce objectives, customer engagement strategies, and the specific features you need.

• Choose the Right Version- SAP Commerce Cloud comes in various versions, each with its unique features. Make sure to choose the one that best fits your business needs.

• Installation- It can be installed on various operating systems. You’ll need to download the appropriate software package and follow the installation guide provided by SAP.

• Configuration- After installation, you’ll need to configure the system according to your business requirements. This includes setting up your product catalog, payment methods, delivery options, and more.

• Training- Ensure your team is well-versed with the platform. SAP provides comprehensive training and certification programs to help your team get up to speed.

While the above steps might make it seem straightforward, implementing SAP Commerce Cloud can be a complicated and frustrating process requiring extensive expertise and resources. So, businesses without a dedicated IT team or those unfamiliar with the platform often find it a Herculean task to implement SAP Commerce Cloud correctly. But don’t worry, because this is where SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris implementation services can save the day!

Why Use SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris Implementation Services?

A specialized SAP Commerce Cloud implementation service will help you sail through the incorporation of SAP Commerce Cloud and smoothen the transition without the typical hassles and confusion. Going deeper, here’s exactly why specialized services are your best bet for the effective implementation of the SAP Commerce Cloud:

• Expertise- Implementation services usually have a team of experts who are well-versed in the ins and outs of SAP Commerce Cloud. So, they can guide you through the entire process and ensure everything is set up correctly.

• Time and Cost-Efficient- With their proven experience and knowledge, the right implementation services can significantly reduce the time and cost involved in the setup and configuration of SAP Commerce Cloud.

• Customization- Every business is unique, and so are its problems and needs. Implementation services can understand your perspective and then customize SAP Commerce Cloud to fit your specific business requirements, ensuring you get the most out of the platform.

• Training and Support- Beyond the initial setup, implementation services can provide ongoing training and support to ensure your team can properly learn and use SAP Commerce Cloud.

• Troubleshooting- If something goes wrong or if you encounter any issues, having an expert at your disposal can surely make your life easy! They can quickly identify and resolve any problems, minimizing downtime and disruption to your business.

Remember that implementing SAP Commerce Cloud is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to get it right in the first shot. By leveraging the expertise of a reliable and experienced SAP Commerce Cloud / SAP Hybris implementation service you can avoid common SAP mistakes and maximize the return on your investment.

Conclusion

With its advanced features and capabilities, it is no surprise that SAP Commerce Cloud is a preferred choice for top businesses across various industries. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is also expected that SAP Commerce Cloud will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-commerce and customer experience. So, it’s time for you to work with a trusted SAP Commerce Cloud implementation service like Spadoom and amplify your business growth by mastering this sought-after platform.

FAQs

• What is SAP Hybris and why is it important?

SAP Hybris, now SAP Commerce Cloud, is a leading e-commerce platform offering robust business solutions. It manages customer data, integrates trading processes, and enhances marketing tools, helping companies improve customer engagement and commerce strategies.

• What are some key features of SAP Commerce Cloud?

SAP Commerce Cloud boasts features like omnichannel commerce and customer engagement. With SAP Hybris SmartEdit (a modern CMS), businesses can also tailor content and offers to meet customer needs.

• Who uses SAP Commerce Cloud?

Many companies across sectors use SAP Commerce Cloud, including Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Fresenius Kabi, AGCO, Bentley, General Electric, Epson US, Levi Strauss, Taco Bell, and Nike. They utilize it to boost customer experience and optimize e-commerce operations.

• What are the benefits of using SAP Hybris?

SAP Hybris / SAP Commerce Cloud offers numerous benefits to businesses. It provides a unified solution for managing customer data, marketing tools, and integrated trading processes, which not only streamlines operations but also enhances the customer experience.

• What is the career scope for professionals skilled in SAP Hybris / Commerce Cloud?

SAP Hybris’s popularity has surged the demand for skilled professionals. Roles like Hybris consultant and developer are in demand. These experts implement and manage SAP Hybris solutions, maximizing the platform’s potential.

• What is SAP SAP Commerce Cloud used for?

SAP SAP Commerce Cloud is used to provide businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing customer data, marketing tools, and integrated trading processes. It offers robust e-commerce capabilities, enabling businesses to create engaging and personalized shopping experiences for their customers.

• What is SAP Hybris now called?

SAP Hybris is now known as SAP Commerce Cloud. The name change occurred in 2018 when Hybris was officially integrated into the SAP cloud technology ecosystem.

• Is SAP Hybris a tool?

Yes, SAP Hybris or SAP Commerce Cloud is a tool that provides businesses with robust e-commerce solutions. It offers features such as omnichannel commerce, customer engagement, and a new CMS called SAP Hybris SmartEdit that offers personalization capabilities.

• Is SAP Hybris in demand?

Yes, SAP Hybris or SAP Commerce Cloud is in high demand. As businesses continue to seek innovative solutions to enhance their customer experience and streamline their e-commerce operations, the demand for platforms like SAP Hybris and respective job roles is growing.