Abstract

This blog post explores the latest features and enhancements within SAP Commerce Cloud, starting from version 2211.0 (released November 2022) to 2211.15, offering a thorough analysis from the viewpoint of Business Users. Simultaneously, it serves as an essential study guide for professionals engaged in the SAP Commerce Cloud Stay Current Program (to be released soon). From enhanced control in the Core/Platform to Omni Commerce Connect (OCC) API advancements, CMS & SmartEdit upgrades, Customer Support on Composable Storefront, Intelligent Selling Services (ISS) innovations, to Cloud Portal enhancements and Integration streamlining, this dual-purpose document provides a holistic understanding of the latest features and improvements, alongside a structured resource for staying current with SAP Commerce Cloud.

Core/Platform Changes:

1. New SAP Commerce Cloud Compatibility Guide

The updated Compatibility Guide is a valuable addition, providing insights into the compatibility of add-ons, independent software vendor products, extension packs, and Composable Storefronts. This guide aids businesses in ensuring seamless integration with SAP Commerce Cloud releases.

2. Control Behavior of SAP Commerce Cloud During Upgrade or Initialization Process

The introduction of intentional system stops during data import errors ensures meticulous validation of configurations and project data processing. This feature enhances the reliability of system updates and initialization processes.

3. Configuration-Driven Approach to Performance Testing in HAC

By implementing a configuration-driven approach in the Administration Console (HAC), Free-text input for SQL statements in HAC for performance testing purposes is removed. Custom properties related to the SQL queries should now be configured properties directly.

Backoffice Enhancements:

1. Backoffice Deep Linking Support

Backoffice now supports deep linking, facilitating direct navigation to specific resources. With three types of deep linking options, Backoffice becomes more user-friendly and efficient.

Commerce Module Upgrades:

2. Solr 9 Upgrade

The upgrade to Solr 9 brings compatibility improvements, urging businesses to transition from Solr 8. The impending end of support for Solr 8 in Q4 2024 emphasizes the importance of this upgrade for sustained performance.

Omni Commerce Connect (OCC) Enhancements:

1. OCC V1 Deleted

By removing OCC v1, SAP Commerce Cloud aligns with its goal of providing a modern, headless commerce experience, simplifying back-end upgrades.

2. OCC API Enhancement for Bundles

Enhancements to the OCC API now support accelerator feature parity for bundles, streamlining the shopping experience and improving customer satisfaction.

3. New OCC API for Invoice Display

The addition of the Invoice OCC API facilitates access and download of invoices associated with orders, providing detailed information for improved transparency.

4. New OCC API for Requested Delivery Date

Introducing the Requested Retrieval Date OCC API for preferred delivery dates enhances the checkout process, allowing customers to select and verify delivery dates.

CMS & SmartEdit Upgrades:

1. Angular Upgraded

The upgrade from Angular 11 to Angular 15 in SmartEdit ensures continued compatibility and functionality. With Angular 11 being out of maintenance, customizations must be upgraded to maintain seamless SmartEdit operation.

2. Version Check Added for Web Application Injector

To address SmartEdit loading issues, a version check is now incorporated into webApplicationInjector.js, providing clarity on compatibility issues between SmartEdit and the storefront.

Customer Support on Composable Storefront:

Extensive support for Assisted Service Mode (ASM) in both web services and composable storefront includes enhancements in:

• customer accounts,
• customer 360 data,
• customer lists (also of B2B customers)
• personalized promotions & coupons & customer coupons
• and many more…

fostering a more personalized and efficient customer experience.

Intelligent Selling Services (ISS) Innovations:

1. In-App Help

Intelligent Selling Services introduces in-app help through SAP Companion, a framework for user assistance, enhancing user guidance within web-based applications.

2. Integration Setup Wizard

A revised integration setup wizard expedites the connection of Intelligent Selling Services to SAP Commerce Cloud instances, simplifying the setup process.

3. Replenishment Product Recommendations

ISS now offers replenishment product recommendations based on deep learning with past purchase habits, providing a personalized shopping experience.

4. Customized Pricing in the Merchandising Carousel

Standard carousels and product details pages now support customized pricing, allowing merchants to configure customer-specific prices for enhanced personalization.

5. And more…

can be found here.

Cloud Portal Enhancements:

1. Expanded Blue/Green Deployment Availability

Blue/Green deployment, including the database migration option, is now accessible in all staging and medium sandbox environments, enhancing deployment flexibility.

2. Private Link Endpoints

Private Link facilitates secure connections between SAP Commerce Cloud endpoints and customer-owned Azure subscriptions, ensuring data privacy and security.

3. Web Application Firewall (WAF)

The Web Application Firewall lite protects against malicious attacks by blocking potentially dangerous content, enhancing the resilience of Commerce Cloud web application services.

4. Limited Number of Builds

Efficient build management is enforced through limitations on the number of builds in an environment, promoting organized deployment practices.

5. Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication

Security requirements mandate Two-Factor Authorization (2FA) for all new Cloud Portal users, reinforcing access control measures.

Integration Streamlining:

1. Plain Old Java Object (POJO) Integration Object

Introduction of POJO Integration Objects allows modeling of outbound business events, enhancing flexibility in integration. Backoffice can now be used to model POJO Integration Objects.

2. Webhooks for POJO Integration Objects

Webhooks are now available for POJO Integration Objects, enabling notifications in response to business events and providing a more dynamic integration experience.

3. Preventing Outbound Sync From Sending Items to Inactive Consumed Destinations

A feature toggle prevents outbound sync from sending items to inactive consumed destinations, improving control over data synchronization.

Summary

In conclusion, the updates in SAP Commerce Cloud from version 2211.0 onward cater to the evolving needs of Business Users, offering enhanced control, security, and usability across the core platform, Backoffice, and Cloud Portal. Businesses are encouraged to leverage these improvements to optimize their commerce operations and stay at the forefront of digital commerce technology.