Commerce Solutions
CMS
Content management systems (CMS) enable the structured creation, management, and efficient cross-channel distribution of digital content. In e-commerce, they are essential as they take on central functions for scalability, SEO (search engine optimization), brand management, and the management of content operations. CMS are often used as a content layer over commerce engines (e.g., Shopware, Shopify, VTEX) to create highly flexible and experience-oriented digital platforms. This is particularly relevant for headless architectures, where content is delivered through APIs to serve various channels (web, app, IoT).
Y1 Digital AG offers comprehensive services ranging from CMS implementation and template development to integration into complex e-commerce landscapes (PIM, DAM, ERP) as well as content strategy and accessibility audits.
Introduction to CMS
Definition and Tasks
A Content Management System (CMS) is software for the structured creation, editing, and publication of digital content across web, mobile, and other channels. It helps businesses manage content independently of technical expertise and publish it efficiently.
Core Tasks of a CMS:
Editorial content creation and maintenance.
Structuring and modeling of content.
Management of roles, permissions, and approvals (workflows).
Design of templates and layouts.
Secure and high-performance content delivery.
Overview of CMS Architectures
The choice of CMS architecture largely depends on the requirements for flexibility and scalability:
Headless CMS: Decouples the backend (content management) from the frontend (presentation). Content is provided via APIs, making it ideal for omnichannel applications (web, apps, IoT) and flexible in terms of frontend technologies (API-first).
Classic / Monolithic CMS: Connects backend and frontend on a single platform. These are well-suited for editorial-intensive projects and often offer intuitive editorial interfaces.
Enterprise CMS / DXP (Digital Experience Platforms): For large organizations with complex requirements such as multi-language, multi-site, deep integration capabilities, and advanced workflow and governance functions.
CMS in the E-Commerce Context
In digital commerce, the CMS fulfills strategic functions:
Maintenance of brand and campaign content.
Creation of dynamic landing pages.
Provision of editorial content for SEO.
Content support along the customer journey.
Integration into commerce systems.
Y1 as a CMS Partner
CMS Implementation
Y1 provides the technical installation, configuration, and setup of the CMS, as well as ensuring performance and security in the digital architecture.
Installation, configuration, and technical setup of the system.
Ensuring performance and security.
Development of custom features and extensions/modules.
Content Architecture and Strategy
Y1 assists in creating the strategic foundation for content and modeling the contents to ensure scalability.
Development of a content strategy and creation of content guidelines.
Creation of a structured content model (content types, fields, metadata).
Definition of categories and taxonomies for multilingual variants.
Support in the creation of editorial content (content creation).
Template and Component Development
Y1 develops the visual and functional elements of the frontend based on UX/UI principles and modular components.
Development of UX/UI-based layouts.
Implementation of modular, scalable, and responsive components.
Application of the Atomic Design paradigm (Atoms → Molecules → Organisms) for modular UI development.
Integration and System Landscape
Y1 ensures the seamless connection of the CMS with other core systems to deliver content across the entire e-commerce ecosystem.
Integration of the CMS with commerce systems (e.g., Shopware, Shopify, Magento, VTEX).
Connection to PIM/PXM (Product Information Management) and DAM (Digital Asset Management).
Integration of CRM (for customer data and personalization) and analytics & tracking.
Content Operations and Training
Y1 establishes efficient workflows and trains editors to enable efficient and error-free work in the CMS.
Definition of role and permission concepts and editorial approval processes.
Implementation of translation workflows and content governance.
Editor training and support for ongoing operations.
Structured migration of existing websites and content.
Accessibility and SEO
Y1 ensures that CMS development meets legal and user-centered requirements for accessibility and search engine optimization.
WCAG/BITV-compliant development and audits (accessibility).
Ensuring a clean HTML structure, sufficient contrasts, and keyboard navigation.
Implementation of SEO for CMS (site architecture, structured data, page speed, on-page optimization).
