Compare the operating models
In this fictional example, retailer A sells the same assortment in shop/online and accepts cross-channel returns. B has an unrelated pop-up assortment with separate operations. A unified model fits A’s customer continuity; it may add unnecessary coupling for B.
| Business requirement | Independent systems | Unified retail model |
|---|---|---|
| A common stock | Needs clear stock connection | One authoritative stock context |
| A online return in shop | Staff need external order lookup | Order and return context together |
| B independent pop-up | Bounded stock and reporting fit | Couples unrelated operations |
Work through the chosen model
Define product, customer, order and fulfilment identities before choosing a platform. For A, one retail model retains channel and location on transactions. For B, keep bounded identities with any required reporting export; do not force unrelated stock into one pool.
- Identify shared customer journeys
- Choose identity and stock boundaries
- Test a cross-channel order/return example
Unified context reduces lookup but increases shared change impact. Independent systems preserve boundaries but need explicit links for any promised cross-channel service.
A chooses shared orders/stock/returns. B keeps its pop-up operation separate. Unified does not mean every location’s physical stock is interchangeable.
When the other model fits
A’s online products are made-to-order and never stocked in shops. Does that automatically require separate platforms?
Show the worked answer
No. Shared identity can coexist with distinct fulfilment routes; assess actual customer and staff needs.