Unlocking B2B Ecommerce Flexibility with Znode’s Custom Tables

Attribute Families and User-Defined Fields can be accessed in Znode’s Admin console and empower administrators to manage and extend specific data types. Native Custom Fields as well as Custom Databases paired with Custom APIs provide businesses with more freedom to customize the ecommerce platform, however, they require a developer.

Custom Tables offer a powerful middle-ground for businesses to incorporate their unique data into Znode without necessitating custom development. Whatever specifics a business may require in an ecommerce platform – the ability to showcase regionally relevant products, simplify product searches, or offer industry-specific shopping workflows – Custom Tables enable businesses to integrate relevant data in the ecommerce experience without sacrificing agility or ease of implementation.

Custom Tables can be used to suit the specific needs of just about any business in any industry. Custom Tables enable the storing and managing of unique data beyond standard product and ecommerce information, allowing customers to create tailored features to meet their specific needs.

For example, a well-known European distributor that sells school uniforms and industrial supplies had specific requirements for how shoppers should be able to shop through its digital storefront. These requirements included the ability to add upcharges for certain products or SKUs, access different warehouses based on a shopper’s location, and show product inventory at specific nearby warehouses. By creating and leveraging Custom Tables, this distributor was able to offer a unique shopping experience based on what was important to the shopper -  buying the specified school uniform without having to worry about products being out of stock or shipping from great distances.

Similarly, an Arizona-based manufacturer of fire response equipment for commercial building owners and first responders also leverages Custom Tables to better serve its service partners and customer base. Custom Tables were used to facilitate interactions between buyers and service partners–who function as a mix of distributor, retailer, and subject matter expert–to ensure the right equipment is going to the right people in the right place.

When a new building is completed, or a new business opens, the business is required to install or implement equipment from the manufacturer to help firefighters respond to an emergent situation should a fire occur there. Each fire department selects a number of products from the manufacturer that are approved based on local ordinances and requirements. The manufacturer then takes that information and utilizes Custom Table data to display approved products, saving the buyer, fire department, and manufacturer time and money spent on wasted or incorrect purchases.

Depending on the business requirements, Custom Tables can be used to create data like FAQs, product documents, order templates with pre-approved products, brand subcategories, location-based warehouse availability, and much more. Manufacturers and distributors can leverage them to capture and utilize any data important for their business that isn’t standard in the Znode platform.

B2B ecommerce is complex. Flexibility is a key ingredient for success. Custom Tables are an example of how Znode simplifies the complex in B2B ecommerce.