ERP & ECommerce Systems

Enterprise Systems Overview: Technology Stacks and Capabilities

This document provides a high-level summary of the major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and eCommerce systems covered on the ERP Experts website, with hyperlinks to detailed technology stack overviews for each system.

ERP Systems

Infor ERP Technology Stack

Infor ERP is built on a modern, cloud-native architecture with the following key components:

• Infor OS (Operating Service): The core platform that unifies various Infor applications, providing a centralized framework for integration, collaboration, and intelligence.
  • Includes Infor ION (middleware), Ming.le (collaboration), Document Management, and Coleman AI
• Cloud Infrastructure: Leverages AWS for multi-tenant cloud deployment with microservices architecture for flexibility and scalability.
• User Experience Layer: Features Hook & Loop design framework for intuitive interfaces with mobile-first design principles.
• Analytics and Business Intelligence: Embedded Birst analytics for real-time insights and data-driven decision making.
• Enterprise Applications: Industry-specific ERP suites like CloudSuite Industrial, CloudSuite Healthcare, Infor LN, and Infor M3.

Infor’s technology stack is designed with a loosely coupled architecture inspired by internet-scale technologies, prioritizing scalability, resilience, and user-centric design.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Technology Stack

Microsoft Dynamics 365 combines ERP and CRM capabilities in a unified platform with these core components:

• Cloud Infrastructure: Hosted on Microsoft Azure, providing scalable and secure cloud foundation with services like Azure Compute, Storage, SQL, and Monitoring.
• Data Platform: Microsoft Dataverse unifies data storage and integration across applications with standardized schema and virtual tables.
• Application Framework: Built on .NET and Power Platform for application logic and extensibility.
• Development Tools: Visual Studio, AL Language, and Azure DevOps for professional development.
• Web Services and APIs: RESTful APIs and OData for integration with external systems.
• Security and Identity: Microsoft Entra ID for authentication and authorization with role-based access control.
• AI and Analytics: Azure Machine Learning and Copilot for predictive analytics and AI-driven assistance.
• Low-Code Development: Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) for rapid application development.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 leverages the broader Microsoft ecosystem, offering tight integration with Microsoft 365 applications and services.

Oracle Cloud ERP Technology Stack

Oracle Cloud ERP delivers a comprehensive SaaS solution with these technology components:

• Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): The foundational layer encompassing compute, storage, networking, and management services.
• Oracle Database: Powers data management with features like partitioning, compression, and in-memory processing.
• Oracle Fusion Middleware: Facilitates application development and integration with WebLogic Server, SOA Suite, and ADF.
• Java and Enterprise JavaBeans: Provides the programming foundation for application logic.
• Redwood Design System: Drives the modern user interface with Oracle JET, HTML5, and CSS3.
• AI and Machine Learning: Embedded AI capabilities for automation and insights, including anomaly detection and forecasting.
• RESTful APIs and Integration: Enables connectivity with external systems and other Oracle Cloud offerings.
• Security and Identity Management: Comprehensive security features integrated into every layer.

Oracle Cloud ERP is designed as a cohesive ecosystem where each component is tightly integrated to deliver a unified SaaS solution.

Oracle NetSuite ERP Technology Stack

NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP system with these key technology components:

• Database: Leverages Oracle Database for robust, reliable data storage and management.
• Programming Languages: Uses Java for backend services, JavaScript for front-end, and SuiteScript (proprietary) for customizations.
• Web Services: SuiteTalk platform with SOAP and REST APIs for integration with third-party systems.
• SuiteCloud Platform: Includes SuiteBuilder (customization), SuiteAnalytics (reporting), SuiteFlow (workflow), and SuiteBundler (packaging).
• Cloud Infrastructure: True multi-tenant SaaS model deployed in Oracle data centers globally.
• Security and Compliance: AES-256 encryption, SSO via SAML 2.0, and compliance with standards like GDPR and SOC.

NetSuite offers a unified view of business operations with native integrations, true cloud architecture, and extensive customization capabilities through the SuiteCloud platform.

SAP S4 HANA Technology Stack

SAP S/4HANA is built on a modern, in-memory platform with these components:

• SAP HANA Database: In-memory computing with columnar storage, data compression, and multi-core processing for high performance.
• Fiori User Interface: Modern, responsive UI based on SAPUI5 framework, HTML5, and OData services.
• ABAP Programming Language: The core language for SAP development with ABAP Runtime Environment and Core Data Services.
• Core Data Services (CDS): Virtual data models with annotations for simplified data access and presentation.
• SAP NetWeaver: Application server infrastructure hosting ABAP applications and business logic.
• OData and RESTful APIs: Standardized protocols for data exchange and integration.
• Cloud, On-Premise, or Hybrid Deployment: Flexible deployment options including SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and SAP Business Technology Platform.
• Embedded Analytics: Real-time reporting capabilities with analytical views and dashboards.
• Machine Learning and AI: Predictive capabilities through SAP Leonardo, HANA PAL, and integration with TensorFlow.

SAP S/4HANA combines the power of in-memory computing with modern user interfaces and advanced analytics for real-time business processes.

Workday Technology Stack

Workday offers a cloud-native HCM and financial management platform with these technology components:

• Programming Languages: Utilizes Java, Scala, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript for different aspects of the platform.
• Cloud Architecture: Multi-tenant design with in-memory computing and microservices for scalability.
• Data Management: Object-oriented, in-memory data model with Intelligent Data Core and big data processing capabilities.
• Frontend and User Interface: Metadata-driven, responsive UI with real-time features and visualization tools.
• AI and Machine Learning: Advanced capabilities including model development, inference, and data pipelines for predictive insights.
• APIs and Integration: RESTful APIs and Workday Integration Cloud for connecting with external systems.
• Analytics and Business Intelligence: Comprehensive suite including Prism Analytics, visualization engine, and reporting tools.

Workday’s architecture is designed for enterprise-scale performance with a focus on security, scalability, and continuous innovation through its cloud-native platform.

eCommerce Systems

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Technology Stack

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is built on a comprehensive technology stack that combines cloud infrastructure, programming languages, and specialized tools for eCommerce:

Key Technology Components:

1. Apex Programming Language
   • Proprietary server-side language similar to Java
   • Includes triggers, classes, controllers, and batch processing capabilities
   • SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) and SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language) for data access
   • Governor limits to ensure multi-tenant efficiency
2. Multi-Tenant Architecture
   • Metadata engine for dynamic configuration without code changes
   • Tenant isolation through unique IDs and schema partitioning
   • Resource pooling and load balancing for optimal performance
   • Caching layer for improved response times
3. Lightning Framework
   • Lightning Web Components (LWC) using HTML templates, JavaScript (ES6+), and CSS
   • Shadow DOM for component encapsulation
   • Aura Framework (legacy component model)
   • Event system for component communication
   • Locker Service for security enforcement
4. Commerce Cloud Specific Components
   • B2C Commerce:
     • Storefront Reference Architecture (SFRA) with JavaScript and Handlebars
     • Page Designer for visual storefront building
     • OCAPI (Open Commerce API) for integration
     • Business Manager admin interface
   • B2B Commerce:
     • Lightning Components for B2B interfaces
     • Experience Cloud for partner portals
5. Einstein AI
   • Prediction Builder for custom AI models
   • Vision and Language capabilities for image recognition and NLP
   • Python-based Data Science Platform
   • REST APIs for AI integration

Salesforce Commerce Cloud combines these technologies to deliver a robust platform for both B2B and B2C eCommerce, with particular strengths in customization, AI-driven experiences, and integration capabilities.

BigCommerce Technology Stack

While a comprehensive technology stack overview isn’t directly available, analysis of BigCommerce’s API documentation and release notes reveals key technical components:

Key Technology Components:

1. API Architecture
   • RESTful APIs with JSON payloads
   • GraphQL Admin API for flexible querying
   • Webhooks for event-driven integrations
   • OData-style filtering and pagination
2. Cloud Infrastructure
   • Multi-tenant SaaS architecture
   • Global CDN for performance optimization
   • Adaptive resource allocation for scalability
3. Development Framework
   • Stencil CLI for theme development (Node.js-based)
   • Handlebars templating language
   • React-based components for storefront UIs
   • Webpack for asset bundling
4. Integration Capabilities
   • Headless commerce support via APIs
   • OAuth 2.0 authentication
   • Webhooks for real-time event notifications
   • Server-to-server authentication for B2B scenarios

BigCommerce provides a modern API-first architecture that enables headless commerce implementations while maintaining traditional storefront capabilities, with particular strengths in developer experience and integration flexibility.

Shopify Technology Stack

Based on Shopify’s API documentation and release notes, the following technology components can be identified:

Key Technology Components:

1. API Architecture
   • GraphQL Admin API as primary interface
   • REST APIs (being gradually deprecated)
   • Versioned APIs with quarterly releases
   • Webhooks with sub-topic filtering
2. Development Framework
   • Liquid templating language for themes
   • React for admin interfaces and components
   • Node.js for server-side rendering
   • Ruby on Rails for backend services (historically)
3. Extension Capabilities
   • App extensions for UI embedding
   • Shopify Functions for custom business logic
   • Web pixel extensions for analytics
   • Theme app extensions for storefront customization
4. Data Management
   • GraphQL for efficient data querying
   • Metaobjects for custom data structures
   • ShopifyQL for analytics queries
   • Customer data platform for unified profiles

Shopify’s technology stack emphasizes developer productivity, scalability, and extensibility, with particular strengths in headless commerce capabilities and customization through specialized extension points.

Summary Comparison

ERP Systems

Each ERP system offers unique technological approaches and capabilities:

• Infor ERP: Industry-specific solutions with a loosely coupled architecture
• Microsoft Dynamics 365: Unified ERP/CRM with deep Microsoft ecosystem integration
• Oracle Cloud ERP: Comprehensive SaaS solution with tight integration across components
• Oracle NetSuite: True cloud multi-tenant SaaS with extensive customization capabilities
• SAP S/4HANA: In-memory computing power with modern interfaces and analytics
• Workday: Cloud-native platform with object-oriented data model and advanced AI

eCommerce Systems

Each eCommerce platform offers distinct technological approaches:

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Enterprise-focused platform with robust customization through Apex and Lightning, strong AI capabilities via Einstein, and separate B2B and B2C offerings.
• BigCommerce: API-first architecture emphasizing developer experience and headless capabilities, with strong theme development tools and flexible integration options.
• Shopify: Highly scalable SaaS platform with extensive extension capabilities, transitioning to GraphQL-first approach, and specialized functions for custom business logic.

These technology stacks represent different approaches to enterprise systems, each with strengths aligned to specific business needs and implementation requirements.