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MACH architecture involves creating a modular structure for e-commerce businesses to help them respond more easily to consumers’ needs. It is based on integrating different software or tools in the form of modules. Although independent, these modules interact with each other to perform all the functions that make selling products online more agile and flexible. Services from multiple suppliers can be integrated to create a complete solution.
The construction of this structure is based on the four technological advances that the acronym stands for: Microservices, API-First, Cloud-Native and Headless: MACH. Behind the interface that the client can see, these functionalities guarantee the e-commerce’s productivity and contribute to the company's competitiveness.
Previously, companies plumped for complete business suites to manage their e-commerce, which could cause problems with upgrades and integrations with other systems. With this new structure, each block can be updated separately, removed, or replaced by another. If you want to learn more, here’s a step-by-step explanation of the elements that make up MACH architecture and what it has to offer for brands and retailers.
Components of MACH architecture
Microservices, the building blocks on which e-commerce is built
In this context, microservices are applications or software designed to perform a single function, such as payments, product searches, wish lists, etc. They can work alone or in tandem with other microservices. Since each microservice is implemented and managed independently, the e-commerce structure will be more flexible and resilient.
API-First, the connecting thread
An API, or application programming interface, is responsible for connecting different microservices so that they function together in an orderly manner, as and when necessary.
Cloud-Native
Each software or application block in this ecosystem must work and be hosted in the cloud. This ensures better functionality and saves the company high storage costs. Cloud hosting makes it possible to automate updates to ensure optimal functionality and performance of each tool.
Headless, decoupling of functions
The last characteristic of MACH architecture is that it is headless. This means the frontend (the part of the e-commerce the user sees and interacts with) and the backend (the corporate systems used to run a website or company) are separated. The interface and the data are completely decoupled. This allows problems to be localised and controlled as well as streamlining improvement processes for programmers and publishers.
Implementing MACH architecture in your e-commerce will allow you to select the best tools to meet employees’ and consumers’ needs. It will also give greater flexibility to swap them for other tools and to evolve at the same speed as the online market.
Where does your pricing suite fit in?
Among these microservices, it is essential to have a pricing suite to set the right prices and speed up product price changes. With MACH architecture, you will be able to include pricing services without affecting the functionality of your e-commerce and coordinate them with all your functionalities.
Advanced tools like Minderest can be integrated to make pricing more agile and efficient, so you can gradually increase your e-commerce’s profitability. These pricing services are also based on the four principles of MACH architecture to ensure they function at their best: They are divided into microservices, have APIs, are cloud-based, and their front and backends are separate.
Find out how Minderest can take your business to the next level.
Contact our pricing experts to see the platform in action.
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