Shopware 6: Why do we need it and what are the new features from October 2024?

You may already be familiar with Shopware if you're looking to expand your existing e-commerce store or open a new one. Shopware is a popular online retail platform that originated in Germany. Now, with Shopware 6, a new version is available that offers many innovative features and a modern, flexible architecture. This latest version offers everything your business needs for long-term growth and flexibility. Here's an overview of the key features and benefits that make Shopware 6 the optimal solution for your online success.

What is Shopware 6?

Shopware 6 is a powerful open-source e-commerce platform that simplifies the creation and management of online stores. With numerous features and tools, Shopware 6 supports you in selling your products successfully. The platform is ideal for companies focused on flexibility and scalability. Whether you're a start-up or an established business, Shopware 6 offers you the freedom to customize and operate your store successfully.

The New Features of Shopware 6

Shopware 6 includes some new features and tools that fit seamlessly into a modern e-commerce workflow. The October 2024 updates provide exciting extensions and improvements that give store owners more control and flexibility to meet the growing demands of online retail.

Improved analytics and targeted marketing

With the new Shopware Analytics and the KPI "Revenue Distribution by Shipping Method" you gain insights into which shipping methods are especially profitable. This allows you to optimize logistics and focus on the shipping methods that generate the highest revenue. Additionally, a new sidebar filter helps you analyze customer groups more precisely—distinguishing between guest and registered users, enabling you to tailor marketing efforts more effectively to each group's needs.

Performance optimizations for better operations

The improved import and export strategy significantly increases the efficiency of data processing. This is particularly helpful for stores with large data sets, as data transfer is now faster and smoother. The B2B order overview has also been optimised to display the customer's company name directly, making it easier to manage and analyse business customer orders and improving overall organisation.

The key features of Shopware 6: the flexibility and adaptability

Shopware 6 is based on an API-first approach, which keeps the system flexible and allows seamless integration with ERP, CRM, or other external systems. Thanks to headless commerce, the frontend is completely separate from the backend—meaning you can independently design and configure your store’s interface. The Rule Builder allows you to create complex rules for prices, discounts, and shipping conditions using drag-and-drop, which can be adjusted as needed.

International scalability and multichannel optimization

Shopware 6 places special emphasis on internationalization and the easy adaptation to different currencies and languages. This allows you to sell worldwide effortlessly, tailoring your store precisely to the needs of your international customers.

Easy product and order management

Product and order management in Shopware 6 is designed for efficiency. The product management feature allows you to centrally manage images, prices, and other information—always up-to-date and tailored to your customers. The order management system also offers useful functions, such as editing and updating orders and status notifications. These features ensure your store runs smoothly and keeps your customers informed.

Why to choose Shopware 6? The advantages over previous versions

So why should you choose Shopware 6 instead of continuing with Shopware 5? Here are the main advantages:

• Easier to Use: The backend has been significantly streamlined and is now more intuitive to use.
• More Flexibility: Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, Shopware 6 adapts to your needs. The modular structure allows you to build your store exactly as you need it.
• Better Performance: Thanks to the API-first approach and modern technologies, Shopware 6 is faster and more powerful than its predecessors. Your customers will appreciate it since nobody likes long loading times.

As there are no further updates planned for Shopware 5, migrating to Shopware 6 is recommended to ensure your store's security and compatibility.

The path to implementing Shopware 6

Migrating from Shopware 5 to 6 requires a detailed approach and typically occurs in several phases:

1. Planning and analysis: Define exactly which data and functions should be transferred and which plugins may be replaced by new features.
2. Migration and data transfer: Ensure your store runs on version 5.6. Data such as products, customers, and orders are then transferred to Shopware 6 using special migration tools.
3. Relaunch and testing phase: Adjustments to design and functionality are necessary before thoroughly testing the new store.
4. Go-live and post-launch: Final tests are conducted after the launch to ensure functionality.

Why it would be useful to choose a certified Shopware agency?

Your migration to Shopware 6 will be smooth and efficient with datrycs as your experienced Shopware partner. Our team has the technical and strategic expertise to ensure a flawless implementation - from planning to migration to post-launch optimisation. This saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Shopware 6 is a flexible, high performance and future proof eCommerce solution. Whether you're just starting or have an established business, Shopware 6 gives you the tools to succeed in online retail. However, it’s still recommended to involve a certified Shopware agency.

With so much information, we can help you keep track and provide recommendations tailored to your store's needs. The datrycs team is here as a certified partner to ensure that your transition to Shopware 6 runs smoothly, your store is set up optimally, and we’ll continue to support you after launch.

If you want to learn more about Shopware 6 licensing models and which one suits you best, take a look here: https://www.datrycs.com/de/blog/shopware-kosten-und-preise-2024-alles-was-du-ueber-shopware-wissen-musst

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