basecom explains: MACH - Make and Buy: Full Flexibility, instead of either-or

Before a company can implement an e-commerce system, it must first ask the following question: Should the underlying software be developed in-house, or would it be better to rely on external providers? This decision is often a trade-off between flexibility and efficiency. In-house systems can be adapted precisely to specific requirements, but come with high investments in time, know-how and maintenance. Purchased systems offer a quick start and lower initial costs, but leave little scope for customization. This dichotomy typically leads to compromises, as new functions either have to be developed in-house in a time-consuming process or are not available in a closed system. The classic make-or-buy question characterizes the IT strategy of many companies. However, modern technology approaches such as MACH, best-of-breed or composable commerce open up new avenues and resolve the apparent contradiction — with make-and-buy.

What is MACH?

The MACH approach enables companies to build their e-commerce system on a modular basis and make it flexibly adaptable. MACH stands for microservices, API-first, cloud-native and headless.

• Microservices: Functional units that can be developed, scaled and replaced independently.
• API-first: Ensures seamless integration and communication between the individual components.
• Cloud-native SaaS: Increased scalability and freedom from maintenance through specialized cloud services.
• Headless: Separation of frontend and backend ensures maximum flexibility in addressing customers.

Best-of-breed — the best for every purpose

Instead of relying on complete solutions, the best-of-breed approach allows companies to combine the best available tools for their respective requirements. This reduces dependency on a specific service and enables individual system landscapes. Particularly for complex processes such as machine rental (as in the case of FLEETLOOP), specific business logics can be implemented efficiently.

Full flexibility with Composable Commerce

Composable Commerce transfers the principle of modularity to digital commerce. Companies can build their commerce platform from freely combinable, interchangeable components. This allows them to react quickly to market changes, as they are not reliant on the existing functions of a monolithic system.

Make-and-buy — a new paradigm

The combination of the MACH approach, best-of-breed principle and composable commerce creates the basis for make-and-buy: companies use external solutions where it makes sense and at the same time develop their own modules for their individual requirements. This creates a system that is both tailored to specific business logics and efficient — and can be adapted at any time.
One practical example is the FLEETLOOP platform, which is used to rent out trailers and semi-trailers. The platform was implemented as an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in just three months by combining existing commercetools microservices with individual logic. The integration of telematics, dynamic pricing and role-based user guidance were added in a customized manner.

Conclusion

The MACH approach, the best-of-breed principle and composable commerce are changing the rules of the game in e-commerce. They are replacing the classic make-or-buy decision and enabling companies to adopt a new, hybrid approach: make-and-buy. This allows systems to be tailored precisely to individual business requirements, expanded flexibly and operated efficiently at the same time. For modern companies on the path to comprehensive digitalization, make-and-buy is a technological necessity.

Christoph Jung, Director Business Unit MACH

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