Personalization has always been one of the most sought after features for brands, allowing them to deliver tailored digital experiences. Sitecore’s CMS products – XP and XM have had built in personalization capabilities ensuring that the right content reaches the right contacts, for example, by showing, hiding, or adjusting content.

In recent years, the shift towards headless solutions has gained significant momentum, enabling greater flexibility, omnichannel delivery, and seamless integrations with modern digital ecosystems – making Sitecore XM Cloud the next choice or most obvious step in a brands’ digital transformation. However, with the shift from Sitecore XP to Sitecore XM Cloud, customers will notice a significant change in how personalization works behind the scenes and . While XM Cloud provides a cloud-first, headless, and scalable solution, it does come with certain limitations in personalization when compared to XP. In this blog, we will explore how personalization in Sitecore XM Cloud differs from XP, its strengths, and how marketers and developers can still leverage its capabilities effectively.

Personalization in Sitecore XM Cloud

Personalization in XM Cloud aka Embedded Personalization in XM Cloud pages offers a predefined set of built-in, page-based personalization features. Users can define audience segments and serve them customized page variations with ease. The embedded personalization capabilities include real-time data stream collection, predefined conditions, and comprehensive site and page analytics.

The Differences:

For those migrating from Sitecore XP, the biggest change is the absence of provision to create  custom contitions for rule-based personalization. Sitecore XP provided extensive flexibility, allowing users to define custom conditions and personalize based on deep visitor analytics. However, in XM Cloud, personalization is streamlined and focused on a more structured, OOTB (Out-of-the-Box) approach.

Here’s what changes:

• No Custom Conditions: Unlike XP, XM Cloud does not support creating custom personalization rules.
• Page Builder Integration: Personalization is managed within the Personalize tab inside the Page Builder.
• Page Variants Instead of Component-Level Personalization: XM Cloud primarily offers page-level personalization, meaning different variants of a page can be displayed based on predefined conditions.
• Simplified OOTB Conditions: The personalization engine in XM Cloud allows authors to define conditions using a pre-defined set of rules, but with limited extensibility.

Elements of Personalization in Sitecore XM Cloud

The personalization model in XM Cloud is straightforward and designed for ease of use. Here’s how it functions:

• Using the Personalize Tab: Within the Page Builder, authors can access the Personalize tab to define different experiences for users.
• Page Variants: Instead of component-level changes, XM Cloud enables authors to create and manage different page versions to be served based on specific conditions
• Defining Conditions: While the conditions are OOTB and non-extensible, they still allow for basic personalization, such as user location, visit, point of sale or device type etc.
• Analyze and Optimize: The Analyze section helps track performance, providing insights into which variants are performing better.

Personalization in Sitecore XM Cloud takes a different approach than XP, despite its limitations, personalization in XM Cloud still offers benefits: favoring simplicity and scalability over deep customization. While some brands may feel the impact of losing advanced personalization rules, the benefits of speed, cloud-native architecture, and ease of use make XM Cloud an attractive option. For those needing deeper personalization, combining XM Cloud with Sitecore Personalize can be a game-changer.

In the next blogs, we’ll dive deeper into the details of embedded personalization and how Sitecore Personalize can enhance personalization in XM Cloud.

While the world of digital experience platforms continues to evolve at a break-necking pace, and exponentially more so with the evolution of technologies like AI, there are still some steps digital marketing and development teams building digital customer experiences on the Sitecore platform can take to ensure long-term growth over the next five years and beyond. This will ensure your team won’t get stuck in an endless cycle of rework, patching or updates that are no longer relevant as soon as they are deployed. While there is no crystal ball that can tell us what the future might hold (even tomorrow), consider these steps as you continue to iterate on your Sitecore ecosystem.

1. Embrace a Composable DXP Approach & Move to the Cloud

It’s not new news that Sitecore’s approach has shifted away from a monolithic CMS in favor of a Composable DXP. This allows businesses to pick and choose best-in-class solutions rather than rely on one singular system.

Why It Matters

• Composable architecture provides greater flexibility and scalability
• They allow for faster go to market, and therefore innovation by integrating with the latest AI, automation, personalization and analytics technologies
• Components can be swapped in and out or modified without wreaking havoc on the entire Sitecore ecosystem
• Reduces IT overhead and maintenance costs, while improving security via automatic updates and uptime reliability

Action Items to Take

• Consider migrating from Sitecore XP to Sitecore XM Cloud
• Apply Sitecore CDP & Personalize for advanced audience building and personalization
• Leverage auto-scaling and AI-driven analytics

2. Prioritize Headless and Omnichannel Delivery

Modern digital experiences extend beyond traditional websites to mobile apps, chatbots, voice assistants and more. A headless CMS allows organizations to manage content in one place while being able to deliver it anywhere, seamlessly.

Why It Matters

• Content can be distributed faster across multiple touchpoints
• Allows your digital experience to be easily adaptable as new channels emerge across web, search, social media (or even insert the latest, not-yet invented, channel here, because we all know that’s coming at some point)

Action Items to Take

• Explore Sitecore Content Hub to adopt headless content management
• Use GraphQL to integrate content in omnichannel settings
• When creating digital customer experiences and workflows, consider how to make the experiences channel-agnostic, so that a customer’s journey isn’t inconsistent across the various touchpoints they may have with your brand

3. Leverage AI and Machine Learning for Personalization and Conversion Optimization

Customer’s expect real-time, personalized experiences, now more than ever. In most instances, consumers are even willing to go as far as supplying personal data in order to get to this type of experience. With this data and segmentation capabilities, the leading brands must take action to deliver relevant content, offers and experiences to ensure these expectations are being met at a minimum, and exceeded wherever possible.

Why It Matters

• Boosts customer engagement, loyalty and, ultimately, conversion rates
• Enables predictive analytics, allowing anticipation of customer needs

Action Items to Take

• Use Sitecore CDP & Personalize to personalize digital experiences in real-time fashion
• Leverage marketing automation integrations within Sitecore, including Sitecore Send
• Integrate A/B testing and AI-driven content recommendations

4. Implement a Scalable Content Strategy

Especially within the digital space, content can become stale, and FAST! Content can take a while to ideate on, produce and distribute, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Finding ways to ideate, produce and distribute content as efficiently as possible is a great step in future-proofing your Sitecore implementation.

Why It Matters

• Empowers omnichannel content distribution
• Improves production workflow efficiency
• Supports consistent branding and messaging

Action Items to Take

• Implement (and use) Sitecore Content Hub for centralized digital asset and content management
• Explore incorporating Sitecore Stream to automate and enhance content workflows
• Document and govern metadata and taxonomy best practices to make content easily searchable both internally and externally

5. Build and Maintain Strong Data and Analytics Practice

Data-driven decision-making is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it is a must. It helps marketers understand user behavior and measure success. In addition to this, there are many legal considerations around data collection and storage practices, and so having defined guidelines and guardrails in place can prevent organizations from being exposed to a whole host of risks.

Why It Matters

• Helps marketers make well-informed decisions around strategy that ultimately lead to sustainable growth
• Enables teams to experiment and optimize quickly with high degree of confidence that decisions will lead to increased user engagement
• Ultimately supports the growing list of legal requirements that organizations must abide by in order to continue to globalize their presence

Action Items to Take

• Utilize analytics software like those native to the Sitecore platform, or Google Analytics to perform usability experiments – and then act on findings
• Invest in Sitecore Search or similar intelligent search technology to harness the power of data around consumer intent on your site
• Work with legal team or outside counsel to ensure that data practices are adhering to any applicable data privacy legislation

Moving Forward

The most important thing to keep in mind as you work toward applying these principles is to keep an open mind. It is an understatement to say that the DXP world and the technologies and tools that are available are constantly changing. Embrace the change. Find use cases for new best practices and technologies. Experiment, and most of all, have some fun! This will help your organization to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape and make sure you are always there to meet your customers and prospects where they are on their journeys

A successful Sitecore implementation isn’t just about what works today – it is about ensuring long-term flexibility, success and innovation. Build for that and the rest will follow. Now is the time to assess your strategies and pivot where needed. Are you ready to future-proof your organization’s Sitecore implementation? Reach out to Perficient today!

What if Tech Could Be More Human?

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim talks with Kate O’Neill about making human-friendly tech decisions.

In a world that’s moving faster than ever, how can leaders make technology decisions that benefit both the business and the humans they serve? That’s the question Kate O’Neill, tech futurist and author of “What Matters Next: A Leader’s Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That’s Moving Too Fast,” explores in the latest episode of “What If? So What?”

Why Human Experience Is Bigger than Customer Experience

Kate highlights the difference between customer experience and human experience, pointing out that people are more than the roles they play as buyers. Decisions that optimize efficiency, like Amazon Go’s no-touch payment model, may seem like progress—but what happens when those innovations remove opportunities for connection? Leaders must consider the broader impacts of their choices on society and human behavior.

Future-Proofing Isn’t Enough: Be Future-Ready

The future isn’t a fixed path, Kate explains. It’s a prism of possibilities, shaped by the decisions we make today. Instead of trying to “future-proof” their businesses, leaders should prepare for multiple futures by asking two key questions: “What’s most probable?” And “What’s most preferred?” The gap between the two reveals the work needed to shape tomorrow.

A Call for Meaningful Leadership

Kate’s message to leaders is simple yet profound: purpose and meaning matter more than ever. Purpose isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the shape that meaning takes in business. Leaders who focus on what matters now and what will matter next can create technology that drives innovation and serves humanity.

Learn More in Kate’s Book

For more actionable insights and thought-provoking strategies, check out Kate’s latest book, “What Matters Next: A Leader’s Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That’s Moving Too Fast.” Packed with frameworks and tools, it’s a must-read for leaders navigating the intersection of technology and humanity.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website.

Subscribe Where You Listen

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Overcast

Meet our Guest

Kate O’Neill, , CEO of KO Insights, “Tech Humanist” and Author

Kate O’Neill is a digital innovator, chief executive, business writer, and globally recognized speaker widely known as the “Tech Humanist.” She is the founder and CEO of KO Insights, a strategic advisory firm that enhances human experiences at scale through data-driven and AI-led interactions.

Kate has worked with prestigious clients like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and the United Nations, and she was one of the first 100 employees at Netflix. Her groundbreaking insights have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and WIRED, and she has shared her expertise on NPR and the BBC.

Kate has been honored with numerous awards, including and a spot on Thinkers50’s list of the World’s Management Thinkers to Watch. With six influential books under her belt, including “Tech Humanist,” “A Future So Bright”, and her latest, “What Matters Next.”

Connect with Kate

Meet the Host

Jim Hertzfeld is Area Vice President, Strategy for Perficient.

For over two decades, he has worked with clients to convert market insights into real-world digital products and customer experiences that actually grow their business. More than just a strategist, Jim is a pragmatic rebel known for challenging the conventional and turning grand visions into actionable steps. His candid demeanor, sprinkled with a dose of cynical optimism, shapes a narrative that challenges and inspires listeners.

Connect with Jim:

LinkedIn | Perficient

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead demands more than just cutting-edge tools; it requires a vision, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. In an exclusive interview for We Are Perficient, Matt Shields, Managing Director of Perficient’s Adobe practice, shared his expert insights on sales and delivery excellence, the transformative potential of Adobe technologies, and the collaborative power of Perficient’s global reach. 

With over 15 years of experience in the Adobe ecosystem, Matt has helped some of the world’s leading brands leverage digital transformations to gain a competitive edge. Here’s what he had to say about the future of sales and technology and how Perficient drives impact across industries. 

The Growing Influence of Adobe in a Content-Driven World 

As the demand for personalized content grows exponentially, Adobe is leading the charge in helping organizations connect with their customers in meaningful ways. According to Matt, the future lies in how companies deliver experiences tailored to each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and cultural contexts. 

“Understanding customers directly—whatever culture, geography, or language—is the key to creating meaningful engagement that drives business objectives,” he explained. 

Adobe’s innovative tools, such as generative AI capabilities within Adobe Experience Cloud, are empowering companies to produce dynamic, high-quality content at scale. This technology is not just about efficiency; it’s about fostering genuine, memorable connections between brands and their audiences. 

Perficient’s Role in Driving Digital Transformation 

Perficient’s partnership with Adobe amplifies the ability to meet the demands of a global market. With a focus on customer experience, Perficient delivers personalized solutions that go beyond traditional content management. 

“It’s no longer just about managing content. It’s about creating it at speed and scale while ensuring it reaches the right audience through the right channels,” Matt emphasized. 

What sets Perficient apart is its global presence and deep industry expertise. By leveraging teams from diverse regions, Perficient offers clients a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and technical capabilities that ensure every project is executed with precision and cultural relevance. 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Experiences 

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way businesses engage with customers, and Adobe is at the forefront of this transformation. Matt highlighted how Adobe’s AI tools, such as GenStudio for Performance Marketing, enable companies to generate relevant, impactful content faster and more effectively. 

“AI is a conversation we’re having with every customer,” he noted. “Whether it’s streamlining internal processes or enhancing customer interactions, AI is central to every industry’s digital transformation journey.”

Perficient’s ability to integrate AI within Adobe’s ecosystems ensures clients can harness these innovations to achieve their strategic goals. From content generation to customer engagement, AI is paving the way for smarter, more efficient processes. 

Industry Trends and Perficient’s Global Advantage 

When asked about emerging trends, Matt underscored the importance of creating memorable customer experiences. It’s not just about conversions; it’s about how well a brand resonates with its audience. 

“The question is: How do we connect effectively? Is it the right time, the right content, the right message?”

Perficient’s global footprint plays a crucial role in delivering these impactful experiences. By combining local insights with global expertise, Perficient ensures its clients stay ahead in an increasingly connected world. 

Transforming the Healthcare Sector with Adobe 

In healthcare, customer experience is synonymous with patient experience. Matt shared how Adobe solutions are enabling healthcare organizations to create patient-centric journeys that improve outcomes. 

“From follow-ups to treatment accessibility, driving a better patient experience can literally be a matter of life and death,” Matt explained. 

Perficient’s industry-specific expertise, combined with Adobe’s platform capabilities, is helping healthcare providers deliver care that is not only efficient but also empathetic and personalized. 

The Power of Partnership: Adobe and Perficient 

As a highly specialized Adobe Platinum Partner, Perficient works hand-in-hand with Adobe to deliver the latest technologies and innovations across industries. This partnership is rooted in shared expertise and a commitment to the client. 

“We collaborate daily with Adobe teams across healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and more to ensure our clients get the best of both worlds—industry expertise and cutting-edge technology,” Matt said. 

Discover More 

Curious about how our partnership with Adobe is transforming industries? Learn how we leverage Adobe’s cutting-edge technologies to deliver personalized, impactful solutions for our clients here.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing B2B ecommerce, enabling capabilities such as personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and predictive analytics. However, the effectiveness of these AI-driven solutions depends heavily on the quality of the underlying data. Despite AI’s potential, poor data governance remains a significant challenge in the industry. A recent Statista survey revealed that 25% of B2B ecommerce companies in the United States have fully implemented AI technologies, while 56% are experimenting with them.

As AI adoption grows, B2B companies must address data quality issues to leverage AI’s benefits fully. Anyone who has spent time in the B2B industry will acknowledge that quality data is often a struggle. This article explores the critical importance of clean data in AI applications and offers strategies for improving data governance in the B2B ecommerce sector.

Common Symptoms of Bad Data Governance

Bad data governance is a pervasive issue in the B2B ecommerce landscape, particularly in industries like manufacturing, where complex supply chains and product catalogs create unique challenges. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

1. Duplicate Records: Customer and product data often contain duplicate entries due to inconsistent data entry processes or a lack of validation protocols. For example, a single customer might appear in the database multiple times with slight variations in name or contact information, leading to inefficiencies in communication and order processing.
2. Inconsistent Formatting: Manufacturing and distribution often involve extensive product catalogs, and inconsistencies in SKU formats, product descriptions, or units of measurement can disrupt operations. For instance, some entries might use “kg” while others use “kilograms,” confusing systems and causing inventory management and procurement errors.
3. Outdated or Missing Data: Stale data, such as outdated pricing, obsolete product details, or inactive customer accounts, can lead to misinformed decisions. Missing data, like incomplete shipping addresses or contact details, can result in delayed deliveries or lost opportunities.
4. Siloed Data Systems: Many B2B companies, especially in manufacturing, rely on disparate systems that don’t communicate effectively. A lack of integration between ERP systems, CRMs, and ecommerce platforms leads to fragmented data and manual reconciliation efforts, increasing the risk of errors.
5. Unreliable Vendor and Supplier Information: Manufacturing businesses often deal with a large network of suppliers, each with varying formats for invoices, contracts, and delivery schedules. Poorly managed supplier data can result in delayed production, stockouts, or overordering.

Why is Bad Data Governance So Prevalent in B2B Manufacturing?

Unlike B2C industries, where streamlined data processes are often a core focus, manufacturing businesses face unique challenges due to their operations’ complexity, reliance on legacy systems, and decentralized structures. Understanding why these problems are so prevalent is key to addressing the underlying causes and fostering long-term improvements.

1. Complexity of Operations: Manufacturing involves numerous moving parts—raw materials, suppliers, distributors, and customers—making data governance inherently more challenging. The sheer volume of data generated across the supply chain increases the likelihood of inconsistencies.
2. Legacy Systems: Many B2B manufacturing companies rely on outdated legacy systems not designed for modern ecommerce integration. These systems often lack robust data validation and cleaning mechanisms, perpetuating bad data practices.
3. Decentralized Operations: Manufacturing companies frequently operate in multiple locations, each with its own systems, processes, and data entry standards. This decentralization contributes to a lack of standardization across the organization.
4. Focus on Production Over Data: In traditional manufacturing mindsets, operational efficiency and production output take precedence over data accuracy. Thus, data governance investments may be considered a lower priority than equipment upgrades or workforce training.
5. Limited Awareness of the Impact: Many B2B organizations underestimate the long-term impact of bad data on their operations, customer satisfaction, and AI-driven initiatives. The focus often shifts to immediate problem-solving rather than addressing root causes through improved governance.

By recognizing these symptoms and understanding the reasons behind poor data governance, B2B manufacturing companies can take the first steps toward addressing these issues. This foundation is critical for leveraging AI and other technologies to their fullest potential in ecommerce.

Why Clean Data Governance is Non-Negotiable in the AI Era

AI thrives on data—structured, accurate, and relevant data. For B2B ecommerce, where AI powers everything from dynamic pricing to predictive inventory, clean data isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for success. Without clean data governance, AI systems struggle to provide reliable insights, leading to poor decisions and diminished trust in the technology.

As the B2B commerce world embraces AI, those who recognize and prioritize addressing a systemic industry problem of bad data will quickly move to the front of the pack. Garbage in, garbage out. Implementing AI tools with bad data will be doomed to failure as the tools will be ineffective. Meanwhile, those who take the time to ensure they have a good foundation for AI support will overtake the competition. It’s a watershed moment for the B2B industry where those who recognize how to get the most value out of AI while those who refuse to alter their own internal workflows because “that’s the way it’s always been done” will see their market share diminish.

1. Accuracy and Relevance: AI models rely on historical and real-time data to make predictions and recommendations. If the data is inaccurate or inconsistent, the AI outputs become unreliable, directly impacting decision-making and customer experiences.
2. Scalability and Growth: In an era where B2B companies are scaling rapidly to meet global demands, clean data ensures that AI systems can grow alongside the business. Bad data governance introduces bottlenecks, stifling the scalability of AI-driven solutions.
3. Customer Experience: AI-powered personalized recommendations, accurate delivery timelines, and responsive customer service are critical to building customer trust and loyalty. These benefits rely on clean, well-governed data. A single misstep, like recommending the wrong product or misquoting delivery times, can damage a company’s reputation.
4. AI Amplifies Data Issues: Unlike traditional systems, AI doesn’t just process data—it learns from it. Bad data doesn’t just result in poor outputs; it trains AI systems to make flawed assumptions over time, compounding errors and reducing the ROI of AI investments.
5. Competitive Advantage: Clean data governance can be a differentiator in a competitive B2B market. Companies with well-maintained data are better positioned to leverage AI for faster decision-making, improved customer service, and operational efficiencies, giving them a significant edge.

Ignoring data governance in the AI era isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. Poor data practices lead to inefficient AI models, frustrated customers, and, ultimately, lost revenue. Moreover, as competitors invest in clean data and AI, companies with bad data governance risk falling irreparably behind.

Clean data governance is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative in the AI-driven B2B ecommerce landscape. By prioritizing data accuracy and consistency, companies can unlock AI’s full potential and position themselves for long-term success.

How B2B Companies Can Address Bad Data Governance

Tackling bad data governance is no small feat, but it’s a journey worth undertaking for B2B companies striving to unlock AI’s full potential. The solution involves strategic planning, technological investment, and cultural change. Here are actionable steps businesses can take to clean up their data and ensure it stays that way:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit
2. Standardize the Data Entry Process
3. Implement Master Data Management (MDM)
4. Leverage Technology for Data Cleaning and Enrichment
5. Break Down Silos with Integration
6. Foster a Culture of Data Ownership
7. Commit to Continuous Improvement

The first step is conducting a thorough data audit—think of it as a spring cleaning for your databases. By identifying gaps, redundancies, and inaccuracies, businesses can reveal the full extent of their data issues. This process isn’t just about finding errors; it’s about creating a baseline understanding of the company’s data health. Regular audits prevent these issues from snowballing into more significant, costly problems.

Once the audit is complete, it’s time to set some ground rules. Standardizing data entry processes is critical for ensuring consistency. Clear guidelines for formatting SKUs, recording customer details, and storing supplier information can prevent the chaos of mismatched or incomplete records. Employees should be trained on these standards, and tools like automated forms or validation rules can make compliance seamless.

Of course, even the best data entry standards won’t help if different systems across the organization aren’t communicating. That’s where Master Data Management (MDM) comes in. By centralizing data into a single source of truth, companies ensure that updates in one system are automatically reflected across all others. With MDM in place, teams can work confidently, knowing that their data is accurate and consistent.

But standardizing and centralizing aren’t enough if you’re already sitting on a mountain of messy data. Performing this step by hand is significantly time-intensive. Enter data cleaning and enrichment tools. AI-powered solutions can quickly identify and correct errors, deduplicate records and fill in missing fields. These tools don’t just clean up the past; they automate routine processes to keep data clean moving forward.

For many B2B companies, fragmentation is one of the biggest hurdles to clean data. Silos between ERP systems, CRM platforms, and ecommerce tools create inconsistencies that ripple across the business. Breaking down these silos through system integration ensures a unified flow of data, improving collaboration and decision-making across departments. This requires a thoughtful integration strategy, often with the help of IT experts, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Clean data isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a cultural one. Companies must foster a culture of data ownership, where employees understand the importance of the data they handle and feel accountable for its accuracy. Assigning clear responsibilities, such as appointing a Chief Data Officer (CDO) or similar role, can ensure that data governance remains a priority.

Finally, data governance isn’t a one-and-done project. Continuous improvement is essential. Regular review of data policies and feedback from team members help refine processes over time. Establishing KPIs for data quality can also provide measurable insights into the success of these efforts.

By taking these steps, B2B companies can move from reactive problem-solving to proactive data management. Clean, well-governed data isn’t just the backbone of AI success—it’s a strategic asset that drives better decisions, smoother operations, and stronger customer relationships. In an increasingly data-driven world, those who master their data will lead the way.

Conclusion: Turn Your Data into a Competitive Advantage in the AI Era

In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B ecommerce, integrating AI technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, as we’ve explored, the effectiveness of AI is intrinsically linked to the quality of the underlying data. Companies risk undermining their AI initiatives without robust data governance, leading to inaccurate insights and missed opportunities.

Perficient stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With extensive experience in implementing comprehensive data governance frameworks, we empower B2B organizations to harness the full potential of their data. Our expertise encompasses:

• Product Information Management (PIM): We assist in managing all aspects of your product data—from SKUs and descriptions to stock levels and pricing—ensuring consistency and accuracy across all platforms.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Our solutions help organize and distribute digital assets related to your products, such as photos and videos, enhancing the efficiency of your operations.
• Data Integration and Standardization: We streamline your data processes, breaking down silos and ensuring seamless communication between systems, which is crucial for effective AI implementation.

Investing in clean data governance is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. With Perficient’s expertise, you can transform your data into a powerful asset, driving informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the AI era.

Ever wondered what a day looks like when technology meets teamwork? 

As a technical architect at Perficient, Rodrigo Vargas builds solutions and bridges between teams, tools, and ideas. From streamlining automation across multiple frameworks to shaping roadmaps and client strategies, every day is a blend of technical challenges and creative collaboration. 

Curious to see how it all unfolds? Let’s dive in! 

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life. 

As a technical architect, I lead the standardization and optimization of six CI/CD/CT automation teams across multiple technology stacks. My job involves implementing agile methodologies to synchronize end-to-end testing across multiple frameworks.  

I also lead PDF content validation efforts for clinical letters and develop comprehensive roadmaps in collaboration with IT team members to improve document processing workflows. A crucial aspect of my role is to facilitate direct communication with client stakeholders for accurate estimation and roadmap planning while optimizing workload distribution and improving cross-team collaboration. 

How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children? 

My role is similar to that of an architect and construction supervisor, but in the world of computer programs. I ensure that programs are built correctly, work seamlessly together, and perform as expected.  

I also explain how I lead a team that creates special tools to check that everything works perfectly. Simply put, my job is to ensure that the software we create is high quality and meets our clients’ needs. 

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams? 

In my role, I make a difference through technical innovation and effective leadership. For our clients, I streamline critical processes and improve software quality, resulting in more efficient and reliable solutions. This not only directly benefits businesses, but also has a positive impact on the communities that use these services. 

With my colleagues and teams, I foster an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. Sharing knowledge about emerging technologies and agile methodologies not only improves our projects, but also drives the professional growth of each team member. My focus on skill development and innovation creates a positive ripple effect, elevating the quality of our work as a team and the satisfaction of our clients. 

What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient? 

In my professional career, I am proud to have successfully led the standardization and optimization of many CI/CD/CT automation teams for different clients. This achievement significantly improved the efficiency of our processes and elevated the quality of our deliveries. Implementing agile methodologies and integrating automated testing into our workflow are important milestones that have transformed the way we work. 

Personally, I consider my continuous learning and adaptation to modern technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and language models, a great achievement.  

My ultimate goal is transcendence. 

What has your experience at Perficient taught you?

I have learned the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. At Perficient, I have seen how constructive collaboration between different specialties can generate innovative solutions and solve insurmountable challenges. 

Perficient has helped me in the arduous task of maintaining a balance between technical excellence, interpersonal skills, and devoting time to my family and children. 

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient? 

Always remember that behind every line of code, every project, and every technical challenge, there are people. Cultivate authentic relationships with your colleagues and clients. Technology is our tool, but it is human connections that truly drive innovation and success. 

Do not be afraid to show your vulnerability. It is okay to admit that you do not know everything. In fact, this honesty will open doors to learning and fostering an environment of trust within the team. Share your doubts, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures openly. 

Keep your curiosity alive beyond technology. Explore interests outside of work, whether it’s art, music, sports, or any other passion. These diverse experiences will enrich your perspective and help you provide more creative and comprehensive solutions to technological challenges. 

Why did you choose Perficient? What keeps you here? 

What keeps me here is the unique culture.  

Perficient is not just a place to work; it is an ecosystem of continuous learning and collaboration. My ideas are valued, and I have an opportunity to influence the development of solutions that make a difference for our clients.  

Why are you #ProudlyPerficient? 

At Perficient, my ideas are heard, and my contributions have a real impact. From leading the standardization of automation equipment to implementing innovative AI solutions, Perficient has given me the platform to drive change and innovation in the tech industry. 

What makes me truly proud is how Perficient fosters an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. We not only focus on delivering exceptional solutions to our customers, but we also invest in the personal and professional growth of each team member. 

What motivates you in your daily work? 

What motivates me in my daily work is the combination of technical challenges and the human impact that our solutions generate.  

Every day, I am driven by the opportunity to solve complex problems using innovative technologies, knowing that our work improves processes and people’s lives. 

How have you grown your career with Perficient? 

An important milestone in my growth was the transition from a purely technical role to a technical leadership role. Perficient gave me the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, allowing me to develop project management and team leadership skills. 

The company has also fostered my development in emerging technologies. For example, I have been able to delve deeper into areas such as artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM) and apply this knowledge in innovative future products for our clients. 

With Perficient’s mission statement in mind, how do you forge our future? 

Shaping the future, to me, is about more than just technology. It is about how we use our skills and knowledge to make the world a better place. When I am designing a solution, I ask myself, “How will this make life easier for someone? Are we really solving a problem that matters?”  

I also believe that shaping the future is about cultivating genuine relationships. At Perficient, we do not just build systems; we build trust. I strive to get to know my colleagues and clients and to understand their dreams and fears. Because in the end, technology is just a tool; it is the people who make the difference. 

If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why? 

I would choose Collaboration.  

This value resonates deeply with me because true magic happens when we bring together diverse minds and perspectives. It is important to create an environment where all voices are valued, and where ideas can flow freely without fear of judgment. In my projects, I always seek to foster this spirit of openness and mutual respect. 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I am passionate about programming, music, taking long walks outdoors in the Los Andes Mountain range, and traveling. I also spend quality time with my three children and partner. 

What’s something surprising people might not know about you or your background? 

I am part of a music group called Alejandría We create the kind of music that we like, which is outside of the mainstream. It is difficult, but it is tremendously gratifying.  

Perficient believes in a strong work/life balance. What is one way you accomplish this? 

Every other weekend, I set out to explore a new programming idea involving AI. This helps me maintain a balance between work and personal development, while also keeping me on the forefront in a rapidly evolving field.  

It’s my way of “playing” with technology without the pressure of deadlines or work expectations. Sometimes I experiment with a new machine learning algorithm, and sometimes I try to create a small chatbot. The important thing is that I do it for fun and personal curiosity. 

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn: Rodrigo Vargas Molina 

SEEMORE PEOPLEOF PERFICIENT 

It is no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We are always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.     

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!     

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. 

Having spent nearly six years at Perficient, Martin Krahl serves as Director of Software Engineering, where he balances strategy, mentorship, and technical excellence. From identifying business opportunities to building high-performing teams, his work ensures smooth project delivery and lasting impact. 

Curious to learn more about his journey, accomplishments, and advice? Read the full story and get inspired! 

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: Martin Krahl Vitale 

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life 

As the Director of Software Engineering, I oversee technical leadership and career development within the organization. My day usually involves a mix of strategy and hands-on guidance. A significant part of my role is acting as a technical advisor to help the business unit identify new opportunities from a technical and capability standpoint.  

I also help assemble the most efficient teams for our clients and oversee the delivery health and engineering excellence of multiple projects. Additionally, I mentor team members and work with them on their career development to ensure they have the skills and support to grow and excel in their roles. 

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams? 

I make a difference by prioritizing the career development of our people. Through mentoring and knowledge sharing, I contribute to building skilled teams that are prepared to tackle the tough challenges our clients may face. 

What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient? 

One of my proudest accomplishments at Perficient is being part of the team, led by Nicolas Pagliaro and Sebastian Giardello, that developed the HCL Commerce capability in Latin America. This initiative significantly contributed to our global depth strategy for the Commerce practice. 

Learn More: Perficient’s Expertise in Commerce 

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient? 

I would advise them not to be afraid of taking on new challenges. New roles or responsibilities can be tough in the beginning, but it’s important to learn how to manage the initial uncertainty. It will pay dividends in the long term. 

Why are you#ProudlyPerficient? 

I’m #ProudlyPerficient because I work with some of the most talented people in the industry. We truly make an impact on our clients by delivering robust and innovative solutions, and learning from each other, which makes Perficient a great place to develop a long-term career. 

Read More: How Perficient’s Award-Winning Culture Prioritizes Growth for Everyone 

With Perficient’s mission statement in mind, why do we obsess over client outcomes? 

Obsessing over client outcomes means truly understanding their needs and challenges. Ultimately, our goal should be to add business value, and technology serves as the driver to achieve this in the most effective way. 

If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why? 

If I had to define myself using one Perficient value, I would choose collaboration. I am always ready to help others by contributing to the development of new processes, mentoring colleagues, and providing support with technical challenges during project delivery. I believe that working together and sharing knowledge leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Martin’s journey at Perficient is a testament to the power of leadership, collaboration, and continuous growth. As he continues to mentor others and push the boundaries of innovation, Martin remains committed to creating meaningful solutions that make a lasting impact. With nearly six years under his belt—and many more to come—his story reflects not just personal success, but the spirit of teamwork that defines Perficient. 

SEE MORE PEOPLE OF PERFICIENT

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.    

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!    

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. 

Today’s digital landscape is dynamic. It favors speed over size, agility over efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration over rigid structures. You must be prepared to adapt and scale your teams as priorities shift. Moving forward requires a comprehensive digital strategy that outlines the capabilities, agility, and alignment needed to stay ahead of digital disruption.

IDC Market Glance: Digital Business Professional Services, 3Q24

Perficient is thrilled to be included in the Technology Transformation Dominant consultancy category in the latest IDC Market Glance: Digital Business Professional Services report (doc #US51480824, September 2024). IDC defines digital business professional services as “the project-based services applied toward the creation of digital business capabilities”.

We believe Perficient’s inclusion in this report reflects our expertise in delivering end-to-end technology transformations to enhance business outcomes for our clients.

Scale Technology Strategies to Enable Business Change

Our strategists use an approach that emphasizes time to value. We’ll help you develop a technology roadmap that aligns closely with strategic, organizational goals – a plan that’s ready to deliver at the speed and scale your business requires. We believe our inclusion in this report is a testament to our expertise in delivering top solutions to maximize business outcomes for our clients.

The future of digital professional services lies in technology transformation. This transformation goes beyond merely implementing tools. These tools guide organizations forward, enabling real-time changes to compete effectively and operate efficiently. With the right technology, businesses can thrive, and today’s IT leaders find themselves responsible for much more than technical execution. Through platforms like Envision Online, we’ll help you rationalize, integrate, modernize, scale, and migrate systems to support your business’s evolving needs.

To learn more about how Perficient can help you join the right side of digital disruption, visit Technology Transformation / Perficient.

As new technologies become available within the digital space, businesses must adapt quickly by modernizing their legacy systems and harnessing the power of the cloud to stay competitive. Forrester’s 2024 report recognizes 42 notable providers– and we’re proud to announce that Perficient is among them.

We believe our inclusion in Forrester’s Application Modernization and Multicloud Managed Services Landscape, Q4 2024 reflects our commitment to evolving enterprise applications and managing multicloud environments to enhance customer experiences and drive growth in a complex digital world.

With the demand for digital transformation growing rapidly, this landscape provides valuable insights into what businesses can expect from service providers, how different companies compare, and the options available based on provider size and market focus.

Application Modernization and Multicloud Managed Services

Forrester defines application modernization and multicloud managed services as:

“Services that offer technical and professional support to perform application and system assessments, ongoing application multicloud management, application modernization, development services for application replacements, and application retirement.”

According to the report,

“Cloud leaders and sourcing professionals implement application modernization and multicloud managed services to:

• Deliver superior customer experiences.
• Gain access to technical and transformational skills and capabilities.
• Reduce costs associated with legacy technologies and systems.”

By focusing on application modernization and multicloud management, Perficient empowers businesses to deliver superior customer experiences through agile technologies that boost user satisfaction. We provide clients with access to cutting-edge technical and transformational skills, allowing them to stay ahead of industry trends. Our solutions are uniquely tailored to reduce costs associated with maintaining legacy systems, helping businesses optimize their IT budgets while focusing on growth.

Focus Areas for Modernization and Multicloud Management

Perficient has honed its expertise in several key areas that are critical for organizations looking to modernize their applications and manage multicloud environments effectively. As part of the report, Forrester asked each provider included in the Landscape to select the top business scenarios for which clients select them and from there determined which are the extended business scenarios that highlight differentiation among the providers. Perficient self-reported three key business scenarios that clients work with us out of those extended application modernization and multicloud services business scenarios:

• Infrastructure Modernization: We help clients transform their IT infrastructure to be more flexible, scalable, and efficient, supporting the rapid demands of modern applications.
• Cloud-Native Development Execution: Our cloud-native approach enables new applications to leverage cloud environments, maximizing performance and agility.
• Cloud Infrastructure “Run”: We provide ongoing support for cloud infrastructure, keeping applications and systems optimized, secure, and scalable.

Delivering Value Through Innovation

Perficient is listed among large consultancies with an industry focus in financial services, healthcare, and the manufacturing/production of consumer products. Additionally, our geographic presence in North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region was noted.

We believe that Perficient’s inclusion in Forrester’s report serves as another milestone in our mission to drive digital innovation for our clients across industries. We are proud to be recognized among notable providers and look forward to continuing to empower our clients to transform their digital landscapes with confidence. For more information on how Perficient can help your business with application modernization and multicloud managed services, contact us today.

Download the Forrester report, The Application Modernization And Multicloud Managed Services Landscape, Q4 2024, to learn more (link to report available to Forrester subscribers and for purchase).

The L&D Tech Ecosystem is a group of interrelated tools, assets, platforms, and networks to help our colleagues in LatAm (México, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay) learn and develop themselves. The idea behind the Tech Ecosystem describes a strong and comprehensive landscape full of resources and educational tools that encourage colleagues to learn tech abilities, sharpen and keep updated their skills, contributing to their upskilling and reskilling.

Taking the Lead in Digital Transformation

This approach contributes to Perficient’s success in leading digital transformation.

Perficient is a global digital consultancy transforming how leading enterprises and biggest brands connect with customers and grow their businesses. Our teams bring an end-to-end approach to digital transformation through our comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions.

With unparalleled strategy, creativity, and technology capabilities, we bring big thinking and innovative ideas, along with a practical approach, to help the world’s largest enterprises and brands succeed. Our teams span national, industry, and geo business units across nearly 40 global locations and deliver compelling digital experiences for our customers.

To develop a solid portfolio of digital solutions and unleash creativity and innovation, we broaden our capabilities, expand our knowledge, and take the thought leadership pathway.

A Way of Working in Our Technical Capabilities

We have multiple ways of improving our technical capabilities. One of them, which has proven to be highly relevant, is the way that the L&D LatAm team talks to the business. At Perficient LatAm, L&D is part of the Tech Team. That means that our learning strategy and decisions are made with a technological mindset, allowing us to align the strategy with the execution in the learning and development dimension.

Making a Difference

Aligning goals, devising and co-creating L&D strategy with the Tech Team was a big bet, but after we did it, we immediately realized it was a game-changer move. It allowed us to improve the technological ecosystem and make a difference by moving even faster than we did in the past. As we moved forward, conversations between L&D and Tech became more straightforward, more frequent, and exclusively tech-oriented. L&D rapidly incorporated the tech mindset, managing to grasp the business strategy and needs clearly and without effort.

The Impact on Our People

The move also had a great impact on our people. After some months of working this way, we realized that colleagues were noticing the learning opportunities of the Tech Ecosystem to improve and grow as professionals. They quickly saw the benefits and started to take advantage of all the learning assets, easily identifying the resources and support to learn, develop, and get certified. Therefore, people started to learn and get certified at an unprecedented pace.

Final Thoughts

Aligning goals and devising and co-creating L&D strategies with the Tech Team proved to be a faster and easier way to progress. This pathway has proven to be a game changer with a tremendous impact on business and people. The L&D Tech Ecosystem demonstrated to be a highly valued tool for faster progress. Our boldly advanced technical capabilities became even more robust and burst with health. Certifications started to go to the sky, meaning that not only were colleagues learning and improving their careers but also that Perficient strengthened their technical capabilities, adding accredited skills to our solutions portfolio. As a final thought, this alliance between L&D and Tech Team has shown us to be a win-win strategy to drive growth for everyone.

In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim talks with Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystems at HubSpot and editor of the pioneering blog chiefmartec.com, about the evolving world of marketing technology (MarTech) and how marketers can stay ahead.

The Rapid Evolution of MarTech

• MarTech is constantly evolving, blurring boundaries as new tools and channels emerge.
• Marketers now juggle a mix of platforms, from CMS and email marketing to LinkedIn and Generative AI.
• The challenge is understanding where MarTech begins and ends as it integrates across the customer journey, including post-purchase experiences.

Shift from Acquisition to Retention and Loyalty

• MarTech tools are increasingly focused on not just acquiring customers but nurturing relationships post-sale.
• Marketers now drive customer engagement, retention, and loyalty long after the initial purchase.

MarTech Consolidation vs. Innovation

• With over 14,000 tools available, the MarTech landscape is massive.
• Despite consolidation from big platforms like Adobe, Oracle, and Salesforce, innovation continues in specialized areas.

Building a Successful MarTech Stack

• Successful MarTech implementations rely on strong integrations between stable core platforms and specialized tools.
• Rather than using an all-in-one solution, Scott advises building a stack that fits your business needs.

The Human Element in MarTech Success

• Success with MarTech isn’t just about the tools. Scott stresses the importance of investing in people.
• Continuous learning, experimentation, and allowing teams to try new things are key to unlocking MarTech’s full potential.

Want More Insights?

For deeper strategies on managing MarTech in today’s fast-paced world, check out Scott’s book, “Hacking Marketing“.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website.

Subscribe Where You Listen

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Overcast

Meet our Guest

Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystem, HubSpot and Editor of chiefmartec.com

Scott Brinker, dubbed the “Godfather of MarTech” by AdAge, has been analyzing marketing technology and its impact on marketing organizations for more than 16 years as the editor of the chiefmartec.com blog. He serves as VP Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot, helping to grow and nurture the company’s community of technology partners. He also authored the best-selling book Hacking Marketing and co-authored the recent best-seller “The New Automation Mindset.”

Connect with Scott

Meet the Host

Jim Hertzfeld is Area Vice President, Strategy for Perficient.

For over two decades, he has worked with clients to convert market insights into real-world digital products and customer experiences that actually grow their business. More than just a strategist, Jim is a pragmatic rebel known for challenging the conventional and turning grand visions into actionable steps. His candid demeanor, sprinkled with a dose of cynical optimism, shapes a narrative that challenges and inspires listeners.

Connect with Jim:

LinkedIn | Perficient

Imagine a world where your business can effortlessly keep pace with technological advancements and continuously changing customer expectations. The ability to swiftly develop new technology products and applications is crucial to staying competitive. However, relying solely on in-house development capabilities is not always feasible for many organizations.

Forrester released its Modern Application Development Services Landscape, Q3 2024 report to help businesses understand the value they can expect from modern application development (MAD) service providers and explore potential partners.

Modern Application Development Services

Forrester defines MAD service providers as:

“Service providers that work collaboratively with their clients to cocreate custom modern applications and, in parallel, assist them in the transformation and modernization of their software development capabilities and organization.”

In Forrester’s Priorities Survey, 2024, “64% of business and technology professionals said that bringing more development in-house would be a high or critical priority for their IT organization over the next 12 months.”

According to the report, “tech execs and application development leaders implement MAD services to:

• Increase cocreation. … MAD services can cocreate with clients while supporting them in learning how to modernize capabilities with agile, DevOps, native cloud, and edge, including generative AI (genAI).

• Improve customer experience. The goal isn’t to insource 100% of all application development work, but to improve internal capabilities and be efficient partners with MAD service providers.
• Focus on business outcomes, not just outputs. The shift to assessing modern development by measuring benefit realization and business value is a reality.”

Perficient’s Recognition and Focus Areas

We believe Perficient has been recognized for our ability to deliver on these promises, helping clients navigate the complexities of modern application development and achieve tangible business results. Perficient self-reported the following extended use cases as the top three for which clients select them:

• Backend Integration and Modernization: We specialize in integrating and modernizing backend systems to ensure seamless and efficient operations, enabling businesses to stay competitive in the digital age.
• GenAI to Increase Employee Productivity: We leverage genAI technologies to help clients boost employee productivity by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making processes.
• Product Operating Model: We focus on developing robust product operating models that align with our clients’ business objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.

Perficient’s Expertise and Industry Focus

Forrester based its analysis of service providers on two factors: market presence and services functionality. They segmented vendors into three categories based on MAD services revenue: large, midsize, and small; and five categories based on services functionality and global reach.

Perficient was listed as a large provider in this space with $250 million or more in annual MAD services revenue. Perficient’s listing as a consultancy in this Landscape report includes our geographic presence (North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific) and industry focus areas (healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing/production of consumer products).

We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to leveraging our expertise in modern application development to help our clients succeed. For more information on how Perficient can help your business with custom application development and digital transformation, contact us today.

Download the Forrester report, The Modern Application Development Services Landscape, Q3 2024, to learn more (Link to report available to Forrester subscribers and for purchase).