Magento 2 is not just an upgrade but a completely new platform. Before you migrate to a new version you need a full-scale re-platforming exercise. It requires detailed planning and efficient execution else it can harm the functionality of the site.

In this article, we will tell 7 easy steps to keep in mind for Magento 2 strategy.

1. Record Stock of what you have:

the very first step towards the transition to a better version of the Magento is to check your current installation. It means it should have the functional definition of all the operations and identify the areas where Magento can be improved to meet the business’s needs and add functionality to it. You will also need to identify any new business requirements that will be influenced by the transition to Magento 2. It also is a good opportunity to restructure your product catalog setup. Remove the things you don’t need and add new attributes for merchandising and even use them to support more specific products.

2. Make a project team

In any transitional or development project, it is important to obtain a commitment from all major stakeholders, from the management who will be assigning and approving the budgets all the way to the operations staff who will have to work on the new interface and be able to use it in order for the change to work. Depending on the size and expertise needed for the project, you might even need an expert or a solutions architect on your side to manage the project. When a project team is created, the staff will feel more involved and will be committed to the venture being a success.

3. Inspect every third-party extension installed

The next step should be identifying all third-party extensions or custom nodules that might be installed in your existing Magento store. If you do not have any internal records that are up to date, you can get an idea of the extensions you are using by going to system>config>admin>advanced>disable module in the administration. Programming experts have said that in Magento 2’s core there is not much possibility for improvement in the core code. But the extensions that you use can slow down the site. In order to find the troubling extensions, you will need to perform a 3rd party extension audit.

Turn every module on and off and check the changes in the site’s speed. This could help you in finding the defaulters. Once you have removed the defaulters and know which ones you will keep, you will have to check their compatibility with Magento 2 as all extensions do now work in the newer version. You might have to bear extra licensing costs in order to make them work in the new interface. Magento 2 is a new platform, you cannot ‘upgrade’ your existing Magento store to it automatically.

4. Start using the system early

Magento 2’s technical architecture is very different from Magento 1 and it will take time for all relevant members to get a hold of and completely understand the new Magento Framework. That is why it will be best to start working on the new processes early. This will help in reducing overhead costs once it’s launched.

5. Choose the fastest host possible

You can’t go cheap on hosting. Your hosting plan will play a significant role in the website’s performance. Choose either Servebolt Magento 2 plan or if that is not possible buy as much as RAM, CPU, and SSD you can afford on other hosts.

6. Do not use JS bundling

JS bundling is a special feature of Magento 2 and its main purpose is to cut down the number of HTTP requests to load a page. It meant to enhance performance, but it does not. It creates a huge 5-10MB file with JavaScript code that negatively impacts the loading time of the page.

7. Production mode should be on

Magento 2 consists of three modes of operation. The first one is Default, the second one is Developer and the third one is Production. The fastest one among them is Production. Default and developer are basically used for debugging purposes and will not be able to work on a live site. Uses SSH from your host provider to find the more you are working in now.

Final Thoughts:

Having said all of the above, the adoption and deployment of a new platform would require the help of experts and professionals. Building a proper process would help simplify the execution process.
Get in touch with us to know whether there is a need to migrate your online store from Magento 1 platform to Magento 2?