PIPELINEGuide
Connecting web design with existing systems
Does everything need to be replaced for this? Usually not. What can be connected to an existing system landscape, where the limits are, and which part typically takes the longest.
For web design, in most cases nothing existing needs to be replaced: inventory management, CRM, calendar, accounting or phone systems are connected via interfaces. What matters is whether the respective system has a documented interface — and the time-critical part is almost never the technology, but obtaining the access credentials.
01 — Integration
Connection with existing systems
The most common misconception is that everything has to be new. In most cases, the existing system landscape remains in place, and web design builds on top of it — through interfaces, not through replacement.
What gets connected in practice: ERP, CRM, calendar, accounting, phone system, newsletter system, website. What matters is whether the respective system has a documented interface. Where none exists, there's usually a workaround — but that costs effort and needs to be clarified up front, not discovered later.
The time-critical part is almost never the technical integration, but obtaining access credentials. Starting early here noticeably shortens the project timeline.
02 — Requirements
What you need for professional web design
- A clearly defined trigger. Not “we should do something with AI,” but a process that demonstrably costs time or orders today.
- Existing content or data. Web design works with what is there. The more complete the starting point, the shorter the setup.
- Access to the systems involved. Whoever manages the credentials needs to be involved from the start — this is, in our experience, the most common cause of delays.
- One decision-making contact person. One, not three.
- Willingness to refine after launch. The first weeks in real operation show what was missing in the concept. That's normal and accounted for.
03 — Bottlenecks
What typically causes delays
- Content and deliveries. By far the most common cause of delay. Text, images, price lists, access credentials — what's missing blocks progress.
- Decisions. When it's unclear who approves, the project waits. A named contact person with decision-making authority noticeably shortens the timeline.
- Access to third-party systems. Getting access to inventory management, phone systems, or CRM regularly takes longer than the integration itself.
- Endless review rounds. Two correction rounds are normal, five are a sign that the goal wasn't clear at the start.
04 — Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you also provide image material?
No, that's not part of the design system. But we specify exactly what kind of images are needed and recommend suitable sources or a photographer if required.
Will this look good on mobile too?
We design the narrow view first, because that's where the majority of visitors arrive. The wide view is the easier case, not the other way around.
What if we don't like any of the directions?
Then we go back to the discovery phase — usually that means something important about the business hasn't been understood yet. It rarely happens, but better to start fresh than to force a design.
How many revision rounds are included?
Two rounds per draft are standard and usually sufficient, because the directional decision is made after the first presentation. Additional rounds are possible but noticeably extend the timeline.
Who owns the files?
You do. You get the source files and the documentation. If you work with someone else later, they can continue with them.
Do we even need custom design?
Not necessarily. If you need a site with five pages and no brand ambitions, a well-adapted standard system is the more sensible choice. Custom design pays off when you need to stand out from competitors or manage many pages.
Do we get several drafts?
Two to three directions on one page type. Ten variations help no one — they just shift the decision to the client instead of making it.
Next step
Initial assessment, no obligation.
Briefly describe what you need. You'll get an honest answer about what's realistic and what it will roughly cost.