Taking Charge: Elevating Magento Adobe Commerce Maintenance

These tools ensure efficient collaboration and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Granting Access to Essential Resources

Access to critical resources is necessary for effective project management. Ensure you have access to:

• Production Server SSH: Typically hosted by the client, essential for direct server management.
• Testing Server SSH: Either provided by the client or set up by your team.
• Server Management Panel or Hosting Provider Authorization: Access necessary for server configurations and management.
• Code Repositories: Multiple repositories might exist; ensure you have access to all.
• Purchased Modules Accounts: Critical for updating and managing extensions and modules.

Managing these accesses efficiently prevents unauthorized changes and ensures smooth project progression.

Establishing Contact Persons

Identifying key contact persons for different project areas ensures streamlined communication. Typical roles include:

• Product Owner
• SEO Specialist
• SEM Specialist
• Marketing Manager
• Design Team

Having a clear list of contacts helps address specific queries and requirements promptly.

The project team you are working with consists of:

• Project Manager
• Frontend Developer
• Backend Developer
• Quality Assurance 

Scheduling Regular Project Meetings

Regular project meetings, typically weekly, are essential to keep everyone aligned and informed about the project's progress. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss current tasks, address any issues, and plan for upcoming milestones.

Establishing Emergency Contacts

Emergencies can happen at any time. Establishing emergency contacts ensures that critical issues are addressed promptly. This could include contact details for server administrators, key project stakeholders, and support teams.

Defining Backup & Recovery Plan

A robust backup and recovery plan is crucial for any eCommerce platform. This involves setting up automated backups for hosting, database restoration, and repository rollback. Having a well-defined plan ensures that data integrity is maintained and recovery is swift in case of any issues.

Setting Up the Project Locally

Setting up the project locally allows each team member to work on the environment independently. Using tools like Warden.dev can make this process more efficient, ensuring consistency and ease of access for development work.

Handing Over or Creating Deployment Procedures

Clear deployment procedures are essential to ensure consistent and error-free updates. Establish guidelines for deployment schedules, avoid deploying on Fridays, and use automated deployment tools like Bitbucket Pipelines where possible.

Conducting Test Deployments

Test deployments on staging and production systems help identify potential issues before the actual deployment. This step ensures that the deployment process is smooth and any bugs are addressed beforehand.

Migrating Tasks and Documentation

Migrating tasks from the current system or exporting them to PDF for reference helps maintain continuity. Similarly, handing over project documentation ensures that all relevant information is accessible and organized.

Providing Access to Performance Monitoring Tools

Access to tools like NewRelic or other Application Performance Monitoring (APM) solutions helps track the system's performance. Implementing these tools if not already available ensures that performance metrics are consistently monitored.

Adding Site Availability Monitoring

Monitoring site availability is crucial, especially for multi-store setups. Implementing tools for site monitoring ensures that any downtime is immediately detected and addressed.

Establishing Critical Path for Post-Deployment Testing

Defining a critical path for post-deployment testing ensures that all essential functionalities are tested thoroughly. This step mitigates the risk of post-deployment issues affecting the live site.

Identifying Recurring Issues

Identifying and monitoring recurring issues helps in proactively addressing them. This involves regular reviews and updates to the system to ensure smooth operation.

Configuring Mailtrap for Testing

Configuring Mailtrap or similar tools for test and staging environments ensures that email functionalities are tested without affecting real users. This step is crucial for validating email workflows.

Providing Access to Client Tools

Ensure access to tools used by the client, such as sandbox payment methods and mailing SMTP providers. This access is essential for testing and validating functionalities specific to the client's setup.

Determining Current Infrastructure

Understanding the current production and testing infrastructure helps in planning and executing maintenance tasks. This includes checking versions and configurations for:

• PHP
• MySQL
• Redis
• ElasticSearch / OpenSearch
• Varnish
• Nginx / Apache
• CDN

Knowing these details ensures compatibility and smooth operation.

Setting Deployment Dates and Times

Setting clear deployment dates and times, especially for production, helps in planning and coordination. This step ensures that all stakeholders are informed and prepared for the deployment.

Conclusion

Maintaining a Magento or Adobe Commerce site requires a strategic approach, detailed planning, and efficient execution. By following these steps, eCommerce managers can ensure their online stores remain robust, efficient, and ready to scale. Remember, a well-maintained site not only enhances user experience but also drives business growth.

Ready to elevate your Magento Adobe Commerce maintenance? Connect with our team today to ensure your eCommerce platform is in expert hands.