Is it Christmas already? March 2020 has brought us the newest version of WordPress, 5.4, and now we hear WooCommerce 4.0 is here as well! Don’t you think we’re being spoiled a little?
While all these new features sound exciting, they can also be quite overwhelming. WooCommerce 4.0 really is major. Such a change means that some users may experience errors or breakages inside their WordPress stores. That’s why it’s essential to take time to review the new documentation and pay close attention to the process of updating your shop. Also, make sure you’ve backed up everything before you install WooCommerce 4.0.
Let’s get into details of this release. Great features await!
Why WooCommerce 4.0 Is So Grand
WooCommerce team made sure to keep up with the latest WordPress technologies. As they say, it’s the next step on our journey to a modern, JavaScript-driven commerce experience for merchants everywhere.
The 4.0 release focuses on transitioning towards React. This step gives the merchants the possibility to get even more out of WordPress. The team has improved the management panel and worked on extra reporting features.
The Admin panel got a large-scale makeover. WooCommerce 4.0 introduces a more transparent, customizable version that supports mobile devices as well. The team has enhanced reporting tools and analytics. The notifications are now simplified, and store management tools went through improvements.
But that’s only a tip of an iceberg when it comes to new features in this release.
Improving Everyday Workflow in WooCommerce 4.0
What started as a feature plugin is now built straight into the WooCommerce core. Available to everyone and refreshed, WooCommerce Admin is a superhero when it comes to day-to-day workflow. It gives merchants a quick look into sales data as well as a customizable analytics dashboard. The combination of these two tools offers a personalized, store-specific insight that can go miles deep.
Reporting is now improved as well. WooCommerce 4.0 uses 14 different data points to provide quick and accurate details of your store’s performance. Merchants can now track average order value, returns rate, shipping patterns, and more.
The newest version of WooCommerce features 12 new reports, quick & advanced filtering, and comparison tools. You’ll now be able to generate reports for store’s revenue, orders, stock, coupons, and customers.
Efficient Management
WooCommerce 4.0 introduces a new Activity Panel that changes depending on how often you use specific tools. This means you can adjust the dashboard to your needs and customize it as you go. Getting rid of redundant data has never been easier, and with a new inbox system, the notifications are more user-friendly too.
Merchants are now one click away from new order details, including navigation to order fulfillment. Activity Panel provides easy access to stock and reviews. It also features customizable notifications for any extra tasks requiring your attention. All these features are available without even leaving the dashboard. Awesome, huh?
Latest Technology, Faster Stores
Another significant improvement in WooCommerce 4.0 is the upgrade of the Action Scheduler library to version 3.0. This release reduces the load on database tables by introducing a new structure. The team expects up to a 70% reduction in database sizes, even when dealing with high-volume orders. With this feature, stores will perform faster and smoother.
However, the WooCommerce team recommends backing up your website before updating this tool. Action Scheduler 3.0 is compatible with previous releases but better safe than sorry, right?
Are You Ready For WooCommerce 4.0?
Users from all over the world already enjoy the newest release from the WooCommerce team. Why shouldn’t you join them?
The new dashboard and store management tools will significantly improve any E-commerce website. With WooCommerce Admin now a part of the plugin’s core, you’ll be able to control every detail of your store’s everyday activity. And the complex, robust analytics tool will definitely help you boost your sales!
Just remember to back up your store before updating to WooCommerce 4.0 and step with caution. Having trouble setting up your new & improved WooCommerce? WP Kraken has worked with hundreds of E-commerce websites and delivered top-notch solutions. Get in touch with us to see all we can do to make your store stand out!
