Sitecore Audits Explained: A High-Level Need to Know Guide
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital experience platforms, Sitecore stands out as a powerful tool for creating personalized, content-rich websites. However, like any sophisticated system, it requires regular maintenance and optimization to perform at its peak. Enter the Sitecore audit - a comprehensive evaluation that many of our clients have heard about but may not fully understand. The common questions we encounter are: "What exactly is a Sitecore audit, and is it something my organization needs?"
A Sitecore audit is more than just a routine checkup; it's a deep dive into the heart of your digital infrastructure. This process examines every facet of your Sitecore implementation, from the technical architecture to content management practices, security protocols, and performance metrics. By scrutinizing these elements, an audit provides a clear picture of your platform's health, identifying both strengths to leverage and areas ripe for improvement.
In this article, we'll demystify the concept of Sitecore audits, breaking down their components and highlighting the immense value they offer. Whether you're a seasoned Sitecore user or new to the platform, understanding the role and importance of these audits is crucial for maximizing your investment and staying competitive in the digital realm. Join us as we explore how Sitecore audits can be the key to unlocking your platform's full potential and driving your digital strategy forward.
So, What is a Sitecore Audit?
It goes by many names Sitecore audit, Sitecore Project Review, Sitecore Solution review. Whatever you call it, a Sitecore audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a Sitecore implementation, designed to assess its overall health, performance, and adherence to best practices. This process involves examining various aspects of the implementation, including system architecture, content structure, and custom solutions.
Why Would I Get My Solution or Implementation Audited?
The project review aims at uncovering issues and areas for potential optimization, but not necessarily high lighting positives of an implementation. It is to ensure you are making the most of your Sitecore investment.
How Do I Get My Solution or Implementation Audited?
Typically, the license holder engages Sitecore's professional services to conduct the audit.
What Materials or Assets Do I Need to Provide?
- Copy of the solution or access to the repository
- Sometimes a basic overview of the site’s systems architecture is requested
- On occasion access to an environment such a Production or Pre-production will be requested
What Information is Covered in the Audit?
Executive Summary
Summarized list of audit headings that fall into the either the Major and Minor status. A quick list of priorities.
System Architecture Audit
The System Architecture audit inventories all servers in the Sitecore implementation, assessing their alignment with Sitecore's recommended practices for sizing and configuration.
It also documents the Operating System, installed software versions, Sitecore websites, and databases.
Sitecore Architecture Review
The Sitecore Architecture Review evaluates how well the implementation adheres to Sitecore best practices, focusing on content editing, scalability, maintenance, and user-friendliness.
Key areas reviewed:
- Modules
- Data Templates
- Content Structure
- Media
- Security Roles and Users
- Workflow
- Presentation Layer
- Experience Editor
Solution Review
The Solution Review is designed to review those areas of at Sitecore implementation that have been created, or customized, to meet the client’s requirements.
The Solution Review includes:
- Solution Code
- Structure
- Hard coded values and references
- Configuration
Sitecore Log File Analysis
Review of the RAW Sitecore logs and calling out areas of interest to address. Such as reoccurring ERRORs, WARNs, anything out of the ordinary operation that might be causing performance issues or pose a risk.
Performance
Review the main points of the Sitecore application that can negatively impact the performance of the solution.
Security
Review of the security practices applied to the Sitecore environment(s) and platform.
It is out of the scope of this auditing work to assess the existence and thoroughness of recovery plan, backups or any acquisition of temporary equipment.
What Does the Audit Not Include?
What you should not expect as part of the audit would be a dissection of the code with a fine tooth comb. It does not take into consideration the original requirements or context which the implementation is based on, nor the timeline for release.
Disclaimer:
All the information contained within the audit is based off the experiences of the Sitecore Solution Architect performing the audit and the recommended practices that are set out by Sitecore. The recommendations expressed in this document are a combination of the recommendations from Sitecore and from the Sitecore Solution Architect as well.
What is Delivered at the End?
At the end of the review Sitecore will provide an audit document that outlines all the above points in great detail and providing specific examples and potential remedies to address each issue raised.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Sitecore Investment
A comprehensive Sitecore audit is not just recommended—it's essential for maintaining a robust, efficient, and secure implementation. This thorough examination serves as a health check for your digital ecosystem, uncovering hidden issues and identifying opportunities for enhancement. By aligning your implementation with industry best practices, an audit ensures that your Sitecore platform isn't just functional, but optimized to its fullest potential.
Regular audits are the cornerstone of a proactive approach to digital experience management. They help organizations stay ahead of emerging challenges, adapt to evolving technologies, and capitalize on new features and capabilities within the Sitecore ecosystem. More than just a technical exercise, these audits can significantly boost your return on investment, streamline operations, and ultimately contribute to a more engaging and effective digital presence for your users.
In our next article, we'll take a deeper dive into the specific components of a Sitecore audit. We'll explore each area of focus, from performance optimization to security measures, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to prepare. This knowledge will empower you to approach your next Sitecore audit with confidence, ready to transform insights into action and drive your digital strategy forward.
