Skip to main content

Best Practices

Follow these best practices to get the most out of XCO Agency apps.

General Best Practices​

Planning & Organization​

  1. Document Your Schedules: Keep records of all scheduled changes
  2. Use Descriptive Names: Name schedules clearly for easy identification
  3. Create Templates: Save common schedule configurations as templates
  4. Regular Reviews: Review and update schedules periodically

Testing​

Always test before scheduling important changes:

  1. Use Draft Mode: Test with draft products or sections
  2. Test Timing: Verify schedules trigger at the right time
  3. Check Results: Confirm changes appear as expected
  4. Have Backups: Keep backups of important configurations

Monitoring​

Stay on top of your schedules:

  1. Check Execution Logs: Review schedule history regularly
  2. Set Up Notifications: Get alerts for schedule execution
  3. Monitor Performance: Watch for errors or issues
  4. Review Regularly: Update schedules as needed

App-Specific Best Practices​

Theme Scheduling​

For theme and section scheduling:

  • Plan Ahead: Schedule changes well in advance
  • Test on Staging: Use a development theme if available
  • Coordinate Changes: Avoid conflicting section updates
  • Backup Themes: Keep theme backups before major changes

Product Scheduling​

For product management:

  • Batch Similar Changes: Group related product updates
  • Verify Product Data: Ensure product information is correct
  • Check Inventory: Verify inventory before scheduling changes
  • Plan Launch Times: Schedule product launches strategically

Collection Management​

For collection automation:

  • Clear Rules: Define collection rules clearly
  • Test Rules: Verify rules work as expected
  • Monitor Performance: Watch for slow collection updates
  • Update Regularly: Keep collection rules current

Security Best Practices​

Access Control​

  • Limit Admin Access: Only give scheduling permissions to trusted users
  • Use Role-Based Access: Assign appropriate roles
  • Review Permissions: Regularly audit who has access
  • Secure Credentials: Protect app credentials

Data Protection​

  • Backup Regularly: Keep backups of schedules and configurations
  • Encrypt Sensitive Data: Protect sensitive information
  • Audit Logs: Review access and change logs
  • Compliance: Follow data protection regulations

Performance Best Practices​

Efficiency​

  • Optimize Schedule Frequency: Don't schedule too frequently
  • Batch Operations: Group similar operations together
  • Use Off-Peak Times: Schedule during low-traffic periods
  • Monitor Resource Usage: Watch for performance impacts

Scalability​

  • Plan for Growth: Design schedules to scale
  • Use Templates: Create reusable schedule templates
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Automate what you can
  • Review Regularly: Update as your store grows

Troubleshooting Best Practices​

Problem Prevention​

  • Test First: Always test before scheduling
  • Document Issues: Keep records of problems and solutions
  • Stay Updated: Keep apps and themes updated
  • Monitor Logs: Check logs regularly for issues

Problem Resolution​

  • Check Documentation: Review app documentation first
  • Review Logs: Check execution and error logs
  • Test Isolated: Test changes in isolation
  • Contact Support: Reach out when needed

Integration Best Practices​

Third-Party Apps​

  • Check Compatibility: Verify app compatibility
  • Test Integrations: Test how apps work together
  • Coordinate Schedules: Avoid conflicting operations
  • Monitor Interactions: Watch for integration issues

Custom Development​

  • Follow Standards: Use Shopify best practices
  • Document Customizations: Keep records of custom code
  • Test Thoroughly: Test custom integrations
  • Maintain Code: Keep custom code updated

Getting Help​

When you need assistance:

  1. Check Documentation: Review app-specific docs first
  2. Search FAQs: Look for similar issues
  3. Review Troubleshooting: Check troubleshooting guides
  4. Contact Support: Reach out with detailed information

Continuous Improvement​

Keep improving your setup:

  • Review Regularly: Assess your automation regularly
  • Learn New Features: Stay updated on app features
  • Optimize Workflows: Look for improvement opportunities
  • Share Knowledge: Document what works for you

Resources​