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Operational Truth Layers

Why numbers don't match. What broke. What changed. Visibility into your app stack.

The Problem

"Everything is an app now." Merchants hate:

  • Stacking subscriptions
  • Performance degradation
  • Unclear failure points
  • Finger-pointing when things break

You need visibility into what's actually happening, not just dashboards.

Why Numbers Don't Match

Multiple data sources

Shopify dashboard, payment processor, accounting software, analytics tools. Each has different timing, different filters, different definitions of "sale."

Timing differences

Sale happens → payment processor records it → Shopify records it → accounting software imports it. Days can pass between steps.

Hidden fees

App subscriptions, currency conversion, reserve holds, chargebacks. They're deducted but not always visible in main dashboard.

What Broke: Dependency Mapping

When something breaks, you need to know: "This broke because X updated."

  • •Map your app stack: List every app, what it does, what it depends on.
  • •Track updates: Log when apps update, test after each update.
  • •Document conflicts: Know which apps don't play well together.
  • •Set up alerts: Get notified when critical apps update or fail.

Store Health Audit

Weekly checklist

  • ☐Check site speed (PageSpeed Insights)
  • ☐Test checkout flow (all payment methods)
  • ☐Review app performance (which apps are slow?)
  • ☐Check error logs (Shopify logs, server logs)
  • ☐Verify analytics tracking (GA4, Facebook Pixel)
  • ☐Test mobile experience (real devices)
  • ☐Review abandoned cart rate (spikes = problems)

Consolidation Tools

Instead of stacking apps, consider:

All-in-one platforms

Platforms like Recharge (subscriptions), Klaviyo (email + SMS), or Gorgias (support + helpdesk) replace multiple apps.

Custom integrations

Build one custom tool that does what 5 apps do. Higher upfront cost, lower long-term cost, better performance.

Visibility layers

Tools that sit on top of your stack and show you what's happening: what broke, what changed, what's costing money.

Last updated: December 14, 2025

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