Supplier Punchouts

How to connect to supplier punchouts.

What Are Supplier Punchouts​

Supplier punchouts connect your marketplace with external supplier catalogs and ordering systems. They create a seamless bridge between your procurement platform and your suppliers' e-commerce systems, allowing users to "punch out" to a supplier's website, shop there, and then return with their selected items to complete the purchase within your system.

How Supplier Punchout Works​

The punchout process typically follows these steps:

1. Punch Out: A user in your marketplace clicks on a supplier's punchout button.
2. Authentication: The system securely authenticates the user with the supplier's system.
3. Shopping: The user is redirected to the supplier's website where they can browse and select products.
4. Punch In: When finished shopping, the user "punches in" back to your marketplace.
5. Cart Transfer: The items selected on the supplier's site are automatically transferred to the user's cart in your marketplace.
6. Checkout: The user completes the purchase through your marketplace's standard checkout process.

Key Features of Supplier Punchout Plugins​

Authentication and Security​

• Secure authentication between your marketplace and supplier systems
• User-specific access controls and permissions
• Different punchout configuration for different users

Data Exchange​

• Standardized protocols for transferring cart data (often using cXML or OCI)
• Support for product details, pricing, quantities, and other essential information
• Handling of special product attributes and configurations

Getting Started with Supplier Punchout​

1. Identify Suitable Suppliers: Determine which suppliers offer punchout capabilities and would benefit your users.
2. Evaluate Technical Compatibility: Ensure your systems and the supplier's systems can integrate effectively.
3. Configure the Plugin: Set up the punchout plugin configuration with the necessary connection details for each supplier.
4. Test the Integration: Thoroughly test the punchout process from end to end before making it available to users.
5. Train Users: Provide clear instructions on how to use the punchout functionality.
6. Monitor and Optimize: Regularly review the performance of punchout integrations and make improvements as needed.

Common Challenges and Solutions​

Challenge: Inconsistent User Experience​

Solution: Work with suppliers to standardize the shopping experience where possible, and provide clear guidance to users about what to expect.

Challenge: Data Mapping Issues​

Solution: Establish clear standards for product data and ensure proper mapping between supplier catalogs and your marketplace.

Challenge: Authentication Problems​

Solution: Implement robust authentication mechanisms and troubleshooting procedures to quickly resolve access issues.

Challenge: Cart Transfer Errors​

Solution: Test cart transfer thoroughly with various product types and quantities.