The SAP procurement system is commonly used by large corporations to manage purchasing process with their suppliers. It allows these B2B customers to keep a track of their transactions, more specifically the products purchased, purchase orders etc. However, if CIF catalog is used to connect the procurement application with the supplier’s site, it can become a nightmare for B2B customers to initiate transactions with their suppliers. The answer to eliminate issues associated with CIF catalog is to use SAP OCI PunchOut catalog.

SAP procurement systems support PunchOut, a direct connection from procurement system to supplier’s site. PunchOut protocol has played a critical role in better handling the purchasing process. With this protocol, the procurement process is handled electronically and moreover it has completely eliminated unauthorized spending and substantially reduced administrative costs.  No wonder, SAP integration with PunchOut is considered a boon by many B2B customers.

During the OCI PunchOut session, the OCI format is commonly used to transfer data between the source and receiver. This PunchOut technology makes the procurement process more efficient and ensures high speed error free transactions. With SAP or PeopleSoft integration with PunchOut catalog, you are able to provide customized content according to buyer’s specific needs.

To be more specific, the Contract catalog will contain only those products that have been pre-approved by the buyer. You are able to provide a personalized shopping experience with special offers. Moreover, no spending time in searching through non-contract products. The customer can quickly find the product using search functionality.

The shopping convenience that PunchOut offers can work wonders to retain customers and increase B2B sales.  SAP OCI PunchOut catalog is particularly useful when the supplier’s catalog is changing frequently. Suppliers don’t have to spend hours in updating the catalog. Updating catalog content can be done in minimum amount of time, thereby making catalog maintenance an effortless process for suppliers.