PunchOut a protocol has revolutionized the way B2B customers can conduct business with their suppliers. For B2B customers, the traditional way of carrying business transactions is very tiring. B2B customers commonly have to deal with flat CIF catalog files as it involves extensive loading process to make it available on their procurement system. Ordering errors are also pretty common when dealing with such types of files. This can frustrate customers to no end.
Also, any changes made in the CIF catalog is not visible to customers unless and until the catalog has been successfully loaded onto their procurement system. If the loading process takes days, there will be a serious delay in accessing updated catalog information. From the supplier’s point of view, the CIF catalog is a line item, leaving no scope to show product configuration. In short, CIF catalogs are not user-friendly, hence their usage will only make matters worse.
The alternative to CIF catalog that can help to address drawbacks associated with CIF files in SAP PunchOut. The protocol has immensely benefited buyers in the B2B and B2G space. It has made purchasing a lot easier as it directly connects the supplier’s product information to the customer’s procurement application.
The main reason behind the increasing popularity of PunchOut catalog is that it supports point-and-click shopping cart ordering process. Customers are very happy to purchase from websites that support this protocol as it gives them an Amazon-like shopping experience. The protocol is extremely user-friendly as it allows buyers to purchase from within their procurement application. B2B and B2G customers universally agree that there is no better way than PunchOut to connect with their suppliers.
One of the biggest advantages of Ecommerce PunchOut catalog is that it completely eliminates the process of loading product catalogs to make them accessible from procurement application. The protocol provides a pleasing and easy way for buyers to purchase products. Buyers who use a procurement system for purchasing are able to directly access the supplier’s contract catalog. All they have to do is log in to their procurement system and now with a single click, they can reach their respective supplier catalog.
The protocol’s ability to integrate with the procurement system is its hallmark. Also, each and every Ariba PunchOut catalog is unique as its content (categories, sub-categories, layout) are customized as per the specific requirements of the buyer. The buyer is freed from the time-taking task of browsing through the entire supplier catalog.
On the whole, if you want to get rid of the CIF catalog, make sure to connect with a supplier that supports PunchOut. Ensure that the supplier is tech-savvy and offering PunchOut-enabled sites, which can go a long way in simplifying your ordering process. Keep in mind that CIF catalog is never a good option and will make it difficult to conduct business transactions. As a supplier, if you want to get a competitive advantage, it is imperative to provide this protocol that can play a very important role in increasing the customer base and in customer retention.