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B2B buyers now prefer eProcurement more than the traditional procurement system.

Amid the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and disrupted supply chains, companies are relying more on eProcurement systems to purchase what they need.

This shift in the buyers’ procurement application is prominent. It paves the way for sellers to adopt the latest technologies to make their products more approachable online.

PunchOut is one such technology that is changing the game for B2B eCommerce businesses.

Understanding the eCommerce PunchOut catalog

If you’re in the eCommerce industry, you’ve likely heard of the Punchout Catalog. It’s a powerful tool that helps businesses and customers streamline their ordering process. But what exactly is a PunchOut catalog, and how does it work?

Let’s understand more about this powerful tool that helps you streamline your ordering process and make it easier for customers to place orders.

What is a PunchOut?

A PunchOut catalog software allows buyers to purchase goods and services from their supplier network. It allows organizations to access their suppliers’ inventory on the same interface they use, providing a single source of procurement data. PunchOut is enabled with your existing purchasing system, allowing users to switch back and forth between the two systems without having to manually enter any new data.

This type of PunchOut catalog integration makes it easy to compare prices, view product information such as images and product specifications, manage orders, track delivery times, and more—all in one convenient place. Thus, organizations can avoid contacting many suppliers again and again for quotes and orders.

How does PunchOut technology work?

PunchOut-enabled websites have become common but the intricacies of Punchout Technology can be intimidating for both buyers and vendors.

The fundamental function is not as difficult as it might appear. Here is a step-by-step description to understand the methodology of PunchOut:

1. The customer will enter their login credentials to access the PunchOut catalog, where they will be able to select from the list of pre-approved suppliers.
2. A key part of this process is selecting the most suitable supplier who can offer the best quality product at an attractive price.
3. The platform redirects the buyers to the supplier’s eCommerce platform once they have selected the supplier. The system authenticates buyers and logs them into suppliers’ online stores.
4. Customers browse through a seller’s eCommerce punchout catalog. The seller may offer discount coupons and customized product catalogs. Buyers add items to their shopping carts based on their search criteria.
5. When a buyer adds all the items to their cart, they punch out. The purchase order is created and sent to the procurement platform for final approval.
6. Upon approval within the buyer’s eProcurement platform, the supplier will receive the final purchase order for processing. The supplier will then follow the standard procedure for delivering the product.

How PunchOut is a game changer?

Buyer Advantages

It’s simple to log in with only one account with the purchaser’s eProcurement system. Catalogs tailored to the individual make it effortless to find items. Right orders and simplified procedures make it possible to approve orders. Buying is made easier as all dealings happen within the eProcurement system, and there is no need to enter data twice.

Seller Advantages

The ability to make contact with a larger number of people in a single customer account could bring in more customers and make more sales with current customers. It can also aid in making your operations more effective and help to reduce costs throughout the business. Having PunchOut capabilities puts you ahead of distributors who don’t have this technology.

Advantages of PunchOut technology

Convenience

PunchOut provides an intuitive user interface to allow users to explore products without complex search functions or navigation menus. Customers can place orders securely online, eliminating paperwork and time-consuming processes. This helps to improve operations and reduce costs for both customers and suppliers.

Scalability and flexibility

Clients can up or downsize their orders as required without being bound by lengthy agreements or ties to providers. PunchOut technology gives a medium that can be changed as the market’s demands fluctuate without investing in new hardware or IT investments.

It also provides a great deal of customization when it comes to applications or services, permitting firms to design their IT solutions in line with their particular needs.

Secure

PunchOut is an advanced cloud-based software that provides a secure environment for conducting transactions, allowing customers to store payment information while still maintaining control over the transaction process.

Using procurement PunchOut catalogs, you have control over how and where your end-users browse your catalogs. This will allow your accounts payable department to identify fraudulent payments.

Increased Speed and Efficiency

PunchOut facilitates online purchasing, enabling customers to keep an eye on their shipments in real time, plus get notified when the order has been shipped or delivered. At the same time, distributors can stay on top of inventory and time of delivery, so buyers are always aware of the status of their orders.

Order tracking capabilities enable buyers to identify any issues with their order before it reaches them – meaning they can get replacement parts faster than ever before. Not only does this empower businesses to speed up their ordering process, but it also ensures the accuracy of each shipment – from start to finish – without any errors or delays. 

Reduces cost

It eliminates the need for costly printing operations, as there are no associated operational costs involved in the publication and maintenance of catalogs. With this technology, companies can update-

• pricing information
• product descriptions
• images
• other related data

without having to go through the additional step of reprinting or making changes offline.

Wrapping Up

PunchOut offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to streamline their eProcurement processes. The system provides a secure, reliable, and automated approach to integrating eCommerce websites with existing procurement systems.

By enabling businesses to more easily manage their purchasing activities, PunchOut software offers an invaluable asset for any organization looking to stay ahead of the competition in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.

Check out VARStreet’s integrated PunchOut solutions to know more.

The post Why PunchOut Technology is A Game Changer for Your B2B eCommerce Business? appeared first on VAR Sales Management Blog: News, Tips & Many More By VARStreet.