Introduction

Punchout catalogs and cXML (Commerce eXtensible Markup Language) technology are essential components of the modern e-procurement process. They enable seamless integration between procurement systems and suppliers’ websites, streamlining the purchasing experience for end-users. JD Edwards EnterpriseOne’s Requisition Self Service (RSS) module leverages punchout catalogs and cXML technology to enhance the procurement process.

So what are Punchout Catalogs?

A punchout catalog is an external supplier’s website that is integrated with the buyer’s e-procurement system. Instead of maintaining product catalogs within the procurement system, suppliers host their catalogs on their own websites. When an end-user (requisitioner) needs to make a purchase, they “punch out” from the buyer’s procurement system to the supplier’s website. This seamless transition is often facilitated through a standard called cXML.

Punchout catalogs offer several benefits:

– Real-time pricing and availability: Since the catalog is hosted on the supplier’s website, users get access to up-to-date product information, prices, and stock availability.

– Supplier-specific content: Each supplier can customize its punchout catalog, ensuring that users see relevant products and services.

– Consistent purchasing process: Users can utilize their organization’s procurement rules and approvals while making purchases through the punchout catalog.

cXML standard in punchouts.

cXML is a widely used XML-based protocol specifically designed for B2B e-commerce transactions. It defines a standard way for exchanging procurement-related information, such as purchase orders, invoices, and catalogs, between trading partners. cXML simplifies integration between e-procurement systems and suppliers’ systems, enabling the seamless exchange of data during the punchout process. cXML provides a structured format for product information, including item descriptions, prices, part numbers, and more. When a user accesses a punchout catalog from the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Requisition Self Service module, the catalog sends cXML messages back to the procurement system, carrying the product details for the selected items.

Punchout and JDE

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne includes the Requisition Self Service (RSS) module, which empowers employees to create and manage requisitions directly within the JD Edwards system. When integrated with punchout catalogs using cXML technology, the RSS module allows users to access external suppliers’ catalogs seamlessly from within JD Edwards.

The typical flow of the punchout process with JD Edwards RSS module involves the following steps:

– User initiates a requisition within JD Edwards and selects a supplier’s punchout catalog from the available supplier list.

– JD Edwards sends a cXML request to the supplier’s website, indicating the user’s selections and preferences.

– The user is automatically redirected to the supplier’s punchout catalog, where they can browse and select products.

– When the user adds items to the cart and checks out, the supplier’s website sends back a cXML response to JD Edwards, containing the details of the selected items.

– JD Edwards receives the cXML response, validates the data, and creates a requisition in the system based on the user’s selections from the punchout catalog.

Some of the common use cases Circular Edge has implemented for our clients are punchouts to MRO suppliers like Grainger, office supply stores like Staples and Computer Hardware providers like Dell.