What is cXML?
Commerce XML, also known as cXML, facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers’ systems. Much of cXML’s framework is influenced by EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), encompassing electronic purchase orders, invoices, and advanced ship notices. Punchout catalogs employ cXML as their primary communication standard, though alternative methods like OCI and xCBL also exist.
Examples of cXML Transactions:
- cXML PunchOut
- Order Message
- cXML Order
- Confirmation (Order Acknowledgement)
- cXML Ship Notice (ASN)
- cXML Invoice
- cXML Quote Request
- XML Quote
How does cXML work with PunchOuts?
Consider an example with:
- A seller: Supplier Connections
- A buyer: John Doe from Buyers Inc
Step 1: Initiation
When John at Buyers Inc. is ready to place an order for more supplies, he can log into the Buyers Inc. eProcurement system, and enter the Punchout store for Supplier Connections. Once inside the PunchOut store, John can browse the Supplier Connections products, select what he needs directly from the catalog, view real-time pricing and availability, and add items to his shopping cart.
Step 2: Checkout and Cart Transfer
When John is ready to check out, the cart’s contents are transferred back to the procurement system for Buyers Inc. This request notifies the Buyers Inc. procurement system and awaits requisition approval from the buyer’s manager or purchasing authority.
Step 3: Purchase Order
Once approved, a purchase order is generated and if Buyers Inc. supports electronic purchase orders the order is delivered to Supplier Connections by the eProcurement system via cXML.
Step 4: Order Confirmation and Shipment
Supplier Connections’ order fulfillment team will ship the order to Buyers Inc. followed by a shipment notification and an invoice. If Buyers Inc. supports advanced ship notices via cXML, the Supplier Connections system will send a direct electronic notification that the item has been shipped.
Step 5: Invoice and Purchase Generation
The final step in this process is receiving an invoice. If Buyers Inc. eProcurement platform supports electronic invoices, these can also be sent from Supplier Connections via our Punchout Catalog administration system with one quick click.
Contact us to learn more about how cXML purchase generation can help build your business.
The integration of cXML facilitates seamless transactions between buyers and sellers. EqualLevel GO harnesses these capabilities to elevate procurement processes to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. With cXML, buyers are empowered to checkout PunchOut catalogs with ease. The procurement journey, from initiation to invoice generation, is streamlined and transparent, fostering a seamless flow of information and transactions.
Through EqualLevel GO’s innovative approach, businesses can experience the transformative impact of cXML in a practical and user-friendly manner. The successful partnership between cXML and EqualLevel GO serves as a testament to the progressive evolution of eProcurement systems, exemplifying how technology can be harnessed to enhance connectivity, accuracy, and collaboration in the realm of business transactions. To unlock the full spectrum of advantages that the convergence of cXML and EqualLevel GO offers, we encourage you to reach out and explore how this dynamic duo can reshape and optimize your procurement processes.
Further reading:
- For more information on PunchOut, check out our blog post, or review our website punchoutcommerce.com.
- Click here to learn more about EqualLevel solutions and how they can help you!
Our team of experts is always happy to help, contact us to get started.
