PunchOut (cXML / OCI)
Quick answer
A mechanism where the buyer browses the supplier catalogue directly from their own procurement system.
Key takeaways
- cXML PunchOut — the Ariba/Coupa standard, most widespread
- OCI (Open Catalog Interface) — the SAP standard for external catalogues
What PunchOut is
PunchOut lets a buyer temporarily leave their own eProcurement system (SAP Ariba, Coupa, SAP SRM), browse the supplier catalogue, and have the completed cart returned automatically to the procurement system as a requisition.
Standards
- cXML PunchOut — the Ariba/Coupa standard, most widespread
- OCI (Open Catalog Interface) — the SAP standard for external catalogues
Why it matters
Large buyers (corporate, retail) increasingly require PunchOut from suppliers. Without it, the supplier stays out of approved catalogues and loses high-volume recurring orders.
How CRMconnect helps
The CRMconnect B2B portal exposes a PunchOut endpoint (cXML and OCI) showing each buyer's catalogue and contract prices, returning the cart to their procurement platform — with no separate development.
Real-world example
An industrial consumables supplier lost a large account because it couldn't deliver a PunchOut catalogue into Coupa. After enabling the cXML endpoint from the CRMconnect portal, it regained the account and captured orders automatically, with no manual processing.
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Frequently asked
What is the difference between cXML and OCI?+
They are two PunchOut standards: cXML is used by Ariba and Coupa, OCI is the SAP standard. A mature B2B portal supports both to cover most corporate buyers.
Is PunchOut the same as EDI?+
No. PunchOut handles catalogue browsing and cart creation in the buyer's system; EDI later transmits transactional documents (order, ASN, invoice). They are often used together.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
B2B Portal
An online platform where business customers (distributors, retailers, HoReCa) place orders 24/7 at their contract prices.
B2B commerceSelf-service ordering
The model where the B2B customer places orders online themselves, without going through an agent or back office.
FinanceProcure-to-Pay (P2P)
The end-to-end procurement cycle: request → order → receipt → invoice → payment → reconciliation.
B2B commercePurchase Order (PO)
The official document by which you buy from a supplier: agreed products, quantities, prices and terms.