Fundamentally, B2B integration is about exchanging data between computer systems. Order configuration (requisitioning) begins the entire integrated solution and feeds all other data requirements throughout the process. The most important issue with catalog data is its accuracy, integrity, and the compatibility of procurement applications.
Order data is maintained in a catalog format and hosted in one of two ways - supplier-hosted or buyer-hosted. This is one of the first decisions made with each customer and commodity in building a B2B integration solution.
Supplier Hosted Solution
A supplier-hosted solution, such as a Premier Dell.com catalog, connects a customer's procurement application - real-time - to a dynamic and configurable commerce catalog that is managed and "hosted" by the supplier. This solution leverages the supplier's in-place infrastructure. Supplier-hosted catalogs are most effective with highly configurable, often-changing commodities to support frictionless order flow and current order data.
Pros:
- Real-time Data Updates
- Data Accuracy
- No Double Entry
- Integrated Electronic Transaction
- Allows supplier to manage complexity of valid configurations
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Cons:
- Requires XML Communication Capability
- Customer gets a different look and feel from every 'Punchout' supplier
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Buyer Hosted Solution
A buyer-hosted solution requires manual catalog management from supplier and buyer. The supplier maintains a file of configurations for regular submission to a buying entity. The buyer uploads that file to the host internally for users to complete a purchase transaction. This file is loaded directly into an ERP or Internet procurement system and the user shops at the buyer's site. Orders are sent from the buyer to the supplier via a value-added network. Using most solutions available today, buyer-hosted solutions do not guarantee current data or frictionless order submission. However, it offers customers an opportunity to add a self-managed process and audit review of catalog data before releasing it into its buying population.
Pros:
- Works well for commodities with limited configurations
- Catalog Preview Management
- Consistent look and feel among different suppliers
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Cons:
- Data Accuracy
- Catalog Management
- Manual Data Update and Order Receipt (sent in email)
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For further information about how your company can do B2B, please speak to your account executive or sales representative.
