Can you set up a cXML punchout for me? A question that our customers hear again and again. In our article, we explain the advantages and disadvantages of the data exchange format and what you need to watch out for as an online retailer.
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Reading time 3 minutes
What is cXML?
cXML is short for commerce eXtensible Markup Language. It was developed by Ariba in 1999 as a protocol for communicating business documents between dealers and suppliers. The data exchange format is mainly used for catalog-based procurement.
What is a cXML PunchOut?
In addition to various message types, the cXML standard also offers the option of implementing a punch-out catalogue. A PunchOut is the provision of interactive catalogs on the retailer's website.
How does cXML work?
As the name suggests, cXML is based on the XML standard. The format is used in the B2B e-commerce sector. Here cXML messages are used to forward product catalogs and orders. The structure of cXML enables a merchandise management system to easily extract data and transfer it to another user program. This allows the interfaces between online retailers and their customers to be displayed quickly and easily, and data to be transferred.
The biggest advantage of cXML is the simple and at the same time automated integration of orders and catalog changes. Another advantage is the flexibility of cXML. If there is information that cXML does not support, it can simply be added as a so-called extrinsic field. The configurable options are also worth mentioning. This means, for example, items with many SKUs (stock keeping units) do not have to be listed as individual products.
The benefits summarized:
Flexible data exchange format
Low communication effort
Reduced process costs
Simple application
Automated processes
Implements entire processes not just shopping carts
What are the disadvantages of cXML?
The introduction of a cXML PunchOut is much more complex than an OCI PunchOut. We only recommend use if large customers explicitly request use or connection using cXML.
cXML is also used outside the USA
For a long time, cXML was often only used in direct cooperation with corporations that were also active in the United States. In the meantime, however, SAP is forcing customers to switch to their Ariba purchasing platform. For this reason, the practical use of cXML is also increasingly common in Europe. Of course, the generally strong growth in B2B e-commerce also contributes to the increasing spread.
PunchCommerce with cXML
With our PunchCommerce SaaS solution, you can easily create a cXML-based PunchOut catalog that can be used within SAP Ariba®, for example, without any prior knowledge.
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