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OCI is an interface that enables your customers to seamlessly access your product range - directly from their merchandise management system. But how exactly does this process work and what advantages does it offer you as a wholesaler?
With OCI, wholesalers can connect their systems to their customers' e-procurement and ERP systems in an efficient and user-friendly way. But what is behind this protocol and how can it be used to optimise the ordering process? In this article, we take a look at how OCI works and the benefits it offers.
OCI stands for Open Catalog Interface and is an interface that enables customers to access their supplier's online shop via their goods procurement system. In short, OCI is a protocol for exchanging shopping baskets between merchandise management systems and other supplier catalogues. This exchange process is called PunchOut.
The ordering process with an OCI PunchOut can be described as follows: In the first step, the customer searches for the required items in their own merchandise management system. Within this system, a window can be opened that leads directly to the retailer's online shop. There, the shopping basket is filled as usual. Instead of buying the items immediately, the shopping basket is transferred to the merchandise management system and automatically created there as an order, which is then forwarded to the retailer.
OCI-PunchOut offers many advantages for wholesalers. Almost every large company now uses an ERP or e-procurement system. If a wholesaler offers PunchOut integration, he can retain these companies in the long term. The big advantage: PunchOut catalogues are clearly visible in the customers' ERP systems so that they prefer to order from this supplier. The result: an increase in turnover for the wholesaler. Another advantage is the acquisition of new customers, who can now order directly via this connection.
Long-term customer loyalty:** Wholesalers retain companies that use an ERP or e-procurement system.
Greater visibility:** PunchOut catalogues are clearly visible in the customer's ERP system.
Increased likelihood of ordering:** Customers prefer to place their orders via a PunchOut.
Increase in sales:** The increased order frequency increases sales.
Reaching new customers:** The PunchOut integration makes it possible to acquire customers who can only order via this direct connection.
Easy implementation: OCI is generally easier and quicker to implement than other solutions.
In addition to OCI, there is also cXML as another protocol for PunchOuts. Many companies opt for OCI to begin with, as it is easier and quicker to implement and get started with. It is less complex, which makes it an attractive option for getting started.
However, OCI quickly reaches its limits with more complex requirements. When customers need more functions or want to expand their system further, cXML becomes increasingly important. cXML offers greater flexibility and extended functions, which are particularly advantageous for larger and internationally active companies. So while OCI is a good entry-level solution, cXML is becoming increasingly relevant and offers a future-proof solution that can better keep pace with the requirements of growing companies.
OCI-PunchOut offers wholesalers a simple and effective way to increase their reach, retain customers and increase sales. It is an ideal solution for companies that want quick and easy integration into their customers' merchandise management systems.
For many wholesalers, OCI is the first step towards reaping the benefits of digital procurement and automated ordering processes. However, companies should be aware that cXML is a more advanced solution that can be particularly useful as demand grows and requirements become more complex. But even without a direct switch to cXML, OCI remains a powerful solution that is sufficient for most companies.
If you have any questions or suggestions, just send us an email hallo@punchcommerce.de or call us at +49 6142 / 953 80 - 60. We appreciate your feedback!
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