PunchOut catalogues: Why suppliers should act now | Create OCI and cXML PunchOut Catalogues | PunchCommerce ![](//analytics.punchcommerce.de/matomo.php?idsite=1&rec=1) Good To Know PunchOut catalogues: Why suppliers should act now ================================================================ Digitalisation in purchasing continues to advance and more and more companies expect their suppliers to have seamless connections to their e-procurement systems. PunchOut catalogues are one solution. But is the investment worthwhile even if there is no direct customer requirement yet? 10.09.2025 · Reading time 3 minutes ![PunchOut catalogues: Why suppliers should act now](/storage/media/journal/2025/5_Frame__PC_PunchOut_ohne_Kundenanforderung.png) Imagine this: A long-standing customer contacts you with an urgent request: "We need a PunchOut catalogue, preferably via **[OCI](https://www.punchcommerce.de/de/journal/2022/wie-funktioniert-der-oci-punchout) or [cXML](https://www.punchcommerce.de/de/journal/2022/wie-funktioniert-der-cxml-punchout)**." For many suppliers, this initially comes as a shock. The pressure to meet expectations is great, because existing business relationships are at stake, but the technical expertise is lacking. The use of a **PunchOut catalogue** is not a special case. More and more companies are relying on such **e-procurement solutions** and expect their suppliers to go along with them. Those who are already prepared will gain a clear competitive advantage. What is a PunchOut catalogue? ----------------------------- A **[PunchOut catalogue](https://www.punchcommerce.de/de/journal/2024/punchout-katalog-was-sie-wissen-sollten)** enables the **direct connection of a supplier shop to the customer's purchasing system** (ERP or e-procurement system). Instead of working in two systems in parallel, buyers can access the supplier catalogue **directly from their own** merchandise management system, select products and place them in the shopping cart. The order is then transferred back to the purchasing system and finalised there. PunchOut as a competitive advantage ----------------------------------- Anyone who has already dealt with PunchOut or **PunchOut catalogues** signals professionalism and digital strength. This can be the decisive factor when it comes to **acquiring new customers** as well as **retaining the loyalty of existing customers**. Even if the connection is not mandatory, the willingness to do so shows: This supplier thinks ahead and is prepared for future requirements. This is a decisive unique selling point, especially for medium-sized companies. PunchOut catalogue: Advantages for suppliers -------------------------------------------- PunchOut is often seen as a service for buyers. But suppliers also benefit directly. Orders are more structured and automated, the workload in the back office is reduced and sources of error are minimised. A study by **DIA Software** shows: Manufacturers of industrial components were able to reduce **their order errors by around 30%** thanks to PunchOut. A measurable advantage that not only improves processes, but also reduces costs. These advantages show: **PunchOut** is not just a technical detail, but a lever for more efficient processes and more satisfied customers. The question is therefore not so much whether the introduction is worthwhile, but how it can be implemented pragmatically. PunchCommerce as a pragmatic solution ------------------------------------- This is exactly where **PunchCommerce** comes in. The technical implementation of a PunchOut catalogue can seem complex - especially if different standards such as **OCI or [cXML](https://www.punchcommerce.de/de/journal/2022/wie-funktioniert-der-cxml-punchout)** have to be supported. Our SaaS solution provides the common interfaces and can be integrated with little effort. **This allows suppliers to utilise the benefits of PunchOut without overloading their own IT resources** and at the same time demonstrate digital strength to their customers. If you would like to know how PunchCommerce can specifically support your company, [arrange a non-binding consultation appointment with us](https://account.netzdirektion.de/appointments/punchcommerce). If you have any questions or suggestions, just send us an email or call us at [+49 6142 / 953 80 - 60](tel:061429538060). We appreciate your feedback! [Back to the journal](https://www.punchcommerce.de/en/journal) #### You might also be interested in these posts - [PunchCommerce Update: What happened in February and March 2026](https://www.punchcommerce.de/en/journal/2026/punchcommerce-update-what-happened-in-february-and-march-2026 "To the post PunchCommerce Update: What happened in February and March 2026") - [The 5 biggest mistakes: What small suppliers really need to know about the Punchout connection](https://www.punchcommerce.de/en/journal/2026/the-5-biggest-mistakes-what-small-suppliers-really-need-to-know-about-the-punchout-connection "To the post The 5 biggest mistakes: What small suppliers really need to know about the Punchout connection") - [How does the OCI PunchOut work?](https://www.punchcommerce.de/en/journal/2022/how-does-the-oci-punchout-work "To the post How does the OCI PunchOut work?") Fancy a Test? 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