How to Connect PunchOut Catalogs not Provided by Precoro

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Access Relevant PunchOuts with Precoro’s Custom Connector

• Available Types of Punchout Connections

• How to Set Up a Custom PunchOut Integration

  • Step 1: Contact the Supplier to Set Up the Integration

  • Step 2: Provide Basic Supplier Information

  • Step 3: Enter Supplier-Provided Credentials

  • Step 4: Ensure the PunchOut is Active

  • Step 5: Start Using the PunchOut Catalog

Access Relevant PunchOuts with Precoro’s Custom Connector

PunchOut integrations help you place orders and create requisitions by accessing your preferred suppliers' stores from Precoro. When using PunchOut catalogs, it’s easier to:

• Stay within budget by accessing real-time prices.
• Make ordering as simple as online shopping.
• Delegate catalog maintenance to suppliers.

In addition to preconfigured catalogs, you can use our custom connector to integrate with any supplier that supports PunchOut connections. Keep reading to learn how to configure an integration with suppliers you frequently order from.

Available Types of Punchout Connections

Please consider that Precoro only supports the following:

• cXML connection

• Punchout + PO

• Level 1 PunchOut catalogs
  (Precoro will redirect you to the supplier’s website for item selection. Items will not be saved to your catalog.)

For the integration to work correctly, your flow should be as follows:

• You create a purchase order or requisition document in Precoro. You define the starting point for the process when setting up the integration.
• You’re redirected from Precoro to the supplier’s website to select items for purchasing.
• Once ready, you press the checkout button on the website. It redirects you back to Precoro and transfers information about the selected items.
• When the order is approved, Precoro automatically sends it to the supplier.

How to Set Up a Custom PunchOut Integration

Step 1: Contact the Supplier to Set Up the Integration

First, discuss whether the integration is possible with the supplier. Please send them this article, which contains the necessary documentation. 

The supplier will send you the credentials required to set up the integration. If necessary, you can request 2 sets of credentials: for testing and for live orders.

Step 2: Provide Basic Supplier Information

To start setting up the integration in Precoro:

1. Navigate to Configuration → Marketplace Configuration and press Create in the top-right corner.
   
2. On the next screen, enter the PunchOut name and link to the supplier’s website.
3. Optionally, add a logo and a description for the PunchOut.
   
4. Click Next Step and proceed to the PunchOut Configuration page.

Step 3: Enter Supplier-Provided Credentials 

Choose where your purchasing process should start:

• Purchase Requisition
• Purchase Order

Based on your selection, the Request from your custom PunchOut button will appear in the corresponding module.

Then, enter the credentials provided by the supplier.

After entering the information from the supplier, select the needed data in the following fields:

1. Deliver orders to (only if PR is selected in Start Purchase Processes From)—specify whose contacts should be provided for delivery: the PO Purchaser or the PR Requester.
2. Default Purchaser (only if PR is selected in Start Purchase Processes From)—select a user who will be listed as the Purchaser in POs created from the PRs made via this PunchOut. Please note that only users with the Create Purchase Order role will appear in the list.
3. Supplier—select the corresponding supplier from the list of suppliers that exist in your company, or add a new one. 

Once ready, press Create at the bottom of the page.

Step 4: Ensure the PunchOut is Active

When you press Create, Precoro will send a test setup request to the supplier. If everything is configured correctly, you’ll see the PunchOut catalog in the top part of the Marketplace Configuration page. From this point, you can start creating orders or requisitions using the PunchOut.

However, if there’s an error and the supplier can’t receive the request:

• You’ll see a flash message indicating an unsuccessful request.
• The PunchOut won’t be marked as connected, and will be added to the bottom section of the Marketplace Configuration page.

Step 5: Start Using the PunchOut Catalog

Once you’ve set up the integration and ensured it’s active, you can start using it to create purchase requisitions or orders (depending on your choice in the PunchOut configuration).

Here’s how ordering will work:

1. Navigate to the Purchase Requisitions or Purchase Orders module.
2. On the top panel, click the Request from (your PunchOut Catalog name) button or click Request from Marketplace and select the needed catalog on the following page. If you have multiple forms for document creation, choose one from the drop-down list.
3. Create a new document by filling out all the necessary information. Please note that only the locations with Marketplace Shipping Address stated will be available in the Location field. Then click the Create button.
4. You‘ll be redirected to the store's catalog. Choose the needed item, enter its quantity, and add it to the order. Repeat the process for all items you want to request.
5. Click the checkout button (please note that the name may differ depending on the store’s interface), review the order, and proceed.
6. You will be automatically redirected to Precoro with the created requisition or order on the Draft status. Check the information, fill in the necessary Custom Fields for Items, and Confirm the document.
7. The document will undergo the Approval Workflow configured in your company. 
   • If you created a PR: Once it gains the Approved status, a related purchase order is created. Once the PO is Approved, it is sent to NAPA.
   • If you created a PO: Once it reaches the Approved status, Precoro will automatically send it to the supplier.