Punchout

Punchout is a B2B procurement integration pattern that lets a buyer browse and configure products in a supplier's storefront from within their own procurement system (Coupa, Ariba, SAP SRM, Oracle iProcurement). Instead of buyers leaving their procurement workflow to log into a supplier site, the procurement system punches out into the supplier catalogue, returns the cart back to the procurement system for approval routing, and then sends the approved order back to the supplier via cXML or OCI.

Punchout is mandatory in many enterprise B2B relationships. Large buyers often won't issue purchase orders to suppliers that don't support it. The two dominant protocols are cXML (Ariba, Coupa) and OCI (SAP). Most B2B-capable platforms support both.

Shopify Plus supports punchout via third-party apps (Oro PunchOut Catalog, Pivotree) rather than as a native feature. For Shopify Plus B2B implementations that need punchout, a middleware app handles protocol translation and session management. For brands evaluating whether Plus fits their B2B requirements, see Shopify Plus for B2B: Why Mid-Market Wholesale Brands Are Switching.

Frequently asked questions

What is a punchout catalog?

A supplier catalogue that a buyer opens from inside their procurement system, such as Coupa or SAP Ariba. The cart returns to the procurement system for approval before the order is placed.

What is the difference between cXML and OCI punchout?

cXML is used by Ariba, Coupa and most US procurement suites. OCI is SAP's protocol. Most B2B platforms and punchout apps support both.

Can Shopify Plus do punchout?

Yes, through third-party apps that handle the cXML or OCI session and translate it to Shopify orders. It is not a native Shopify feature.

Related terms: Shopify B2B, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), Net Terms (B2B Payment Terms). For hands-on help, see Flux's Shopify Plus B2B work.