What is cXML? A supplier guide to PunchOut messages.

cXML in plain language

cXML, or Commerce XML, is a structured protocol used to exchange commerce and procurement information between applications. The standard includes setup and transaction documents, including the PunchOut interactions commonly used to open a supplier catalog and return a cart.

A cXML connection is not a generic promise that every buyer uses the same fields. The buyer environment, identifiers, endpoint expectations and document requirements still need to be agreed for the specific connection.

The messages around a PunchOut session

1. 01

   Setup request

   The procurement system sends the information needed to start a supplier catalog session.

2. 02

   Setup response

   The supplier-side connection responds with the session destination or result expected by the buyer.

3. 03

   Cart return

   The supplier site returns the selected cart to the procurement application for review.

4. 04

   Order request

   After buyer approval, the buyer sends the purchase order document required by its process.

5. 05

   Later documents

   Order confirmations, invoices or other documents depend on the buyer agreement and the supported transaction scope.

cXML questions to collect from the buyer

• Which cXML version and document types does the buyer expect?
• Which sender, receiver and shared-secret or credential rules apply?
• Which URL, return behavior and line-item fields must the cart contain?
• Which identifiers must be preserved from the buyer request through the PO?
• How will the buyer test approval, PO receipt and any invoice requirement?

cXML support is not the same as buyer compatibility

PunchOut Central supports cXML procurement workflows, but a buyer connection still needs buyer-specific configuration and testing. Do not infer compatibility from the protocol name alone. Confirm the procurement platform, workflow, required fields and test environment before promising a go-live date.

Use the cXML commercial integration page for the product connection path; use this guide when you need to understand the protocol vocabulary and implementation questions.