Buyer launch
Confirm how the buyer starts an OCI PunchOut session from their procurement system.
Shopify OCI PunchOut
Use OCI PunchOut with your existing Shopify catalog.
PunchOut Central supports OCI-based catalog launch and cart return for configured buyer connections. Shopify remains the supplier storefront, while the buyer’s procurement system handles approval.
Procurement protocolOCI
OCI
PunchOut CentralCatalog launch and return
Buyer-specific OCI connection to a supplier store.
OCI flow
Launch the catalog; return the selection.
OCI connects the buyer’s procurement session to the supplier catalog and returns the selected cart. The approval and PO process follows the buyer’s configuration.
Buyer procurementStarts OCI PunchOut
→
PunchOut CentralBuyer and session mapping
→
ShopifySupplier catalog
Connection checklist
Test the OCI path with the buyer.
A working catalog launch alone is not the full transaction. Confirm cart return and the downstream purchase-order handoff as well.
Catalog access
Map the buyer connection to the correct Shopify store and accessible catalog.
Cart return
Test that selected items return to procurement for the buyer’s approval process.
Downstream order
Confirm how the approved PO reaches PunchOut Central so the Shopify order can be created.
Order boundary
Returning a cart is not placing a Shopify order.
The buyer approves the cart in procurement. When PunchOut Central receives the approved PO, it creates the matching store order and tracks subsequent invoice activity.
Implementation readiness
Prepare the OCI connection.
Use this checklist to confirm the buyer’s OCI launch, cart return and downstream purchase-order handoff.
Identify the buyer procurement system, OCI version and integration owner.
Exchange the OCI launch URL, field mapping, credentials and buyer/supplier identifiers.
Map the Shopify store, catalog, collections, pricing and buyer access.
Test catalog launch, cart return, buyer approval, approved PO and invoice requirements.
Bring these details before setup.
- Buyer procurement administrator and OCI test environment
- OCI launch parameters, field mapping and authentication details
- Buyer and supplier identifiers plus catalog and pricing rules
- Approved PO destination and invoice-delivery requirements
Plan the go-live around testing.
Plan a few business days for a standard single-buyer OCI connection after the buyer test access and field mapping are ready. Version differences, custom mappings or downstream PO requirements can extend the schedule.
The connection is ready when the buyer can launch the catalog, return a cart and complete the agreed PO test.
Supported flows
What the OCI PunchOut connection covers.
| Flow | Status | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog launch | Supported | The buyer starts an OCI PunchOut session. |
| Cart return | Supported | Selected items return to procurement. |
| Buyer approval | Buyer-managed | Approval remains in the buyer procurement system. |
| Approved PO to Shopify | Supported | The approved PO creates the Shopify order. |
| Invoice delivery | Buyer-configured | Confirm the buyer’s invoice channel separately. |
FAQ
OCI questions
Yes. OCI PunchOut is live: buyer launch, catalog shopping, cart return, approved PO to Shopify order, and invoice activity.
Yes. Standard supported integration setup and onboarding are included at no extra charge. Buyer-specific custom development is separate.
No. OCI is a PunchOut protocol used by a buyer procurement environment. The buyer system and its settings still need to be confirmed.
No. It returns the cart for approval. The approved PO is the step that leads to the Shopify order.
Yes. PunchOut Central connects the OCI buyer session to the supplier’s existing Shopify or Shopify Plus store.
Plan an OCI connection
Review the buyer’s launch and cart-return requirements.
We can map the procurement system, supplier catalog and PO handoff together.