Who should use CIF catalogs? Because they must be manually revised in a flat file and then re-uploaded whenever updates are required, CIF catalogs are more resource-intensive to maintain than PunchOut catalogs. Creating a CIF catalog is relatively simple, requiring you to set up your product or service data in a comma-separated value file (such as Excel) following a basic file header, line data, and file trailer format. What are CIF catalogs? CIF (catalog interchange format) catalogs are static catalogs created by you and hosted by your customer. Though your customers will frequently be the key driver in determining what type of e-catalog you implement, understanding the distinctions can help you manage the process more effectively.

PunchOut: What’s the difference, and how do you choose?

Broader access to new customers. Buying organizations seeking new suppliers are more likely to prioritize those who already have an e-catalog on Ariba Network, since they know you’ll be easier to do business with.ĬIF vs.

Automated processes lessen the time and effort needed to place orders and reconcile invoices, dramatically shortening the order-to-cash cycle while cutting costs for you and your customers.

Lower costs and a shorter order-to-cash cycle. By making detailed product information readily accessible, e-catalogs help users quickly find the right items and eliminate the need for lengthy back-and-forth exchanges about specifications, availability, or other details.

Greater customer retention. Because e-catalogs demand a certain degree of commitment to set up and maintain, e-catalog customers are more likely to be serious about buying from you and have a stronger investment in maintaining a long-lasting relationship.

E-catalogs provide the familiar, comfortable purchasing environment they want-which in turn leads to higher sales.

Higher sales through an enhanced user experience. Today’s buying organizations increasingly seek the intuitive navigation and user-friendly features they experience when shopping on consumer websites.

Though benefits vary depending on customer parameters and the type of catalog you implement, all e-catalogs offer extensive advantages over paper, including: Why create and manage catalogs on Ariba Network?

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