Commerce XML, or cXML, is an XML-based protocol used to exchange procurement and commerce documents between buyers, suppliers and networks. It supports transactions such as PunchOut sessions, purchase orders, confirmations, shipping notices and invoices.
Which processes can cXML support?
- Supplier identity and PunchOut setup requests
- Shopping-cart return to a procurement system
- Purchase-order transmission
- Order confirmation and status updates
- Ship notices and electronic invoices
How does an exchange operate?
The sender creates a cXML document that follows the agreed version and trading-partner rules, authenticates it and sends it to the configured endpoint. The receiver returns a transport response and later business documents as the transaction progresses.
cXML vs. EDI
Both exchange structured business documents. cXML uses XML and is closely associated with internet-based procurement and PunchOut. EDI includes several established standards and network models. A partner may support one, both or a translation service.
What should an integration team test?
Test identities, credentials, document types, units, taxes, currencies, references, duplicate handling and error responses. A syntactically valid document can still fail the buyer’s catalog, order or invoice rules.
