How Logicblock’s Data Integration Makes Business Easier

An Exciting Day at the Office!

You’re a promising new intern at a big company with big responsibilities. Today’s task? Bring the daily report to the boss upstairs. It’s a pretty straightforward process. All you have to do is leave the office and head to the warehouse. Inside the warehouse you’re able to print the report from a special terminal that keeps all the warehouse info. Time to head back to the office! Now, type the data from the report into a terminal on the boss’s floor, for them to review later. Next step? Wait in the lobby until the boss gives you a printout to take to the warehouse. Then go back to the warehouse, enter the new data, and print another report. Rinse and repeat! You might not get much else done today, but you’ll definitely get your steps in!

Now ask yourself…

What Year is it?

We know it’s hard to believe, but even in 2022, we at Logicblock come across dealers who manually enter wholesale orders, then manually enter those orders into their ERP, and sometimes manually enter them AGAIN into their CRM.

Person looking at enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) infographic.

Logicblock’s data integration software and services cut the need for repetitive manual data entry. We save you time and money, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

The Dangers of Redundancy

computerized error logo

Redundant acts are timewasters, that much is certain, but they can also be dangerous for your business. Your online business requires large amounts of data tracking and entry, and time spent on that task requires focus and diligence.

As the day goes on, data is repeated, jumping back and forth between different software, it’s not hard to believe that something could go wrong. The smallest incorrect keystroke can result in accounting irregularities, purchasing errors, shipping delays, the list goes on. Errors compound and before you know it, you’re losing contracts, customers, and reputation. Now your employees are working to undo the mess that redundant work caused. You’re wasting time (and losing money) on both ends of the problem. A very dangerous situation for a growing business to find itself in.

So, what to do?

Eliminate Redundancy and Make Communication Simple

Logicblock ends the need for constant data reentry by integrating data, fostering communication between systems, and streamlining purchasing and inventory processes. Automating, integrating, and streamlining these processes will increase accuracy, decrease time spent on tedious paperwork, and strengthen your online business. Here’s how:

Catalog Management –

Automation is a key step to cutting redundancy and reducing the likelihood of error. Our multi-vendor catalog system is updated regularly so you are always up to date on the latest product and category information from your vendors.



Inventory Management –

Imagine the time you’ll save and the mistakes you’ll avoid with Logicblock’s Inventory Management tools. With Logicblock, inventories automatically sync with dealer inventories. Logicblock has the functionality to pull inventory reports directly from your store’s back-end, or your particular ERP software. No need to manually compare inventories, send repetitive emails, or handle multiple reports.



Order & Purchasing Integrations –

Our Order & Purchasing Integrations make the purchasing process a smooth and intuitive experience. Seamless integrations with multiple vendors AND multiple ERPS keep the order fulfillment and purchasing process in one place; no more bouncing back and forth between inventories, catalogs, and purchase orders.


infographic

Software AND Service

By integrating and leveraging our Best of Breed eCommerce tools you’ll be able to create, maintain, and grow an effective online store. Sound like a fantasy? Trust us; we do this for a living.

At Logicblock we want to be your “everywhere storefront” and we have the tools to do it! We don’t only offer our powerful 7cart eCommerce software. As wonderful as our data integrations are, we also supply the services to make those integrations happen. This way, we don’t just hand you the keys and wish you luck, we take the time to show you how to get the most of Logicblock’s eCommerce solution. We facilitate the integration, while you focus on perfecting your business. In fact, here’s a list of the partners and integrations we currently have available for the benefit of your business.

Read more
Read more

What is Punchout?

Online shopping infographic.

Punchout (sometimes “punch-out”) is a method by which Buyers are able to view, select, and purchase items from a Seller’s product catalogs without ever needing to leave their own procurement system. Clear as mud? Let’s take a look at how punchout works before we talk about how it saves your business time and money by streamlining and simplifying your e-procurement system. 

How Punchout Works in 5 Simple Steps

It’s possible that you already use punchout and just need a refresher on how it works and what it does to help your business. But some people hear punchout and think about sandwich shop membership cards, so let’s do a quick brush-up for everyone. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how punchout works:

  1. The Buyer logs into whatever purchasing platform their company prefers. Platforms such as Opstech, SAP Ariba, and Coupa are some of the most popular e-procurement systems.
  2. The Buyer selects the appropriate Supplier for this particular purchase.
  3. The Buyer is quickly redirected to the Supplier’s site, where they will begin to build their cart. By sharing cXML files with each other, both sites will remember your info for logins, building carts, and purchase orders, keeping your data consistent across platforms and streamlining the process.
  4. Once you’ve completed selecting all the products you intend to purchase, the buyer returns to their procurement platform with their full cart. But in a way, you never really left, because Punchout operates from within your system.
  5. Instead of proceeding to checkout like you might do on other sites, the Buyer creates a “Punchout,” which, after approval, is sent to the Seller as a purchase order for fulfillment.

How Punchout Helps

Now that we understand how Punchout works (or at least get the idea that it makes things easier!), here are just a few of the ways Punchout will help your business:

  • Less Data Entry
  • Multiple Users Under One Account
  • Order Accuracy
  • Combining Processes
  • Price Lists and Discounts

Now let’s dive in and take a closer look at some of the concrete ways that using punchout services can benefit your business.

Less Data Entry, More Order Accuracy

Person shopping online with credit card in hand.

Perhaps the most easily observed benefit to using Logicblock’s Punchout services is how much data entry (and re-entry) it eliminates from your workflow. You are probably used to typing and retyping data back and forth between your system and the site from which you are purchasing. The more finger strokes it takes to complete a task, the more opportunities for mistakes. When ordering on the scale purchasing agents are accustomed to, accuracy is paramount. Logicblock’s data integration tools cut down on the need to re-enter data. By never leaving your procurement system and utilizing Punchout catalogs, you significantly reduce the risk of purchasing errors, all while saving time and money.  

More Users Under One Account

Infographic of multiple individuals.

Punchout allows multiple corporate purchasing agents to operate under one account, providing the opportunity for the seamless sharing and crosschecking of purchases and pending orders. The more agents you have using Punchout, the more familiar they’ll become with your supplier’s catalogs, eventually shortening the time spent searching for products. 

Combines multiple processes

Punchout combines multiple processes, giving users complete access and up to the minute information. In addition to basic features like searching catalogs, filling carts, and ordering products, by running within your e-procurement platform, Punchout also allows for accounting services and order tracking. Combining these processes creates a simple and smooth user experience.  

Pre-agreed price lists and discounts

Sellers have full control over their Punchout catalogs and are able to integrate pre-negotiated price lists and discounts unique to the Buyer. Price lists and discounts eliminate the need for emailing or calling back and forth between Sellers and Buyers. Buyers can see at a glance which products or purchase points will save them (and help their business) the most.  

Unlock all the ways Logicblock’s 7cart ecommerce tools can help your business. 

Read more
Read more