Premier Specialty Network

Purchasing managers who use e-procurement systems are breathing a collective sigh of relief, as a remarkable technological innovation is solving age-old supplier onboarding and enablement problems.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

Purchasing managers who use e-procurement systems are breathing a collective sigh of relief, as a remarkable technological innovation is solving age-old supplier onboarding and enablement problems.

The solution, called the PunchOut Wizard, is part of a proprietary technology platform known as PunchOutCX.

CoreXpand, the veteran e-commerce company behind this innovation, says the response has been extremely enthusiastic. Given the normal complexities of supplier onboarding and enablement, its no wonder purchasing managers and buyers alike have embraced [the PunchOut Wizard], stated Lindsey Tanner, founder and CEO of CoreXpand.

Id call it more like chaos, a former purchasing professional said, describing the daily stresses of managing the e-procurement systems used by large purchasing organizations.

According to several purchasing managers who have spoken to CoreXpand, the hassles comes from working with suppliers to get their product and pricing data formatted and entered into the e-procurement system properly.

For most suppliers, all of that work results in basic line item catalog formats, which can be cumbersome and limited in information for buyers trying to locate products.

For these types of catalogs, also referred to as hosted catalogs, even when the catalog is finally loaded, the hassle doesnt end. Thats because any minor change to product or price must be reformatted, resubmitted, and reloaded into the system.

One solution is PunchOut catalogs, which present products and prices in a more user friendly online store type of environment. But these can be even more difficult to get right inside the e-procurement system.

But according to the happy customers, the PunchOut Wizard is putting an end to all those headaches.

With a one-time setup, any purchasing organization which uses e-procurement software can define their perfect PunchOut. From there, any authorized supplier can login to a simple online interface and, after completing eight simple steps, the PunchOut Wizard delivers a stable, perfectly formatted PunchOut catalog that is completely in sync with the business processes and preferences of the purchasing organization.

Its never been easier to onboard and enable suppliers to participate in a companys e-procurement system. This allows companies to really maximize their investment in their e-procurement system.

Weve even taken out the risk associated with PunchOut catalogs by incorporating buyer controls so they dont get product or pricing surprises. Just that little feature alone saves them time, money, and hassle by eliminating the need for manual or third party audits, stated Tanner.

Some state government purchasing organizations have been taking advantage of the PunchOut Wizard, and it looks like its only a matter of time before it catches on in the private sector.

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TRENTON — Two new bills dropped into the lame-duck session of the Legislature would, if passed into law, mark significant changes for local governments and school districts.

Municipalities and school districts would be required to participate in county purchasing programs under one bill. It would create potential for wider local government consolidation and shared services.

Another bill would eliminate annual school budget votes for any school districts that keep within the state budget cap and move their school board elections to November.

School budget votes have long been a pet peeve of the educational establishment, because, school officials contend, residents often use the up-or-down ballots to unleash their fury at rising property tax bills.

Both bills are backed by prominent Democrats in the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

State Senate Budget Committee chairman Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen, is the sponsor of the county purchasing bill, along with outgoing Democratic Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan.

The school elections bill is sponsored by incoming Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald and state Sen. Donald Norcross, D-Camden, brother of prominent Democratic leader George E. Norcross.

A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver, D-Essex, said she is reviewing the bills and no action is currently scheduled. A spokesman for state Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney said no decision has been made about either bill.

Michael A. Vrancik, a lobbyist for the New Jersey Schools Boards Association, said the heavyweight sponsors on the bills suggest that both may move quickly the lame-duck time period after the Legislature?s general election, when controversial legislation often is passed.

County purchasing often involves bulk buying of often-used products and services, but Vrancik said he believes the county purchasing bill could lead to talk of other back-office school district administrative functions being done by county-level officials.

?It sets the stage for a discussion about other consolidations,? Vrancik said.

He said the association believes county purchasing should be optional and not mandatory.

An analyst for the New Jersey State League of Municipalities said the association is opposed to the bill.

?It doesn?t guarantee the lowest price,? analyst Jon R. Moran said. ?If it were an option for municipalities to use, it would make a lot of sense. There is a perception is that bigger is better. ? But what people really want is good value at a low price.?

The school elections bill would reset three-year school board terms to begin in January after the November election. Currently, they begin in April. Voters would only have the chance to approve or reject spending beyond the state budget caps.

The districts must keep elections during November for at least four years. State officials would retain oversight over district budgets.

Purchasing Christmas gifts for folks that enjoy fishing and hunting is a relative easy task if one does a bit of research. For instance, does good ole? Dad or Uncle Joe enjoy shooting waterfowl or fishing for bass. Is Aunt Gertrude an avid sporting clays shooter or crappie angler? Once the particular outdoor activity is ascertained, the search for that ?just right? gift is much easier.

The biggest mistake made when shopping for family or friends that enjoy the outdoors is purchasing ?a gun? or ?a bow?, assuming the receiver of the gift will automatically be thrilled. Rifles, shotguns and archery equipment are very specialized items and it?s best to know exactly which gun or bow the recipient of the gift needs or wants.

I was once at a gun store and overheard a lady tell the salesman behind the counter that she wanted to buy ?a gun? for her husband?s Christmas present. Luckily the salesman was more interested in helping her choose the right firearm than grabbing a rifle or shotgun off the shelf and making an easy sale.

The questions he asked the lady helped her make a wise decision.

?What does your husband need the ?gun? for? What does he hunt or does he strictly shoot targets?? the veteran salesman quizzed.

?Oh, replied the lady, he hunts deer.?

?Well, that narrows it down a bit. You?re looking for a rifle. Does he have a scope??

?Is that the round tube that screws on top of the barrel? she quizzed.

With that statement, the salesman did a very wise thing.

?I don?t think we have enough information to wisely choose a rifle and scope for your husband, the salesman diplomatically offered. I advise a gift card that you can give him and then, HE can come in and choose the rifle that best suits his needs!?

The lady bought the card and I assumed the result was a happy husband that ultimately wound up with the ?just right? rifle.

As an outdoors writer and outdoor radio show host, I am constantly testing and using outdoor products. Here?s a list that might help you purchase that ?just right? gift this year. I?ve found them all to be very useful.

ELECTRIC SMOKER – For several years, I?ve used my Smokin Tex electric smoker (www.smokintex.com). I use it on the average a couple times per week and found it very useful in preparing everything from the Christmas turkey to whole venison or pork hams. I also use it to cold smoke cured pork and sausages and making jerky. Most folks that enjoy hunting or fishing like to cook their game/fish. These units are built to last a lifetime.

EZ MOUNT UMBRELLA HOLDER – During the warm weather months, shade becomes very important when fishing in a stationary position. The EZ Mount umbrella holder mounts to the base of your boat seat in a matter of minutes and accepts most golf or beach umbrellas. Check them out at www.umbrellae-zmount.com.

THE ELEMINATOR – This little unit replaces the spinner on game feeders and seals the flow of corn until the feeder?s timer activates the motor. At about $20 per hundred pounds, it saves lot of corn/money by sealing the supply of corn away from raccoons, squirrels and crows. Check it out at www.ultramaticfeeders.com.

EVERYTHING FOR THE OUTDOOR COOK – For a one stop shop, go online to www.alliedkenco.com. This Houston based company has everything for the outdoor cook. Order one of their catalogs and spend some time searching for that perfect gift. Allied Kenco offers a full line of seasonings for making sausage, jerky, meat cures, grinders, etc.

JALAPENO WINE FOR MARINADING – Mike Pell at Sweet Dreams Winery (www.sweetdreamswinery.com) near Palestine has perfected the perfect wine for marinating fajita meat, duck breasts, etc. His Sweet Heat Jalapeno wine is excellent for adding to sausage meat before stuffing and smoking.

HUNTING BOOTS – For the past several years, I?ve worn the Red Head high top snake proof boots from Bass Pro Shop. The boots come in standard and insulated versions; I own both styles. The tall boots keep your lower legs dry and protected from brush and thorns, not to mention snakes. When duck or deer hunting, I wear my insulated boots and switch to the standard pair when doing a lot of walking on upland bird hunts.

CAMPFIRE COOKING – The Auspit www.auspitbbq.com is a tough little spit built in Australia. It?s designed for cooking over a campfire. It?s powered by two D cell batteries and is a great way to cook over the campfire where electricity is not available.

ELECTRIC HUNTING VEHICLE – Ken Blackstock, owner of Plano Golf Carts (www.planogolfcarts.com) markets very rugged electric hunting vehicles. They sell for about half the price of nationally advertised units and I?ve found them to perform well from the mountains of Colorado to my hunting lease here in Texas.

GUIDED FISHING OR HUNTING TRIP – Most sportsmen, regardless their level of expertise, enjoy hunting or fishing with a guide. Consider giving a guided fishing or hunting trip for hogs, ducks, deer or turkey as a Christmas gift this season.

STRIPER BITE STRONG AT TEXOMA – Guide Larry Sparks with Sparkys Guide Service (www.sparkysguideservice.com) says the cold weather has triggered the best striper bite of the year.?We?re catching limits of stripers and they are all in very good shape. Shad numbers are high and stripers have plenty to eat. We?re fishing 30-40 feet deep along the creek and river ledges and often catching our limits from one anchor.

WHITETAIL RUT STILL UNDERWAY – Whitetail guide Randy Oldfield says bucks have been on the move on the 6,000 acre Clay Hill Ranch (www.clayhillranchhunting.com) where he guides.

?There is a strong number of mature bucks on the ranch and now, while they are up and moving chasing does, is the best time to hunt them. With range conditions less than optimal, deer and hogs are hitting the feeders hard. It?s a good year for seeing lots of game.?

DUCK NUMBERS HIGH – North Texas should be in for a banner opening of the second split of duck season. Thanks to rainfall earlier this week, there should be plenty of areas with shallow water to attract ducks. The recent strong cold front should bring even more birds into the region.

This hearty retriever is eagerly awaiting the second split of duck season. Bird numbers are high and recent rainfall should make for some excellent hunting. photo by Luke Clayton

As the season progresses, it will be more and more important to keep blinds brushed in well to avoid being spottedby wary birds. Overcalling is a common mistake among novice duck hunters, especially when hunting late season birds. I only call to attract passing flocks or, when ducks looking my spread over decide to leave.

Listen to Outdoors with Luke Clayton Radio at www.catfishradio.com. Email Luke via the website with hunting and fishing news from your area.

Nov. 30 (Bloomberg) — Business activity in the US expanded in November at the fastest pace in seven months, a sign the factory-led expansion continues in the face of Europes debt crisis.

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago Inc. said today its business barometer increased to 62.6 in November from 58.4 the prior month as orders and production strengthened. Readings above 50 signal growth.

A pickup in consumer spending and more business investment at a time when companies are holding fewer inventories may help set the stage for stronger factory production. Still, the threat of a recession in Europe poses a risk to American manufacturers, which have led the US recovery.

The recent strength in retail demand, along with steadily improving auto sales and declining inventory levels, are all very positive indicators for the manufacturing sector over the near-term, Russell Price, a senior economist at Ameriprise Financial Inc. in Detroit, said before the report. Assuming consumer activity remains even modestly positive, production activity will have to improve or businesses will risk losing sales.

Economists forecast the gauge would rise to 58.5, according to the median of 56 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey. Projections ranged from 56 to 60.7.

The Chicago groups production gauge increased to a seven- month high of 67.3 from 63.4. The gauge of new orders rose to 70.2, the highest since March, from 61.3.

The employment measure eased to 56.9 from 62.3 the prior month.

Inventory Growth Slows

The measure of prices paid decreased to 60.2 from 66, and a gauge of inventories fell to a three-month low of 53.6 from 54.4.

Economists watch the Chicago index and other regional manufacturing reports for an early reading on the national outlook. The Chicago group says its membership includes both manufacturers and service providers with operations in the US and abroad, making the gauge a measure of overall growth.

The ISMs national factory index climbed in November to 51.7 from 50.8 the prior month, according to the median projection in a Bloomberg survey ahead of the groups report tomorrow. Like the Chicago survey, a reading greater than 50 signals expansion.

New York-region factories expanded after five months of contraction and manufacturing in the Philadelphia area expanded for a second month in November after two consecutive months of contraction, figures from the Federal Reserve showed.

Durable Goods

A Commerce Department report last week showed orders for durable goods dropped 0.7 percent in October, while demand for computers and other business equipment decreased by the most since January.

Corporate spending on equipment and software climbed at a 15.6 percent pace in the third quarter as the economy grew at a 2 percent pace, the Commerce Department reported last week. Thats less than preliminary estimates of 17.4 percent growth in equipment spending and a 2.5 percent gain in gross domestic product.

A rush to qualify for a larger government tax credit may be contributing to the increase in businesses investment. The Obama administrations tax compromise allows companies to depreciate 100 percent of investment in capital outlays in 2011 and 50 percent in 2012.

Caterpillar Inc., the worlds largest construction and mining-equipment maker, last month announced higher-than- expected third-quarter profit and sales, reinforcing forecasts that exports and capital spending will help the US maintain its economic expansion.

Caterpillar, Europe

While the European debt crisis and the level of US growth are concerns, they dont signal the onset of recession, Caterpillar said in a statement.

A growing middle class in China, India and other emerging countries is driving demand for commodities, demand for energy and the need for increased infrastructure investment, Caterpillar Group President Richard Lavin said on a Nov. 8 conference call.

A dollar that has lost about 8 percent of its value since June 2010 has made American goods more competitive. August and September were the best months for US exports on record, according to figures from the Commerce Department.

US light-vehicle sales jumped in October to their fastest rate since February even as automakers reduced discounts, a sign that more consumers are returning to showrooms.

Auto Sales

A reviving auto industry, much of it located in the Midwest, is also boosting the US economy. Industrywide light- vehicle sales ran at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 13.2 million in October, according to Autodata Corp. Automakers in the US, led by Toyota Motor Corp., trimmed spending on incentives. Chrysler Group LLC reduced them by 7.7 percent and General Motors Co. discount offers slipped 1.1 percent.

The sales rate may be challenged for 2011s last two months as Thailands floods disrupt output for Toyota and Honda Motor Co., who were expected to boost incentives as they recovered from Japans tsunami in March, said Paul Ballew, chief economist for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

–With assistance from Chris Middleton in Washington. Editor: Vince Golle

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Willis in Washington at bwillis@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Wellisz at cwellisz@bloomberg.net.