Supplier Integration
Shop with suppliers. Control purchasing with HogePortal
HogePortal supplier integrations make purchasing quicker and easier by connecting directly with suppliers’ ecommerce websites using PunchOut technology. Users can browse a supplier’s website, build a basket in the normal way and then return that basket directly to HogePortal, where it is automatically converted into a purchase request. This gives users the convenience and familiarity of supplier ecommerce websites while keeping purchasing, approvals and financial control within HogePortal.
How it works
A user starts the purchase from within HogePortal and is taken securely to the chosen supplier’s ecommerce website. They can then search for products, view current prices and availability, build their basket and return it to HogePortal. The contents of the basket are automatically brought back into the system and used to create the purchase request, removing the need to re-key product descriptions, quantities, prices and other information. The purchase request then follows the Trust’s normal approval process before an order is placed. Connected to the suppliers schools already use HogePortal integrates with a growing range of widely used education and business suppliers, including:
- Amazon
- ESPO
- YPO
- Browns Books
- Herts FullStop
- Notts County Supplies
- gls Education
- HBS Group
- Findel
- KCS Education
- Lyreco
Live supplier information
Because users are working directly within the supplier’s own ecommerce website, they can benefit from information that may not otherwise be available from a conventional catalogue held within the finance system.
Depending on the supplier, this can include:
- current product information
- live or current pricing
- Trust-specific or negotiated pricing
- stock availability
- product alternatives and associated items
This helps users make better purchasing decisions before the request is submitted for approval.
From basket to purchase request
Once the user has completed their shopping, the basket is transferred automatically into HogePortal. The individual items, quantities and prices are used to create the purchase request, ready to follow the Trust’s normal financial controls and approval rules.
There is no need for the user to manually copy information from the supplier’s website into the finance system, reducing administration and the risk of transcription errors.
Purchasing convenience without losing control
PunchOut integration makes purchasing easier for the user without bypassing the Trust’s controls. The purchase request remains subject to the same rules as any other request created within HogePortal, including budget checking, approval workflows, delegated authority and other controls configured by the Trust.
This means schools gain the convenience of online shopping while finance teams retain visibility and control over expenditure.
A more automated purchasing process
Once approved, purchase orders can be submitted electronically to supported suppliers. For selected suppliers, the integration can go further, with electronic invoices received and processed automatically. This creates a much more connected process:
with less re-keying and fewer manual steps along the way.
Benefits for users
For staff making purchases, supplier integration provides a familiar and straightforward way to buy what they need. They can shop using the supplier websites they already know, see up-to-date product information and build baskets in exactly the same way as they would when purchasing online personally.
HogePortal takes care of bringing that basket back into the controlled purchasing process.
Benefits for the finance team
For finance teams, the integration provides greater consistency and reduces unnecessary administration. Purchase requests contain accurate supplier information from the outset, approval processes remain controlled, and the amount of information that has to be entered manually is significantly reduced.
Where electronic order and invoice integration is available, even more of the procurement process can be automated.
Make your purchasing easier
See how HogePortal simplidfies the purchaseing process.
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