Platform Gives Buyers, Suppliers The Pick Of The Formats

ByDeborah Austin A new Web-based platform allows both buyers and suppliers to use their preferred formats in business-to-business procurement. The solution -- BMO FlexPort -- has been launched by BMO ePurchasing Solutions, a division of Bank of Montreal, Toronto. BMO FlexPort acts as a gateway that translates file formats -- enabling buyers and suppliers to electronically process purchase orders and settle payments in the formats of their choice, while fitting with corporate enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. It combines electronic purchase and payment instructions - like order delivery, acknowledgement and shipping notification, multiple payment methods and advanced reporting. The technology "helps suppliers concentrate on filling the orders rather than on how they are going to customize their data for the buyers," says Randy Ford, BMO ePurchasing Solutions director.