NetSuite Inc. is making a push into the business-to-business e-commerce market with a new set of B2B software tools  for its SuiteCommerce e-commerce platform.

The new B2B software applications, which NetSuite packages as the B2B Customer Center, includes built-in responsive design capabilities that help to render web content properly across multiple devices, including tablets and desktop computers. The new software also includes functionality that allows B2B buyers to view their order status, track shipments, reorder goods, approve quotes and manage account information. The new system also allows B2B sellers to list negotiated pricing for each of its customers, and link their back-end operations into the system to view open invoices or track inventory.

NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson unveiled the offering last week at NetSuite’s annual users conference, SuiteWorld. About 3,500 companies use NetSuite’s e-commerce platform, and more than half of those companies are engaged in B2B e-commerce, NetSuite says.

NetSuite quietly launched the new B2B software late last year.  An early user of it, VHA Corp., a distributor of prepaid wireless phones, launched the new B2B software in a pilot project in December with a goal of moving half of its transactions online, up from 5% to 7% previously, John Martinez, director of information systems at VHA, told SuiteWorld attendees. It was a smooth transition, he added.

“The SuiteCommerce B2B Customer Center enables our retail partners to place orders, track status and pay invoices,” he said. “We moved half of our B2B transactions online in less than four months and expect increased online transaction rates as dealer system awareness grows.”

The B2B Customer Center also includes:

A feature that enables a B2B customer to set purchase limits based on the purchasing authority of individual buyers

More flexible payment options, including the option to pay single or multiple invoices, or making partial payments.  The system also lets customers review details on their payment transactions.

Custom shopping lists, or wish lists, to expedite recurring purchases

Custom dashboards that show balances, available credit and   past transactions, and that allow customers to update their account data.

Other B2B distribution and manufacturing clients of NetSuite include medical device maker EndoChoice, compressor manufacturer CMP Corp., water bottle maker Liberty Bottleworks and dry cleaner supply company Cleaner’s Supply.

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