In 2009, DemandBridge expanded the DB Distributor eCommerce Toolkit offering with the addition of the DB Budgets Add On.  This module provided for enabled EC Buyers to enter and/or view budget data by cost center locations. During the order entry process buyers would either be warned if they had exceeded their monthly budget allowance, or restricted from completing the order under those circumstances. Other parameters provided for rollover of unused budget dollars from one month to another, and even across fiscal years if elected.

This Feature Flash describes several new enhancements to the DB Budgets module.

An "over budget" situation can now trigger purchase approval mode with a notification sent to the buyer's designated Approver.   A new EC Customer parameter has been created in the approvals area for this purpose.   If enabled, a worksheet with a line that is over budget will automatically trigger approval mode. Note that the entire worksheet is sent for approval (there is no line level approval mode in EC).

As an alternative to triggering Purchase Approval mode, another new parameter would require the buyer to pay by credit card for over-budget orders.  If this parameter is enabled, a worksheet with a line that is over budget will automatically invoke payment by credit card.     

Two additional parameters affect how "Actual" is determined for budget comparison purposes.  You can elect to eliminate credit card purchases from updating to the Budget Usage statistics so as not to impede future orders.  And now there is also an option to gather current open order data for the purpose of Budget Actual comparison.