Multi-Vendor Catalog Platform with PunchOut-Style API Integration

Project Description I am looking for a developer to build a web-based multi-vendor catalog platform where vendors can upload product catalogs and customers can access those catalogs through API authentication similar to PunchOut integrations used in procurement/ERP systems. The platform will allow vendors to manage their catalogs, while customers (ERP systems) can securely access products belonging only to the assigned vendor. The system should include the following components. 1. Vendor Catalog Dashboard The platform should include a secure vendor dashboard where vendors can upload and manage their catalog items. Vendor Access ✔ Each vendor should have unique login credentials ✔ Vendors should only be able to access and manage their own catalog ✔ Admin should be able to create unlimited vendors ✔ When a new vendor is created, a new login account should be generated Catalog Upload Vendors should upload their catalog via Excel (.xlsx or .csv). Each product record should contain fields such as: ✔ SKU ✔ Description ✔ Quantity Available ✔ Expiry Date ✔ Unit Price ✔ Total Price ✔ Category ✔ Category ID ✔ Active (Yes/No) Catalog Features ✔ Upload new catalogs ✔ Update or replace existing catalogs ✔ Validate Excel structure before upload ✔ Store product records in a database ✔ Vendors can view their catalog items 2. Customer Access (API / PunchOut-Style Catalog) Customers such as ERP or procurement systems should be able to access vendor catalogs through secure API authentication. Access Flow ✔ Customer system sends an API request with credentials ✔ System validates the credentials ✔ Customer is granted access to only the assigned vendor catalog Requirements ✔ REST API ✔ Authentication using API credentials ✔ Product data returned in JSON format ✔ Ability to retrieve the full catalog ✔ Ability to search products 3. Shopping Cart and Order Return to ERP Customers should be able to browse the catalog and add products to a shopping cart. When checkout is completed, the order message must be returned to the ERP system that initiated the session. Order Flow ✔ ERP initiates a session through an API request ✔ System validates credentials and creates a session or cookie ✔ Customer browses vendor catalog ✔ Customer adds products to cart ✔ Customer clicks checkout ✔ Order message is returned to the ERP return URL Order Message Data The order message should include: ✔ Vendor ID ✔ SKU ✔ Description ✔ Quantity ✔ Unit Price ✔ Total Price ✔ Order timestamp The order must be returned using the same session or cookie created during the initial request, so the ERP system can correctly match the transaction. Output format should support JSON or XML depending on ERP configuration. 4. Admin Panel The system should include an admin panel where the administrator can manage the platform. ✔ Create and manage vendors ✔ Generate vendor login credentials ✔ Assign customers to vendors ✔ Generate API credentials for customers ✔ View uploaded catalogs ✔ Monitor system usage 5. Vendor Self-Registration Portal The platform should also include a vendor self-registration feature so vendors can create their own accounts. This allows vendors to join the platform without manual account creation by the administrator. Vendor Registration Flow ✔ Vendor visits the website and clicks Register as Vendor ✔ Vendor submits registration details ✔ System creates a vendor account ✔ Vendor receives login credentials ✔ Vendor can log in and upload their catalog Vendor Registration Fields Registration form should include: ✔ Company Name ✔ Contact Name ✔ Email Address ✔ Phone Number ✔ Business Address ✔ Password Optional fields: ✔ Tax ID or Business Registration Number ✔ Company Website Account Approval Two options should be supported: ✔ Automatic activation after registration ✔ Admin approval before the vendor account becomes active Admin should also be able to activate or deactivate vendor accounts at any time. Technical Preferences Developers can recommend the best architecture, but preferred technologies include: ✔ Backend: Python (FastAPI / Django) or Node.js ✔ Database: PostgreSQL or MySQL ✔ Frontend: Simple responsive web dashboard ✔ API: REST API Deliverables ✔ Fully working web application ✔ Vendor dashboard ✔ Admin panel ✔ Vendor self-registration portal ✔ API endpoints for catalog access ✔ Shopping cart and checkout functionality ✔ Order return integration ✔ API documentation ✔ Deployment instructions Important Requirements ✔ The complete source code must be delivered ✔ The code repository must belong to the project owner ✔ Full documentation must be provided ✔ Secure vendor isolation must be implemented ✔ Secure API authentication must be implemented Timeline ✔ Preferred completion time: 4–6 weeks Proposal Requirements When submitting a proposal, please include: ✔ Suggested technical architecture ✔ Technologies you recommend ✔ Estimated timeline ✔ Examples of similar systems or APIs you have developed

Project ID: 40289566