Buyers can include IPS (Interchangeable Product Sets) in their IPS list and search for already created IPS by other buyers in the IPS Library. The term IPS stands for Interchangeable Product Set, which is a set of one or more products that are similar in function and application, making them interchangeable and suitable alternatives to each other.
The IPS Library contains only IPS that are set by their creators to have public access for all Auxionize users. A buyer has the option to follow a created IPS, which will directly include that IPS in their list, and any changes made to it by the creator will be reflected upon confirmation by the buyer. The other option is for an IPS to be copied and modified according to the buyer’s criteria, allowing the buyer to use only the current selection of products, and any subsequent changes made by the IPS creator will not be reflected.
IPS (Interchangeable Product Sets) whose visibility is set to be non-public at the time of creation or subsequently after creation will not be visible in the IPS Library for other sellers on the platform. Visibility restrictions on IPS are related to concerns about privacy and from a corporate information standpoint, visible to competitors. IPS visibility settings can be changed at any time by opening the link to the specific IPS and activating or deactivating the “Hide from IPS Library” button.
Similar to the Product Catalog, the IPS Library contains a diverse portfolio of products and services. Each category has its own subcategories, which in turn contain the final products. To search for a specific IPS, you need to initiate your search from the IPS Library and use the menu containing all possible categories. It is common for subsidiary companies to follow IPS of their parent companies based on similarities in business strategies and areas of development, or companies operating in the same industries and markets.
On the other hand, sellers have visibility to public IPS of buyers in the IPS Library and have the opportunity to submit bids for IPS variants that interest them.
- Press the “Select” button when you find the subcategory you are looking for.
- All publicly visible IPS associated with the final result of your search will appear.
- The IPS shown in the search results will contain information such as the IPS name, description indicating whether it is fixed or flexible, the buyers and sellers associated with it, as well as the annual purchase value.
