Summary
This FAQ provides an overview of the Unimarket Supplier Network, its capabilities for suppliers, and the key benefits of participation.
The Network and Catalogs
What is the Unimarket Supplier Network (eMarketplace)?
The Unimarket Supplier Network is an ever-growing network of suppliers, that are readily accessible by customers via the Unimarket eProcurement platform. Once registered, suppliers can offer self-managed Hosted (eStore) and Punchout (Roundtrip) catalogs, receive orders and RFQs (Request for Quotes), submit quotes, invoice electronically, extract reports, and manage/share their business and tax information.
How do Suppliers connect and provide their catalogs to Unimarket customers?
Premium Suppliers can provide Unimarket customers with a choice of:
Hosted Catalogs
Punchout (Roundtrip) Catalogs
Level 2 Punchout Catalogs
These are deployed in real-time via the self-service tools available in the Unimarket Supplier Portal. All registered Suppliers can electronically provide their tax information and share their business classification/certification documentation with Unimarket customers.
What types of goods and services can be provided via a catalog?
Unimarket is well suited to manage both product catalogs and catalogs for services offered by suppliers. Examples of services currently offered include travel companies, recruitment, couriers, printing, and conferences.
How long does it take to deploy a catalog?
Via the self-service catalog wizard in the Unimarket Supplier Network Portal:
A Punchout catalog can be configured, self-tested, and deployed within a few minutes.
- Hosted catalogs can be uploaded quickly and easily and will validate in real time.
Both catalog types can then be deployed to additional Unimarket customers with a few simple clicks.
How do suppliers manage specific customer catalog pricing?
Hosted Catalogs: Suppliers can quickly upload catalogs that can be published to either specific customers or across multiple customers, allowing for customized pricing.
Punchout Catalogs: Pricing and content are managed by the Supplier through their existing product database, and changes are immediately seen in their Punchout store.
Does the Unimarket system manage product categorization?
Unimarket provides Suppliers with the ability to code their catalog items with the UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code) global category standard. This ensures buyers can easily search and filter products.
Orders, Invoicing, and Integration
How do Suppliers receive orders from Unimarket customers?
Orders can be delivered to the Supplier via two methods:
Email: Orders are sent as a standard email notification.
cXML Order Integration: Orders are sent directly into the supplier's supply chain order management system. Unimarket can work with the supplier's data integration partner if third-party configuration is required.
Can Suppliers submit electronic invoices?
Yes. Unimarket Electronic Invoicing is a scalable solution with two main methods:
Supplier Invoice Integration (cXML): Used to receive invoice data directly out of supplier systems (ideal for large suppliers).
Supplier Order to Invoice (PO Flip): Provides non-integrated suppliers with the ability to turn an Order into an Invoice for submission and matching.
Automation of the invoicing process removes costly manual processes for both suppliers and buyers.
Can Unimarket integrate with an existing eCommerce site?
Yes. Unimarket offers cXML or OCI Punchout (Roundtrip) functionality to suppliers who operate an existing e-commerce website. cXML Order Integration and cXML Invoice Integration are also available. Unimarket does not charge suppliers a setup fee or an ongoing integration cost for providing this integration.
Benefits of Participation
What are the benefits to Suppliers who participate in the Unimarket Supplier Network?
Participation provides key value propositions focused on efficiency and new business:
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Compliance:
Promotes contract compliance and reduces off-contract/maverick spend.
All on-account and Credit Card purchases go through a controlled channel.
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Automation:
Offers cXML feeds for orders and invoices (consistent, instant order feeds on approval).
Immediate invoice matching for customers often results in suppliers being paid quicker.
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Accuracy:
Product information, availability, and pricing are maintained by the supplier, not manually keyed by buyers.
Results in a significant reduction in errors and downstream matching issues.
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Consistency:
Offers one formal business process to support many customers instead of variable informal ones per buyer.
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New Business Opportunities:
Increased visibility within a customer's eMarketplace and searchable products/catalogs.
Suppliers gain new business from within an existing account and benefit from greater visibility with new customers.
Administrative and Network Size
How many Suppliers are on the Unimarket Supplier Network?
There are over 10,000 Suppliers in the Unimarket Supplier Network (eMarketplace), including several hundred Hosted (eStore) Catalog and Punchout (Roundtrip) Suppliers.
Who establishes contract terms with Suppliers?
Unimarket is a management tool. We do not negotiate custom pricing or establish contract terms with suppliers on behalf of customers. Purchasing customers more effectively manage their commercial relationship and contractual content through the platform.
Is there a cost to join the Supplier Network?
To discuss your options and retrieve additional information, please visit our website at https://www.unimarket.com/unimarket-suppliers/.