What is a DUNS number, and why do I need one for SUPPLIERASSURANCE?

A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses, provided by Dun & Bradstreet. It's used globally to identify companies. SUPPLIERASSURANCE requires it as the primary identifier during registration and for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business.

Background

Using the DUNS number helps standardise supplier identification on the platform. There is no charge for an organization to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page
(search online for "Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

How can I view the supply chain map and data for my product?

After you've submitted information via the Supply Chain Mapper, you can view the mapped data by finding your product Supply Chain Mapper questionnaire on the dashboard and selecting the 'View supply chain' icon on the questionnaire tile. Visibility increases as your suppliers respond.

Background

The platform provides interactive views of your product's supply chain, including component locations on a map and a hierarchical breakdown. Remember, you will see your direct suppliers' but sub-tier information is anonymized for confidentiality.

Steps

To view a supply chain for a product:

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. On your 'Dashboard', find the completed Supply Chain Mapper questionnaire for the product you want to view (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'View supply chain' icon on the questionnaire tile for the product.

Explore the available views:

• 'Component map': Shows geographic locations.
• 'Component hierarchy': Shows the tiered structure.
• 'Component list': Provides a table overview.

Can I invite my own suppliers to complete a questionnaire on the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform?

Yes. By choosing to use the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform to engage with your suppliers and invite them to complete or share one of more of our globally recognized questionnaires with you, you are joining a group of forward-thinking organizations. You benefit from access to one of the largest global databases of verified and rated supplier assessments. You also benefit from a shared cost model meaning that you can achieve supply chain due diligence cost effectively.

Background

The SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform is trusted by some of the largest global brands.
Companies are under increasing demand to ensure compliance with key environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards within their supply chain.
The SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform provides an easy and cost-effective way for organizations to manage supply chain risk. You simply invite your suppliers to complete one or more of our questionnaires and you'll have all the data you need to manage risk and comply with various ESG related regulations.

Steps

To address your own supply chain due diligence using the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform and invite your suppliers to complete a questionnaire:

1. Sign in or register on your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Choose the 'Upload suppliers' option from your 'My questionnaires' tab on your Dashboard.
3. Complete the information request form that will allow your organization to access the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform as a buyer and start your due diligence today.

How do I become a customer?

If your organisation wants to use SUPPLIERASSURANCE to run supply chain due diligence and invite suppliers to complete questionnaires, you'll need to register for a Buyer Account.

Background

Buyer Accounts provide access to tools for managing risk, monitoring supplier performance, generating analytics, and issuing Questionnaire requests.
Supplier accounts are free and allow suppliers to respond - buyer accounts provide the features needed to run the due-diligence process.

Steps

To become a customer (Buyer Account):

1. Sign in or register on the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform using your business email address.
2. From your dashboard, go to My questionnaires → Upload suppliers to request Buyer Access.
3. Complete the buyer onboarding form.
4. Our Sales team will reach out to you to discuss your requirements.

How long does it take for my submitted SAQ 5.0 questionnaire to be validated?

The validation process typically takes up to 5 working days after you submit your questionnaire. You will receive an email notification once it's complete.

Background

During the validation period, your questionnaire status will show as 'Validating' on your Dashboard. During this process you cannot make any changes to your answers. That is because the SUPPLIERASSURANCE team need time to review your submission and the evidence that you uploaded to ensure that it meets acceptable evidence criteria. Once the validation process is complete, you will receive an email notification and you will be able to review your questionnaire results. You can also then update your answers, at any time.

Steps

To check the status of your questionnaire and the validation process:

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to check the status of on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. If the questionnaire is shown with a 'VALIDATING' status, it means that the validation process has not yet finished. Please note that validation typically takes up to 5 working days.
4. Once validation is complete, the questionnaire status on your Dashboard will change to 'COMPLETED' and you will be able to view your questionnaire rating and results.
5. If your questionnaire remains in 'VALIDATING' for longer than 5 working days, this usually means that no payment has been received for the SAQ 5.0 rating, report, and results.