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 organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 urgently and don't have your DUNS number yet, we can provide you with a temporary number.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number:

1. 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").
2. Specific regional links may also be helpful:
3. Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
4. USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
5. China: dnbchina.com/
6. Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
7. UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
8. Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

How can I improve my SAQ 5.0 rating?

Improve your SAQ 5.0 Rating by addressing validation feedback (like evidence or declaration gaps) and by addressing any minimum requirements that one or more of your customers may have set. Ensure that you answer all mandatory questions positively with the correct supporting evidence. Be careful to ensure you fully review and select only those policy areas that are explicitly covered within your policy documents.

Background

You can iteratively improve your SAQ 5.0 Rating. The validation process provides specific feedback. Addressing an evidence gap (where evidence was insufficient) or a declaration gap (where you missed selecting an answer that your evidence covered) can positively impact your SAQ 5.0 Rating.
Focusing on the mandatory questions is important as these directly contribute to your SAQ 5.0 Rating. Optional questions provide additional insights for your customers but do not directly influence the SAQ 5.0 Rating.

Steps

To view your questionnaire results and any gaps that may have been identified during the validation process:

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. On your 'Dashboard' find the completed questionnaire that you want to view the results for (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the questionnaire tile to go to the questionnaire overview page.
4. Select the 'Answers' tab.
5. If any gaps have been identified during the validation process, they will be listed at the top of the 'Answers' tab. You can click on an individual gap to find out more about the gap.
6. A gap can either mean that the evidence you uploaded was not acceptable (an evidence gap) or it can mean that you could have missed an opportunity to declare a policy topic area that was found in your evidence but you did not select the answer option (a declaration gap). In either scenario, you should update your questionnaire response to address the gaps found.
7. To update your questionnaire response, choose the 'Update' icon on the top right of the page on the questionnaire tile.
8. Navigate to the questions identified in the feedback. Upload improved evidence for evidence gaps or select the correct policy options for declaration gaps.

How do I raise a support ticket?

Use the 'Ticket' function on the SUPPLIERASSURANCE platform to raise a ticket for our Support Team to action.

Background

The SUPPLIERASSURANCE Support Team aims to respond to all tickets within two working days. Typically however, you can expect a response within 24 hours.

Steps

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Select your initials in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select 'Tickets'.
4. Choose 'Raise a new ticket' option from the right side of the page.
5. Select the most appropriate topic from the drop down menu.
6. If none of the topics fit, select 'Other topic' and choose 'None of these questions help - Raise a new ticket'.
7. Enter as much information about your query to allow our Support Team to assist you with your support query.
8. Click 'Send'.
9. The Support Team will review your ticket and respond to you within two working days although typically within 24 hours.

I received an invitation code from my customer. What is it for and how do I use it?

An invitation code allows you to either start a new questionnaire requested by your customer or share an existing completed questionnaire with them instantly. You should always check if you already have an existing questionnaire on your account to meet the request of your customer.

Background

Invitation codes streamline the sharing process. They directly link your questionnaire response (new or existing) to your customer's request, granting them access immediately.

Steps

Find and share an existing questionnaire using an invitation code:

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Find the existing questionnaire on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Share' icon on the questionnaire tile.
4. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
5. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
6. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
7. If the questionnaire is not yet complete, you must answer the remaining questions and submit for validation.

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Complete the questionnaire and submit for validation.

Can I update my questionnaire after it has been completed?

Yes, you should regularly review your questionnaire and update it to reflect changes, improvements, or to address customer minimum requirements.

Background

You can update your questionnaire at any time, except when it is in the validation process. You might want to update your questionnaire to improve your rating, to upload new evidence, or to reflect any changes within your organisation and operation.

Steps

1. Sign in to your SUPPLIERASSURANCE account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to update on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Update' icon on the right of the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
5. Navigate through the questions and change those that you want to.
6. Upload new or revised evidence that directly addresses any changes made.
7. Progress through the questionnaire.
8. submit your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ 5.0 Rating.