SAP Business Network

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Easy to use and efficient digitalized processes are valuable to us and our suppliers. SAP Business Network is the standard way of doing business with us.

We are rapidly digitalizing our operations, including tendering, contracting, demand planning, and purchase transactions, to simplify each process.

SAP Business Network is the world’s largest B2B network with over 4 million trading partners and 26 million users. Once in the network, our suppliers can use the same account for all transactions with various customers.

Benefits of the SAP Business Network

Receive purchase order (PO) notifications and submit order confirmations

Submit Advanced Ship Note (ASN)
Create and mantain e-Catalogs

Reduce administrative effort

Gain visibility into transactions with UPM

Participate in sourcing (RFx) events and contract negotiations

Support UPM’s strategic business objectives

UPM uses SAP Business Network for:

Sourcing and contract management
e-Catalogs
Exchanging transactional documents via the Network web portal
Business-to-business (B2B) system integration

Account Types in SAP Business Network

Suppliers can choose between two types of accounts in the SAP Business Network. UPM recommends an account based on expected annual transaction volumes; however, the final choice remains with the supplier.

Standard Account

The Standard Account features:

Receive purchase orders (POs)
Confirm purchase orders
Free of charge
No IT investment required
Requires only an email address and internet connection
Access via web browser
Option to upgrade to an Enterprise Account at any time

Enterprise Account

UPM recommends an Enterprise Account for suppliers processing more than 100 transactions per year. In addition to Standard Account features, it offers:

Management of Advanced Ship Notices via the SAP Business Network dashboard
Reporting tools for monitoring transactions and sales activities
Creation of PunchOut e-Catalogs with SAP Support
Support from an SAP Business Network Supplier Onboarding Specialist
Extended access to SAP Business Network Support

An Enterprise Account is required for suppliers integrating their ERP system with SAP Business Network or collaborating through Supply Chain Collaboration. This is recommended for suppliers managing more than 300 transactions annually. ERP integration may require additional resources.

Transactions exchanged with UPM are not subject to SAP transaction fees. Fees may apply when using the same Enterprise Account with other customers.

Tendering (RFx)

UPM conducts sourcing events through SAP Business Network. To participate, suppliers must have an SAP Business Network account. If an account does not yet exist, it must be created before participation.

The platform provides a centralized overview of all sourcing events and inquiries, enabling suppliers to manage invitations and submissions efficiently.

Contracts

SAP Business Network supports standardized processes for reviewing and signing contracts with UPM. Contracts are finalized electronically, ensuring an efficient and transparent workflow.

UPM aims to increase the use of e‑Catalogs to support efficient purchasing. Suppliers may be requested to create catalogs for their offerings.

Catalogs allow suppliers to maintain accurate product and pricing information and control how products are presented to UPM buyers.

SAP Business Network provides flexible catalog management options:

Static Catalogs – Use a Microsoft Excel template to enter product and pricing information.
PunchOut Level 1 – A consumer-like shopping experience that allows customers to select purchases from a customized, shopping-cart-enabled website. SAP Business Network PunchOut acts as a connector between your e-commerce platform and the SAP Business Network interface.
PunchOut Level 2 – Provides advanced search capabilities, displaying richer and more detailed content directly in SAP Business Network, business increasing visibility, and driving sales.

UPM’s objective is to standardize and automate sourcing and procurement transactions through SAP Business Network, supporting a harmonized operating model and closer collaboration with suppliers.

At UPM, SAP Business Network is becoming the primary channel for transactions. This enables operational efficiency, standardized processes and system integrations that support the future success.

When it is time to start transacting with UPM through SAP Business Network, you will be contacted by the dedicated Supplier Enablement Team which will provide guidance. You will also have access to SAP Business Network’s online help center.

Depending on the agreed scope, suppliers may be required to exchange:

Purchase Orders for goods and/or services
Order Confirmations
Advance Ship Notices

Specific requirements will be communicated in advance.

Transacting via SAP Business Network is possible through two connection methods:

SAP Business Network web portal
Business-to-business (B2B) integration

The connection method is agreed upon between UPM and the supplier based on transaction volumes and technical capabilities.

You can contact our experts at join.ariba@upm.com.

UPM communications and instructions for Suppliers

Find examples of materials we use when communicating with our suppliers about the transition. You can always contact us at join.ariba@upm.com.

UPM videos for suppliers

SAP Business Network instructions

The Help Center is available whenever you visit or log in to SAP Business Network. Frequently asked questions, support documentation, and more information about different tasks are available in an easy-to-understand format.

SAP Business Network Help Center

SAP Business Network

SAP Business Network has an extensive set of video tutorials to provide more detailed information about different transactions and functionalities that are available for our suppliers. To access the videos, please visit the SAP Business Network learning center and log in to your account.

Videos:

FAQ

Read frequently asked questions.

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