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.

We invite our suppliers to join the SAP Business Network by sending them a Project Notification Letter (link to sample PNL) in the beginning of the onboarding process. In the registration questionnaire you will need to provide your company’s basic information and accept the UPM Supplier and Third-Party Code. Please contact join.ariba@upm.com, if you would like to get invited.

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

Set up catalogs for products and services

Reduce administrative business expenses

Get online visibility to transactions with UPM

Participate in tendering (RFx) events and contract negotiations

Support UPM’s strategic business plan

Support and Instructions

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:

Registration & Qualification (For all UPM suppliers)

We invite all suppliers to complete the Supplier Registration Form for the SAP Business Network.

During registration, suppliers must provide and update basic organizational information, ensuring their company profile and contact details remain accurate across UPM. Suppliers are responsible for keeping this information up to date.

As part of the registration process, we ask suppliers to commit to the UPM Supplier and Third Party Code, which sets minimum requirements for social and environmental responsibility.

UPM Supplier and Third Party Code

Depending on the supplier’s products, services, and geographical location, additional information may be required during the registration and qualification process. This may include certificates or compliance with various regulations and standards.

How to start transacting through SAP Business Network

Suppliers can choose between two types of accounts in the SAP Business Network.

We recommend the most suitable option based on annual transaction volumes, but the final decision rests with the supplier. The process takes between 4–24 weeks, depending on the account type, required documents, and whether catalogs or ERP integration are included.

Technical requirements are minimal for suppliers managing transactions via the SAP Business Network web portal. However, integrating an ERP system requires additional resources and expertise.

Standard account

We recommend a Standard Account for most suppliers.

This free account allows the supplier to receive purchase orders, confirm them, send advance ship notices, and flip orders into invoices electronically. No IT investment is needed—just an internet connection and an email address.

After completing UPM's supplier registration, we will provide instructions on setting up your SAP Business Network account and inform when purchase orders will start flowing through the network.

For more functionalities, you can upgrade to an Enterprise Account at any time. Thanks to a special agreement between SAP Business Network and UPM, Enterprise Account usage is free when transacting with UPM.

When it's time to get started, you’ll receive a Project Notification Letter (PNL). UPM will provide guides, and you can contact our experts at join.ariba@upm.com. You will also have access to SAP Business Network’s online help center.

Enterprise account

We recommend an Enterprise Account for suppliers handling more than 100 transactions annually. It offers additional features:

Manage purchase orders, confirmations, and invoices through the SAP Business Network dashboard.

Access reports to track transactions and sales activities.

Receive guidance from an SAP Business Network Supplier Onboarding Specialist.

Gain extended access to SAP Business Network Support.

An Enterprise Account is required for suppliers setting up catalogs or integrating their ERP system with SAP Business Network, which is recommended for suppliers managing 300+ transactions annually. While no IT investment is needed for the basic account, ERP integration requires additional resources.

Enterprise Accounts are free when transacting with UPM, but fees may apply for transactions with other customers.

When it’s time to begin, you’ll receive a Project Notification Letter (PNL). First, you’ll complete the UPM Supplier Registration Form in SAP Business Network. Then, we’ll invite you to a webinar with SAP Business Network experts to guide you through the enablement process. After the webinar, SAP Business Network experts will assist you directly. Once the go-live date is agreed upon, we’ll send your first purchase order through SAP Business Network.

Catalogs

We aim to increase the share of purchases made through catalogs. You may be asked to create a catalog for your offerings.

With a catalog in SAP Business Network, you can easily update product information, ensuring more accurate purchase orders. You also control the details and specifications UPM buyers see about your products.

For an overview of UPM’s catalog solution, please refer to the catalog presentation here.

SAP Business Network provides flexible catalog management options:

Static Catalogs – Use a Microsoft Excel template to enter product and pricing information.
Here you can find the guide how to fill in the static catalog template together with recording.

SAP Business Network PunchOut catalogs – A consumer-like shopping experience that lets customers select purchases from a customized, shopping cart-enabled website. SAP Business Network PunchOut acts as a connector that bridges your e-commerce domain with the SAP Business Networkinterface.

SAP Business Network Level II PunchOut – Provides advanced search capabilities, displaying richer and more specific content directly in SAP Business Network. This enhances business visibility, attracts more customers, and drives sales.

Sourcing and Contracting

Tendering (RFx)

UPM will conduct sourcing events through SAP Business Network. Once registered, you can participate in these events.

The system offers a centralized platform for all ongoing tenders and inquiries, giving you an overview of the business opportunities your company is invited to.

Contracts

SAP Business Network provides standard processes for drafting and finalizing contracts with UPM. Contracts can be reviewed and signed electronically, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.

Supply Chain Collaboration

Digital Sourcing Ecosystem (DSE) Wave 2 project is digitalizing and automating processes and supplier transactions in direct material sourcing and procurement. In the project we are designing and implementing a harmonized process and a shared operating model. At the same time, we are strengthening and building more proactive collaboration with suppliers.

The project introduces Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) module as a new tool and drives for SAP Business Network to become the main channel for the transactions.

DSE Wave 2 moves us forward towards the objectives of becoming the preferred customer to our suppliers, gaining operational efficiency and having standardized processes and system integrations to support the future success. By digitalizing and automating the processes and transactions with suppliers, we will add value and bring business benefits for both UPM and the suppliers.

Here you can find process maps and guides about processes in Supply Chain Collaboration.

Process map:

Purchase Order Collaboration in DSE Wave 2

Detailed process guides:

If you need support, please contact us at join.ariba@upm.com

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