Goods and Services FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions. For manufacturing suppliers, please visit the portal provided to you during onboarding.

Existing suppliers

For suppliers already working with Cisco.

How do I get payment for an invoice?

To have an invoice processed and paid, make sure that you have met the requirements on the following checklist: 

  • Has your company been set up in the Cisco supplier database? Visit the supplier enrollment website for information, or contact the respective accounts payable department. 
  • Is a valid and correct Cisco purchase order number provided on the invoice? Most Cisco purchases must be preceded by the issuance of a valid Cisco purchase order. Sending an invoice without a valid purchase order may result in processing and payment delay. If you are unsure on how to get a valid Cisco purchase order, talk to your Cisco contact. 
  • Has the invoice been sent to the correct Cisco accounts payable department? Go to the main page to get details on correct accounts payable addresses. 

Have all the necessary information and details been furnished to the Cisco accounts payable department to comply with relevant statutory requirements? Each country has its own legal, tax, and other invoicing requirements, and it is important that those requirements are met. If you need more information, talk to your Cisco contact.

Where do I send an invoice?

Go to the accounts payable Information page, where you will find the correct address for invoices. If you already have a valid Cisco purchase order, you can find the address under the “Bill-to-Address” field. Refer to the Cisco purchase order explanation for more detail.

How do I get a valid Cisco purchase order?

Ask the Cisco representative who is making the purchase for a valid Cisco purchase order. Most Cisco purchases require a valid Cisco purchase order prior to making a purchase. Sending an invoice without a valid purchase order may result in processing and payment delays. 

Purchasing types in scope for Smart Buy will require the supplier to obtain the purchase order from the Ariba Network for suppliers. Please see Cisco Smart Buy. 

How do I find the purchase order number on the Cisco purchase order that I received?

Refer to the Cisco purchase order explanation for more information.

Where do I send questions on the details of a Cisco purchase order?

Visit the Cisco purchase order page for more information.

What are Cisco's standard payment terms?

Go to the accounts payable Information page, where you will find the correct address for invoices. If you already have a valid Cisco purchase order, you can find the address under the “Bill-to-Address” field. Refer to the Cisco purchase order explanation PDF for more information.

What is a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number?

A DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit series of numerals that identifies a business. As we continuously improve our automation and digitization capabilities across operations, a DUNS number is now required to do business with Cisco.

How do you obtain a DUNS number?

Visit Dun & Bradstreet to register and obtain a number free of charge.

New suppliers

For suppliers that are newly onboarded to Cisco or are not yet working with us.

How do I register to become a Cisco supplier?

All new supplier requests must be initiated by a Cisco representative. The process begins with the discussion of the requirements and pricing for goods and or services for Cisco. Read the information contained on the invited supplier guidelines and information page for comprehensive details around this process.

What is a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number?

A DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit series of numerals that identifies a business. As we continuously improve our automation and digitization capabilities across operations, a DUNS number is now required to do business with Cisco.

How do you obtain a DUNS number?

Visit Dun & Bradstreet to register and obtain a number free of charge.

Once I have a DUNS number, what do I need to do as a supplier?

Your DUNS number must be associated with the purchasing site entity (which may differ from your headquarter location).

What are Cisco's standard Payment terms?

Visit the Cisco payment terms page for more information.

How do I get payment for an invoice?

To get an invoice processed and paid, make sure that you have met the requirements on the following basic checklist: 

  • Has your company been set up in the Cisco supplier database? Visit the supplier enrollment page for information, or contact the respective accounts payable department. 
  • Is a valid and correct Cisco purchase order number provided on the invoice? Most Cisco purchases must be preceded by the issuance of a valid Cisco purchase order. Sending an invoice without a valid purchase order may result in processing and payment delay. If you are unsure on how to get a valid Cisco purchase order, talk to your Cisco contact. 
  • Has the invoice been sent to the correct Cisco accounts payable department? Go to the main page to get details on the correct accounts payable addresses. 
  • Have all the necessary information and details been furnished to the Cisco accounts payable department to comply with relevant statutory requirements? Each country has its own legal, tax, and other invoicing requirements, and it is important that those requirements are met. If you need more information, talk to your Cisco contact.

Where do I send an invoice?

Talk to your Cisco contact who is making the purchase to get a valid Cisco purchase order. Most Cisco purchases must be preceded with the issuance of valid Cisco purchase order. Sending an invoice without valid purchase order may result in processing and payment delay.

How do I get a valid Cisco purchase order?

Talk to your Cisco contact who is making the purchase to get a valid Cisco purchase order. Most Cisco purchases must be preceded with the issuance of valid Cisco purchase order. Sending an invoice without valid purchase order may result in processing and payment delay.

How do I find the purchase order number on the Cisco purchase order that I received?

Refer to the Cisco purchase order explanation for more information.

Where do I send questions on the details of a Cisco purchase order?

If you have received a Cisco purchase order and want to ask questions, talk to your Cisco contact who is making the purchase. That person's details can be found under the "Cisco Requestor" field on the Cisco purchase order document. Refer to the Cisco Purchase Order explanation for more information. 

 

Purchasing types in scope for Smart Buy will require the supplier to obtain the PO from the Ariba Network. Please see Cisco Smart Buy for more information.

Cisco Smart Buy

Learn more about Smart Buy, the procurement platform for goods and servies, purchase order-based spend on the SAP Business Network.

What is Cisco Smart Buy (SAP Business Network)?

Cisco Smart Buy is a cloud-based, end-to-end buying and payment solution based on technology from SAP Ariba.  Goods and services suppliers are required to be on the SAP Business Network.

What is the SAP Business Network and why should I sign up? What’s in it for me?

The SAP Business Network for suppliers is more than just a supplier network; it's a $700 billion business commerce network representing 1.7 million buyers and suppliers globally where you can grow business and boost sales connecting with buyers anytime, anywhere. Suppliers can leverage this network for the following benefits: 

  • Real time PO and invoice delivery for quicker fulfillment, payment, and status reporting 
  • Potential reduced costs through reduction in administrative business expenses 
  • Potential increased revenue through global network reach and new customers 
  • Potential faster payments due to a streamlined and efficient process 
  • Real time invoice status updates and better organization of POs and invoices 
  • Technical capability to host catalogs giving better visibility to products 

Suppliers can do this by signing onto a single platform, working with many customers, not just one.

Will suppliers get a step-by-step guide or manual of how to transact on the SAP Business Network?

A detailed resource with Cisco's requirements is available through the supplier information portal.

What are the options and associated fees for getting enabled on the Network?

There are two options for setting up an account on the SAP Business Network.

  • Standard: This option applies to low-transaction-volume and low-financial-volume suppliers with 50 to 75 annual invoices. There are no fees for a light account. 
  • Enterprise: This option is for high-transaction-volume, high-financial-volume suppliers with typically over 75 invoices transacted per year. Suppliers will start out with a no-cost subscription and pay fees only when their e-commerce business has grown to a certain level. To determine the fee structure and compare costs, go to SAPs supplier page and select Calculate the Value. Fees are paid directly to SAP.

Regarding fees, what is the definition of a "document"?

Chargeable documents include purchase orders and invoices.

Do I need to join the SAP Business Network to transact with Cisco?

Yes. Cisco has a digitized end-to-end procure-to-pay process and leverages the SAP platform for this process. As a result, it is a requirement for suppliers transacting with us to by on the SAP Business Network.

How can I find out if I am a member of the SAP Business Network?

Contact your SAP Business Network administrator or SAP Business Network customer support.

What if I have an existing SAP Business Network account, but for a company other than Cisco. Would I need a different user ID for transacting with Cisco?

How many users from each supplier can access the SAP Business Network account?

Each supplier needs to designate one SAP Business Network administrator for the account, but as many as 250 user accounts can be set up per account for various roles with select privileges.

What is catalog enablement?

Catalogs deliver a consumer-like shopping experience and present content from Cisco's preferred suppliers with contracted prices. Catalog enablement is the first phase of the catalog management lifecycle, where suppliers are enabled on the SAP Business Network, trained about the process and tools, and learn how to share catalog content with Cisco. The SAP Business Network catalog's automated verification capability speeds updates, reduces workload, and improves accuracy. Catalog suppliers are also high-volume transaction suppliers and may utilize machine-to-machine transaction routing that requires an additional lead time for testing. For additional information, see the overview of the catalog management solution.

Will uploaded catalogs be visible to other buyers on the SAP Business Network aside from Cisco?

Catalogs published are only visible to the trading relationship established with that buyer. Catalog content submitted to Cisco should reflect Cisco’s negotiated prices and content. A public catalog can be published to showcase your offering to other potential customers.

Is there a preference for catalog type? Catalog Interchange Format (CIF) or punch out?

From Cisco's perspective, a punch-out catalog is preferred. However, a Catalog Interchange Format (CIF) is also acceptable.

Can I submit an invoice without a purchase order?

Only PO-related invoices can be submitted to the SAP Business Network. Invoices without POs will continue to be submitted through the aliases provided on the Supplier Guidelines page.

Where can I learn about the SAP Next-Generation Cloud Delivery program which migrates the SAP Business Network Infrastructure to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) public cloud environment?

Information about the Next-Generation Cloud Delivery program from SAP can be found here (access governed by SAP).

How do I introduce new supplier account names on the SAP Business Network?

Check out the step-by-step help for adding new supplier account names on the SAP Business Network.

How do I accept a customer's trading relationship request/invitation for an Enterprise (Full Enablement) Account?

Learn how to accept a trading relationship request/invitation from a customer.

I am getting the error "Username is already used." How do I create a new account for Cisco?

You can use an existing account to connect with Cisco if you would like to manage all customer POs in one account. If you would like to create a new account, you can still use the same email as your email address, but not as your username. The username must be in the format of an email, but it does not need to be a valid email address. Try adding a 1 before the @ in your email and it will register as a new username for your new account.

What do I do if I get the following error: "The username and password pair you entered was not found"?

Follow these instructions if you receive a username/password not found error on the SAP Business Network log-in page.

Why can't I find a purchase order?

Follow these instructions when you can't find a purchase order.

How do I create and send a PO-based invoice in the SAP Business Network?

This 4-minute video can help you learn how to send a Purchased Order-based invoice.

Note: If you don’t see a PO-based notification in your inbox, check your junk emails to see if you received a message from ‘order sender id’. In the email, select ‘Process Order’ to proceed with invoicing.

Does Cisco allow a non-PO invoice?

Yes; Cisco allows a non-PO invoice. Follow this guidance on which type of invoices are accepted by Cisco.

How do I set my preferred payment method?

Configure your payment and bank information. For Cisco-specific questions, please reach out to the following mailers based on your respective country: 

How do I configure my payment and bank information?

This 2-minute video provides step-by-step help on configuring your bank information. For additional questions, follow the guidance on the Accounts Payable Information Page for who to contact by country.

How do I change my banking information with Cisco?

You must first contact Cisco to change this information. SAP must match what Cisco has in Oracle database to avoid payment delays. To change how Cisco pays your invoices, please reach out to the following mailers based on your respective country: 

They will provide you with a new Remit ID, which you must then configure on your Ariba Network account.

I am receiving an error of an invalid Remit To. How do I fix this?

To change the Remit ID in your settings, do the following: 
 
1. Click on "Company Settings" in the top right-hand corner of the homepage 
2. Select "Remittances" from the drop-down list 
3. Select the address you want to edit and click "Edit" 
4. Update the address to match the new information 
5. Locate Cisco on your customer list. Under the address, enter the new Remit ID given to you by Cisco Accounts Payable team. Note: The Remit ID will be a unique identification number to you. 
6. Save to update 
 
If the error persists, please reach out to the following mailers based on your respective country: 

Is a PDF invoice required?

Yes, Cisco requires that a PDF version of the invoice be attached.

How do I check Cisco's invoicing and transaction rules for submitting or editing an invoice?

Follow these instructions to view invoicing and transaction rules.

How can I be sure that the SAP Business Network e-invoicing solution is compliant in the United States?

Find out how the SAP Business Network ensures its invoicing solution is compliant with U.S. tax rules.

Are paper invoices required in the United States?

Learn about the U.S. approach to e-invoices and the enforcement of taxes

What do I do if I get an invoice error message, and what does it mean?

Consult this list of possible error messages to learn their meanings and suggested resolutions.

How can suppliers check the status of the invoices submitted through the SAP Business Network?

Suppliers with enterprise accounts can find their submitted invoices in the outbox on the SAP Business Network. Each invoice will display a status, indicating whether it was received and approved by Cisco. 

Suppliers with standard accounts can locate their invoice status through the dashboard on their SAP Business Network account homepage.

Why was my invoice rejected?

Enterprise Account

Standard Account: Access the invoice by clicking on the PO from the email. While on the PO, click on the invoice number under "related documents" on the right-hand side. From there, you will be able to view the history and details tab for the specific rejection reasons. Fix these issues and resubmit.

If there’s a mistake on the submitted invoice through the SAP Business Network, can it be edited and resubmitted?

Yes, but the invoice must have a status of failed or rejected. For further information, refer to SAP Business Network supplier support.

How do I edit and resubmit a failed or rejected invoice?

Follow this step-by-step guidance if you need to edit and resubmit a failed or rejected invoice.

When will my invoice be paid?

Enterprise Account

Standard Account: For Standard accounts (Light Enablement), contact the accounts payable department to inquire about submitted invoice payment status.

How do I view a payment?

Watch this 2-minute video on how to view a scheduled payment.

Why have I not received an invite to register for the SAP Business Network?

Check if the email provided is valid. If you provided an email to us, your first PO will be sent to the email provided. Upon receiving that email, you will be prompted to process the order by creating an SAP Business Network Account or log into an existing account. Contact Cisco Supplier Support for additional questions.

I am getting an error saying that my “invoice fails to match to a PO”; who do I contact?

For these issues, reach out to Supplier Support and the team will help investigate the issue.

I need to get notifications for Cisco POs and they only go to my colleague. How do I make this change?

Follow the instructions on slide 24 of the Enterprise Info PDF resource.

How do I change my payment address?

To make a change to the address you have on file with Cisco, contact the following mailers based on your respective country: 

How do I change my company's legal name?

Reach out to your Cisco business partner and ask for a new supplier request in Ariba reflecting the new name of your company.

Will purchase orders/invoices have unique numbers for further tracking?

Yes.

Can I use fax or e-mail to receive purchase orders?

Fax and email are no longer accepted. Invoices received via this method will be rejected.

How do I find out about Cisco's payment terms and conditions?

For payment term questions, reach out to Payment Terms after reviewing our payment terms page.

Will RFI/RFQ(s) be handled in Smart Buy, or will they be processed as they are today?

All sourcing, RFI/RFP(s) either through Fieldglass or the SAP Business Network will remain the same as it is today.

Is the supplier payment terms initiative the same or part of the SAP Business Network enablement activities?

No; These are separate but coordinated initiatives. For questions about payment terms, please reach out to your Cisco procurement contact.

How do suppliers ensure payments are sent to the appropriate contact within their company?

Suppliers should ensure their remit to information is updated on the SAP Business Network account. For more information, please contact the following mailers based on your respective country: 

C-Worker Connect

Learn more about C-Worker Connect, the transaction platform for suppliers providing contingent workforce services to Cisco.

How will suppliers benefit from this program?

The C-Worker Connect program will equip us with the processes, policy, and technology to procure the right talent for the right roles. This program will produce significant and lasting benefits for our suppliers, including: 

  • Simplified and standardized processes 
  • A single, standardized system across the enterprise 
  • An automation-first approach 
  • Integrated compliance for all parties

What is changing specifically for suppliers?

With the introduction of four categories of contingent workers, we have updated some terms and conditions relating to our provisioning access for each category. These updates will help to ensure that work gets done conveniently and swiftly and that we can reduce turnaround times for lengthy processes. Changes include: 

  • Improved efficiencies  
    The collective ability to access top talent will be faster and more efficient. 
  • An industry-leading vendor management system  
    The C-Worker Connect system will be a key enabler of this program. 
  • Standardized categorization of workers  
    Contingent workers will now be categorized across 12 engagement types as staff augmentation, access only, managed services, or managed projects. 
  • Swift off-boarding  
    Contingent workers' access to Cisco platforms will be terminated promptly at the end of their engagements.

Will the C-Worker Connect system replace other vendor management systems completely?

C-Worker Connect will streamline and standardize processes into a single enterprise platform and consolidate the functionality of multiple systems. Contingent worker transactions began transitioning to the C-Worker Connect system on September 10, 2023 by Cisco organization, with full deployment expected in Fiscal Year 2025. 

Will suppliers be using existing vendor management systems and C-Worker Connect simultaneously? When will they switch fully to C-Worker Connect?

If suppliers have ongoing work for multiple businesses units across Cisco throughout the phased deployment, they will be operating in existing systems and C-Worker Connect simultaneously. After the transition is completed in 2024 for all business units at Cisco, existing systems will be decommissioned, and all contracts will flow through C-Worker Connect.

What countries are included in the go-live of C-Worker Connect?

Argentina 

Australia  

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Brazil 

Bulgaria 

Canada  

China 

Costa Rica 

Czechia 

Denmark  

Egypt 

El Salvador 

Finland 

France  

Germany 

India 

Ireland 

Israel  

Italy 

Japan 

Malaysia 

Mexico  

Netherlands 

Norway 

Pakistan 

Panama  

Philippines 

Poland 

Romania 

Serbia  

Singapore 

Slovakia 

Sri Lanka 

Taiwan  

Ukraine 

United Kingdom 

United States 

Uruguay

How is contingent worker access changing with C-Worker Connect engagements?

For engagements running their course in current systems, the existing 15-day grace period will apply. When engagements are entered into C-Worker Connect, contingent workers will lose access within 24 hours of the contract end date. There is no longer a 15-day grace period for the contingent workers once the contract is entered in C-Worker Connect.

Will this change affect all transactions, including all countries' SOWs?

Yes; The change will affect all transactions in the countries that are included in the go-live.

Will Cisco provide laptops to suppliers deployed on C-Worker Connect?

The transition to C-Worker Connect won't change existing, supplier-specific laptop- provisioning arrangements.

What are the new categories of contingent workers?

  • Staff augmentation  
    When contingent workers supplement current staffing with additional bandwidth or expertise for a short time 
  • Managed projects  
    When suppliers provide outcomes related to the planning or execution of projects for a short time 
  • Managed services  
    When suppliers deliver recurring outcomes where business needs typically go beyond the length of an outsourcing agreement 
  • Access-only  
    When contingent workers are not procured as indirect contingent workforce services but need system or building access

Will my contingent workers still have access to training through Cisco?

Suppliers are required to deliver skills based on training. Cisco will train on specific processes and/or products only and when training is necessary for workers to effectively perform within their engagements.

Are there major changes to tenure that we should be aware of?

Yes; Cisco will no longer allow for extensions of staff augmentation engagements once transactions are approved in the C-Worker Connect system.