Welcome to electronic invoicing for Caterpillar

Frequently asked questions

• What is electronic invoicing?

  Electronic invoicing (e-Invoicing) is a method of transferring invoices and invoice data directly into Caterpillar’s accounting system without the need to print and mail paper invoice copies.

• Why is Caterpillar moving to e-Invoicing?

  e-Invoicing solutions reduce the cost of manually handling the large volume of paper invoices received daily without the associated costs and complexities of traditional paper methods. Tungsten Network will allow for better tracking of invoices, reduce errors due to operational risk, and result in a more efficient process for Caterpillar and our suppliers.

• Who is Tungsten Network?

  Tungsten Network is a global electronic invoicing network. Tungsten Network’s e-Invoicing platform enables suppliers to send invoice data directly from their accounting systems in any format to customers who are enrolled on the Tungsten Network.

• How does it work?

  Tungsten Network’s ‘any-to-any’ solution handles all the data mapping requirements and ensures that all supplier invoices are delivered in the format that a customer’s accounts payable system requires.

• What are the benefits of using Tungsten Network?

  • Secure and guaranteed invoice delivery – no more lost invoices
  • Reduced processing times – we receive your invoices faster which means we are able to pay you on time
  • Instant invoice validation – Fewer delays due to missing information
  • Any-to-any data formatting technology – no additional software or hardware
  • Higher processing transparency and better cash flow management due to 24/7 access and reporting
  • VAT compliant – regardless of where invoices are sent from or received
  • Easy and cost efficient – send invoices at any time

• Is invoicing via Tungsten Network a requirement for doing business with Caterpillar?

  Yes. All suppliers will be contacted to enrol with Tungsten Network within the next few months.

• What happens if I still send paper or emailed invoices?

  While you are working with Tungsten Network to complete your registration, Caterpillar will continue to process your paper/emailed invoices. Once you are sending invoices electronically via Tungsten Network, please stop sending paper/emailed copies. Continued submission of paper invoice will be escalated to your Category Manager within the Global Supply Network Division (GSND).

• I already send some invoice data directly to other customers besides Caterpillar; can I send EDI/XML invoices directly to Caterpillar?

  EDI and XML are just data formats as far as Tungsten Network is concerned. Therefore, you can use this preferred format to deliver the data to Tungsten Network if you choose to use the Integrated Solution. Caterpillar will not take any electronic data directly from suppliers as we take a single consolidated invoice file from Tungsten Network, which will contain invoices from all of our suppliers.

• I submit supporting documents with paper invoices today; do I still need to submit them with e-Invoices?

  Yes. The same supporting documentation are needed for e-Invoices as with paper invoices. Supporting documentation can be submitted as a PDF attachment with e-Invoices.

• Do I create e-Invoices the same way I create paper invoices?

  You should issue your invoice aligned to the PO which you have received from Caterpillar, including unit price, unit of measure, and part number. The content required on an e-Invoice is the same as what is required on a paper/PDF invoice currently. Caterpillar will provide you with a detailed e-Invoicing guideline at a later date.

• Do I need to install any software?

  No. Tungsten Network is web-based, therefore all you require to access the e-Invoicing platform is a bser and internet accesss.

• What if I don’t have a system capable of creating electronic invoices?

  You can access the Tungsten Network secure web site and create invoices online using a Web form. No software installation is required. All you need is an Internet connection and a standard bser. If you print invoices generated by any invoicing system, you can send invoice data files to Tungsten Network using the Integrated Solution. If you raise invoices manually (Word, Excel etc.) you can access Tungsten’s e-Invoicing platform via the secure web site and create invoices online using the Web Form. No software installation is required; all you need is an internet connection and standard bser.

• Can I send electronic invoices using Tungsten Network to other customers?

  Yes, as long as they are part of the Tungsten Network.

• I am planning on changing my invoicing software; can I wait before switching over to Tungsten Network?

  The Tungsten Network accepts any incoming data formats, so you can join the network and send the invoices. When you are ready to use your new software, simply advise Tungsten Network about the changes to your data output and they will make the necessary changes to the network.

• Are there fees associated with e-Invoicing and if so why doesn’t Caterpillar pay them?

  Caterpillar chose the Tungsten Network because it offers our suppliers value and flexibility. Pricing is set by Tungsten Network and all fees are billed and paid directly to Tungsten Network by the supplier. A Tungsten Network representative will discuss this fee structure with you in detail.

• Where can I get more information about the Tungsten service?

  Please visit the website or contact Tungsten Network Support.

• How do I get started?

  Tungsten Network will be contacting you over the next few days on our behalf to help you select your preferred electronic invoicing option. Alternatively, please contact Tungsten Network Support for assistance.

• Will I need to use this service if I have no issues with my Caterpillar account?

  Yes. Your use of the Tungsten Network service will help ensure we continue to pay you on time.

• Do I need to enter into sign an agreement with Tungsten Network?

  Yes, regardless of the solution you choose, you will be required to accept Tungsten Network’s terms and conditions.

• Will Caterpillar make payments using Tungsten Network?

  Caterpillar will not use Tungsten Network for payment services. Caterpillar will continue to use their current payment method.

• I already have the facility to make invoices available to my customers via the Internet – allowing them to view an image of an invoice on the web. Can I use this facility instead of Tungsten Network?

  No, the Tungsten Network ensures that Caterpillar receives the data you send in a format that will upload to our accounting software and, where applicable, match to a goods receipt record. Offering Caterpillar an image of the invoice or an option to download the data in a fixed format does not satisfy Caterpillar’s business processes.

• Can Tungsten Network offer assistance in multiple languages?

  Yes, Tungsten Network provides Sales, Implementation and Support services in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and Italian. Tungsten Network also has local client services numbers for the following countries:

  Australia +61 1800035399
  Belgium +32 24031012
  Denmark +45 80885818
  Finland +358 800118871
  France +33 170708109
  Germany +49 69222220293
  Ireland +353 12477710
  Italy +39 0236006341
  Malaysia +60 1800813158
  Netherlands +31 207121386
  New Zealand +64 800448121
  Singapore +65 8001204757
  Spain +34 914141473
  Sweden +46 850578454
  UK +44 870 165 7430

• I already send my invoice via e-mail so where is the benefit for me?

  An invoice sent via e-mail has to be manually keyed into our accounting system. In order to maximise the benefits that electronic invoicing offers, it is important that a data file is produced that can be integrated directly into Caterpillar’s accounting system to allow automated registration of your invoice. Using the Tungsten Network will allow you to monitor progress of your invoice through Tungsten Network and into Caterpillar with a confirmed delivery status.

• We also do business with Caterpillar for other facilities. Does this apply to Caterpillar globally?

  At this time, this e-Invoicing initiative only applies to the following sites:

  • Caterpillar Poland Sp. Zoo
  • Perkins Engines Company Ltd (Peterborough and Stafford)
  • Perkins Shibaura Engines Ltd
  • Caterpillar (NI)
  • Caterpillar S.A.R.L Gosselies
  • Caterpillar Belgium S.A
  • Caterpillar France S.A.S
  • CATERPILLAR S.A.R.L Grimbergen

  If you do business with other Caterpillar entities you should continue to invoice via your current method. A future phase of this initiative may target other facilities. You will receive communication in due course.

• Why Tungsten Network?

  Founded in 2000, Tungsten Network is the leading B2B e-Invoicing network. They help customers of all sizes optimize their invoicing process, benefiting from improved efficiency and transparency. Customers include: Lufthansa, DHL, IBM, Tesco, HP, Aviva, BBC, GSK, Barclays and BP.

  Tungsten Network will be on hand to assist you fully with the on-boarding process and once you are established on the Tungsten Network, you will also be able to use the same platform to send e-Invoices to any of your other customers on their network, further streamlining and improving your own processes.

• Do all invoices have to be sent via e-Invoicing?

  All invoices for goods/direct material should be sent via e-invoicing unless you are currently invoicing through Ariba Supply Network or informed otherwise. All invoices for services should be issued according to your current procedure.

• My invoices do not currently include VAT, why do I have to use Tungsten Network?

  VAT compliance is one benefit of the move to an e-invoicing solution. Other benefits include: decreased processing costs and paper consumption; full electronic audit trail and visibility of invoice processing status; and the elimination of payment delays associated with delayed receipt of paper invoices; lost paper in the postal system, and the inherent operational risk in processing errors due to manual data entry.

  For any further information that is not part of this Q&A, please contact Tungsten Network Support.