Welcome to electronic invoicing for Fresenius Medical Care
Welcome to electronic invoicing for Fresenius Medical Care
Welcome to electronic invoicing for Fresenius Medical Care
Using over a decade’s worth of experience, we have drawn together an extensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and documents to help you every step of the way
Who is Tungsten Network?
Tungsten Network provides electronic invoicing, analytics, and workflow solutions to companies around the globe. For more information about our products and services please visit our website.
Will payment terms change as part of this initiative?
Is all of Fresenius Medical Care moving to electronic invoicing?
Please see Entities page for a list of all our entities in scope for electronic invoicing.
Is invoicing via Tungsten Network a requirement for doing business with Fresenius?
The changes Fresenius Medical Care are implementing will see an end to paper invoicing as our way of managing accounts payable. For this reason we want all our key vendors to provide electronic invoices.
What are the benefits from using Tungsten Network?
Will electronic invoicing be a requirement for new tenders and new suppliers?
Yes. Electronic invoicing via Tungsten Network will be included in the evaluation process for new suppliers and tenders. For new contracts, Fresenius will include terms and conditions in contracts for future business which will require suppliers to use Tungsten Network. It is not a requirement currently, however it is strongly recommended to ensure prompt payment on time.
Will I need to use this service if my account is currently paid on time?
Yes, your use of Tungsten Network service will ensure we continue to pay you on time.
What happens if I still send paper invoices?
While you are working with Tungsten Network to complete your registration, Fresenius will be prepared to continue to receive your paper invoices. We have set a deadline of Date for suppliers to Fresenius to transition to the network. Once you are sending invoices via Tungsten Network, please ensure you cease sending paper copies.
I already send some invoice data directly to other customers; can I send IDI/XML invoices directly to you?
EDI and XML are just data formats for Tungsten Network. Therefore, you can use this preferred format to deliver the data to Tungsten Network if you choose to use the Integrated Solution. Fresenius 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.
What if I don't have a system capable of creating electronic invoices?
You can access the Tungsten Network secure portal and create invoices online using the Web Form. No software installation is required. All you need is an Internet connection and a standard browser.
Can I send electronic invoices using the Tungsten Network to all of my customers?
Once you are subscribed to the network, Tungsten Network enables you to send electronic invoices to any other buyer customers that are members of the network without any additional charge. Click on Customer Connect in your supplier portal to easily locate other buyers.
Will Fresenius make payments using Tungsten Network?
Tungsten Network is not a payment platform. Fresenius will continue to use their current payment method.
Can I send two invoices with the same invoice number?
No, this is to prevent duplicate invoices. The system itself does not allow entering the same number twice.
Who is in charge to provide supplementary access to Tungsten login details for other users?
When a supplier or Buyer registers to the Tungsten Network portal they have to nominate an administrator, the details of the administrator can be located by clicking on “My Account” and then by clicking on “My Profile” the details will appear at the bottom of the screen.
It is the administrator that can add new users and amend access rights.
How secure is sending invoices via the Web Form?
Access to the Tungsten Network service, including the Web Form, requires three credential authorizations. In addition, each session is protected by industry standard 128 bit SSL encryption using Class 3 Server Certificates from Verisign. Once your invoice is created it is stored in the secure archive where it is protected by the latest security measures which are tested daily.
This means only authorized users can connect to the site and that once connected, all communications are private and data is completely secure.
Can Tungsten Network work with staff that speak other languages?
The business between you and your customer will continue in the same language. You should continue to send invoices in the same language you normally use.
If you require support, please call +44 (0) 870 165 7430. (View our local support numbers)
Please note that these numbers are for Tungsten e-invoicing support queries only. Please continue to direct your payment queries to your existing customer contact.
Why should I use Tungsten Network to send my invoices?
Fresenius is moving to global paperless invoicing program. Moving to Tungsten Network will lead to accelerated invoice receipt, elimination of lost invoices and increased visibility of the invoice status.
What do I have to do to send electronic invoices via the Tungsten Network?
To start using the Tungsten Network, all you need to do is register now, using the unique registration link sent to you by your customer or Tungsten Network. Once registered, all suppliers using this option automatically receive 52 free transactions. At the end of your first anniversary (one year after registration), we will replenish your account, at no charge, back to 52 free invoices for you to use during the next 12 months.
Is registering on the Tungsten portal equivalent to joining Tungsten Network?
Yes, part of the registration process is that you have to accept required standard terms and conditions given. Once you do it, the expectation from Upfield is that you will stop submitting paper invoices (rejected if still received) and submit all invoices via Tungsten Network.
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.
Do I need to install any software?
No. Additional software or hardware is NOT required. You only need a connection to the internet to send e-invoices via the Tungsten Network.
What are the minimum system requirements for using Tungsten Network?
The minimum operating system requirements are: Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Linux or Mac OS 9.2*.
Minimum browser requirements are: Version 9 of Internet Explorer and the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera.
Can I send invoice data directly from my billing system?
You can send invoices directly from your billing system in any format you choose. To do this you will need to become an Integrated Solution Supplier on the Tungsten Network.
Please email [email protected] to begin registration.
Are there fees associated with this service?
Tungsten Network provides two levels of electronic invoicing capability. Each of the solutions include a free number of invoices each month.
Click here to view the enrolment options.
Why doesn't Fresenius pay any fees?
To use the full features of the Tungsten Network service, both you and Fresenius pay a fee as we will both benefit from the enhanced service. At present, Fresenius does not cover supplier’s costs to produce your paper invoices. Please consider that you will save the costs for paper, printing and posting when moving to e-invoicing.