Sopra Steria provides its suppliers greater visibility of invoice and payment status with Tungsten Network

Frequently asked questions

Will payment terms change as part of this initiative?

There will be no changes to your agreed payment terms as part of this initiative. Whatever has been agreed previously remains in place.

Is all of Sopra Steria moving to electronic invoicing?

A list of all our entities in scope for electronic invoicing can be found here.

Why should I use Tungsten Network to send my invoices?

Sopra Steria 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.

Is invoicing via Tungsten Network a requirement for doing business with Sopra Steria?

The changes Sopra Steria is 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 my benefits from using Tungsten Network?

• Secure and guaranteed invoice delivery, no more invoices getting lost in the post
• It will take us less time to process your invoices which considerably assists Sopra Steria to pay to terms
• No more delays due to missing information, landing on the wrong desk or manual intervention
• Any-to-any data formatting technology – there is no need for additional software or hardware
• Higher processing transparency and better Cash Flow Management due to 24/7 access and reporting on the Tungsten Portal
• VAT compliance, regardless of where invoices are sent from or received
• Easy and cost efficient to send invoices – at any time

Will electronic invoicing be a requirement for new tenders and new suppliers?

Yes. Electronic invoicing via Tungsten Network is a requirement already included in Steria terms and conditions and included in the evaluation process for new suppliers and tenders. For new contracts, Sopra Steria already include terms and conditions in contracts for future business which recommends suppliers to use electronic invoicing.

Will I need to use this service if my account is currently paid to terms?

Yes, your use of Tungsten Network service will enable us to continue to pay you to terms.

What happens if I still send paper invoices?

While you are working with Tungsten Network to complete your registration, Sopra Steria will be prepared to continue to receive your paper invoices. We have set a deadline for suppliers to Sopra Steria to transition to the network. Once you are sending invoices via Tungsten Network, please ensure you cease sending paper copies.

Are there fees associated with this service?

You can submit up to 52 free invoices annually using the Web Form solution. If you choose the Integrated Solution there is an annual membership fee plus a transaction fee. Please see the enclosed Costs and Options for current pricing.

What does the membership fee for the Integrated Solution cover?

The membership fee covers the cost to Tungsten Network of setting you up on their network and the general costs of maintaining the account. This is a once-a-year cost irrespective of the number of customers that you service via the network.

Why doesn't Steria pay the fees?

To use the full features of the Tungsten Network service, both you and Sopra Steria pay a fee as we will both benefit from the enhanced service. At present, Sopra Steria 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.

Will Sopra Steria make payments using Tungsten Network?

Tungsten Network is not a payment platform. Sopra Steria will continue to use the current payment method.

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. There is no software required. Tungsten Network provides an easy-to-use solution. Instead of mandating data standards, Tungsten Network’s any-to-any data formatting capability accepts invoices in any format and any file structure.

I already send some invoice data directly to other customers; can I send EDI/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. Sopra Steria 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 can already make invoices available to customers via the internet – allowing them to view an image of an invoice on the web. Can I use this instead of Tungsten Network?

No, Tungsten Network ensures that Sopra Steria 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 Sopra Steria an image of the invoice or an option to download the data in a fixed format does not satisfy Sopra Steria’s business processes.

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 Tungsten Network to all of my customers?

Yes. Once you are subscribed to Tungsten Network, you will be able to send electronic invoices to any other customers that are members of the network.

I am planning to change my invoicing software soon; can I wait?

Our stated aim is to have all suppliers registered and sending invoices as soon possible. Tungsten Network accepts any incoming data formats so you can join the network and send invoices. When you are ready to use your new software, simply advise Tungsten Network of the data output changes and they will make the necessary alterations to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted invoice delivery.

Can Tungsten Network offer assistance in multiple languages?

Yes. Tungsten Network provides Sales, Implementation and Support services in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Polish and Portuguese.

Is there further information available on the Tungsten Network service?

Yes, please visit www.tungsten-network.com