Unspsc Guide
Unspsc Guide
When converting from the UNCCS to the UNSPSC coding system, it is important to ensure that the classification remains as accurate as possible. This can be achieved by using the UNSPSC-UNCCS Matching Table, which helps identify the corresponding UNSPSC codes. Users should thoroughly review suggested codes to validate their appropriateness for the goods and services offered. Accurate conversion is crucial to maintain relevance in searches and tenders, which can impact business opportunities with the UN .
Alignment of a good or service within the appropriate UNSPSC hierarchy ensures that it logically fits within its Segment, Family, Class, and Commodity categories. Such alignment is crucial for procurement processes as it allows UN Procurement Officers to accurately match suppliers with the agency's needs. Misaligned codes can lead to irrelevant or missed tenders, affecting a supplier's visibility and participation in procurement opportunities. Accurate alignment helps streamline the procurement process, increasing efficiency and efficacy for both suppliers and procurement officers .
Selecting UNSPSC codes for services can be challenging due to the abstract nature of services compared to tangible goods. This challenge can be addressed by focusing on the core expertise of the company. For instance, if contracted for expertise in a specific field, the code relevant to that sector should be chosen; however, if the service is the expertise itself, such as auditing, then the professional expertise code should be applied (e.g., 84111600 for Audit services). It's recommended to choose multiple relevant codes to cover all aspects of the company's services and ensure that the lowest level of detail (leaf) is used for precise targeting of tenders .
Selecting the most detailed code possible is recommended when subscribing to the Tender Alert Service to precisely target the tender notices that align with the specific goods or services a supplier intends to provide. Detailed coding at the 'leaf' level ensures suppliers are matched with the most relevant tenders, minimizing extraneous alerts and maximizing the chances of responding to opportunities truly suited to their offerings. This enhances strategic targeting and efficient business interactions with UN organizations .
To initiate a change request for a new UNSPSC code, suppliers or agency users must submit a written request via email to the UNGM registry. This request should detail the change needed, which could be an addition, deletion, or modification of a code. These requests are then evaluated and voted on by UNSPSC Segment Technical Advisers during quarterly review sessions. This collaborative process ensures that the coding structure remains up-to-date and reflective of current market needs, allowing suppliers to have a say in maintaining relevance within the UNSPSC system .
For goods primarily categorized as products, it is recommended to select UNSPSC codes based on the predominant characteristic of the good itself, rather than its usage context. Suppliers should consider the nature of the product to determine if it is classified under the broader segment and family, and then refine to the class and commodity level. For instance, a generic battery would be classified the same as specialized ones if they are fundamentally the same product, regardless of their specific application. This ensures suppliers are accurately categorized within the segment that procurement officers might search for their products .
The hierarchical structure of the UNSPSC codes comprises four levels: segments, families, classes, and commodities, with each level adding specificity from the broad category down to particular items. This structure aids in accurately classifying goods and services by allowing users to select the most precise level of detail that corresponds to their products or services. By navigating from segments to commodities, suppliers can ensure they are aligned with how UN Procurement Officers search for products within the UNGM database, impacting both registration accuracy and notification of relevant tenders .
The UNSPSC system accommodates updates to its coding structure through a process where requests for changes, such as additions, deletions, or edits, can be submitted by suppliers or UN agency users. These requests are reviewed quarterly and are subject to approval by the UNSPSC Segment Technical Advisers, who apply their expertise to ensure the coding remains relevant and comprehensive. Suppliers can directly influence the system by participating in this process, ensuring that new goods or services are accurately represented, thereby keeping the coding framework current and aligned with emerging market demands .
UNSPSC codes impact a supplier's engagement with the UNGM by determining the visibility of their offerings to UN procurement officers. Accurate coding ensures suppliers are matched with relevant business opportunities and receive appropriate tender alerts through the Tender Alert Service. A properly selected UNSPSC code allows procurement officers to efficiently find potential suppliers in the UNGM database, facilitating better chances for suppliers to participate in UN tenders and minimizing the risk of missing out on opportunities relevant to their goods or services .
The high-level sections created by UNGM serve as a navigational aid within the UNSPSC hierarchy, simplifying the browsing process for users. Although these sections, such as "A. Raw Materials, Chemicals, Paper, Fuel," are indicative and not selectable, they provide a logical starting point for drilling down into specific segments and sub-codes. This structure assists users in quickly orienting themselves within the broad categories, enhancing their ability to locate and select the most appropriate codes for their goods or services .