Introducing a new finance, procurement and HR system

Information for suppliers of goods and services to the university

The University of Nottingham will be replacing its finance, procurement and HR systems towards the end of 2024. The systems that suppliers use will be replaced with a new Oracle Fusion system that we have named ‘UniCore’.

Please refer to the frequently asked questions below for further information.

Why has the university decided to start using a new system?

The university requires an integrated and modern system to efficiently run university operations. A new finance, procurement and HR system will enable us to improve and standardise services for our staff and suppliers.

More than 45 dated systems are expected to be replaced with a modern, integrated, reliable and secure system that can be accessed from any mobile device.

Which supplier systems will you be replacing?

The following systems that suppliers interact with will be replaced:

• Business World finance system – this is used for invoicing and payments
• InTend e-procurement portal – this is used for tendering
• SciQuest e-catalogue – this is used to host catalogues and price files

What improvements can suppliers look forward to in the new system?

Suppliers can look forward to the new system bringing better integration between tendering, contracting and invoicing. The new system will be a more modern, single supplier portal. It will have self-service capabilities that allow suppliers to submit invoices, check the status of payments, and update their contact information and bank details.

When will the university start using the new system?

The go-live date for the new system will be towards the end of 2024, and further details will be provided more nearer the time.

When will you stop using your existing systems?

We will most likely stop using our existing systems at the end of 2024. We will work closely with our suppliers to introduce them to the new system, provide further details about the transition and ask for their assistance in this process.

When will the university be contacting its suppliers about this replacement? How will our suppliers’ inventory be transferred to the new system?

We have already contacted our suppliers about the upcoming replacement of our systems - further planned communications are detailed below:

• Catalogue suppliers in Sciquest - As suppliers that provide us with catalogue files periodically, we will contact these suppliers in mid-2024 to request latest catalogues and ask them to check their details in the new system. Catalogues will be uploaded to the new system, ready for go-live at the end of 2024.
• Non-catalogue suppliers in Agresso - We will contact these suppliers in mid-2024 to give them access to the new system so they can check their details in it.
• Punch-out suppliers – The university purchases items from these suppliers using supplier websites. These suppliers are currently undertaking testing to ensure their websites have a seamless integration with the new system. Suppliers will be asked to check their details in the new system during mid-2024.

Who should suppliers contact if they have any questions or require further information?

If suppliers have any questions, they should email newpaymentsystem@nottingham.ac.uk