Digital Business
To enhance the efficiency, security, and agility of our business processes, ZF LIFETEC expects electronic communication and collaboration with our suppliers to be digitized whenever possible. The following resources will help you understand the different types of digital communication available and how you can integrate into our digital landscape.
Onboarding for digital Processes
The Onboarding process starts with ZF LIFETEC selecting a supplier for a specific type of digital communication, based on business needs and supplier classification.
The ZF LIFETEC business contact will inform the supplier of the service required, from below:
- Supply Chain Collaboration
- Business Directory
- Problem Solver
- Document Management
- Project Management
- Sourcing
The Supplier will start the Rollout process themselves in the SupplyOn Information Portal.
In the portal, the Supplier can:
- Register for services with ZF LIFETEC
- Learn more about each service
- Gain access to SupplyOn learning resources and support
Connection Type(s)
To digitalize communication, we use two methods:
- A direct electronic data interchange (EDI) connection with you (available for some processes)
- Use the strategic SupplyOn portal.
Suppliers with existing EDI capabilities can use "classic EDI" for some communication types, while those without EDI capabilities can utilize web-based applications through SupplyOn.
Note that some digital communication types can only be achieved through SupplyOn.
Digital Communication Types
The table below shows the types of communications available used at ZF Lifetec, and if it is supported via classic EDI.
Logistics & Finance
Quality & Supplier Management
Purchasing
Delivery Schedules
We provide suppliers with delivery date and quantity expectations for the required materials. This gives the supplier the exact short-term requirements from ZF, and demand forecasts to plan production (for longer-term delivery schedules).
Orders
We provide the supplier with the Purchase order, indicating the required delivery and the quantity for the materials
Advance Ship Notice
Suppliers provide an electronic notification that a shipment has occurred against a material release. This information can provide a clear picture of what material can be expected and when.
Invoicing and Credit Notes
Suppliers provide electronic invoices to be processed by our Finance department. We can also provide electronic credit notes to suppliers for stock movements (in conjunction with Consignment) and purchase orders.
Note: Regardless of whether we are exchanging invoice data or credit note data with a supplier, the message format is the same.
Stock Movements
We inform a supplier automatically of changes in the level of their consignment stock at ZF LIFETEC, including both consumption and additions through shipment receipts.
Note: This is used only for consignment parts with suppliers that have a valid consignment agreement with ZF LIFETEC.
