Lowe's New Vendor Onboarding Guide - LowesLink
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationLowe’sNew VendorOnboarding GuideUpdated March 2016Vendors are responsible for products, product data and media they provide. Vendors may not rely onthis document for legal advice and should consult with their own counsel about legal requirements fortheir products.Back to topPage 1 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationTable of ContentsFlow Chart. 3Checklist . 4Merchandising ProcessItem Setup ProcessProcess Steps . 6MerchandisingProduct InformationItem SetupFootPrints. 9Accessing PortalCreating New Request TicketsResponding to Request Tickets via EmailViewing and Editing Request Tickets via PortalSolution Providers – Data Pool Vendors Only. 12Product Content Management (PCM) – Web Vendors Only . 14Packaging HierarchyBasic InformationIndicators / IdentifiersBarcodesAdditional DescriptionsWarranty and Ad PricingContent and PackagingHandling and StorageOrdering and DistributionProduct MeasurementHazardous InformationSource TaggingProduct HistorySubmission and ConfirmationBack to topPage 2 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationFlow ChartBack to topPage 3 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationChecklistVendors follow a Product Information Vendor Onboarding process in order for customers to purchaseproducts through Lowe’s selling channels.MERCHANDISINGA VBU (Vendor Business Unit) or Vendor Number will be assigned once these items are completed. 1. Request a Master Standard Buying Agreement (MSBA) from your merchant. Sign and return twocopies by mail 2. Complete the Vendor Information Sheet (VIS), which includes Defective Return Policy, Allowancesand Payment Terms. Return to your merchant via email 3. Return the signed Consignment Agreement to your merchant, if applicable, which is needed forany vendor providing consignment products 4. Review the EDI Quick Reference document to find contact information to begin implementationand testing 5. Review the Corporate Payables requirements – Electronic Data Interchange, Vendor PaymentInquiry and Store Look-Up applicationITEM SETUP PROCESSProduct Information Setup refers to Item Setup Data (barcodes, dimensions, logistical information, etc.)and Marketing Data (product data used to sell and market) which promotes the selling through Lowe’s.The following list is intended for Domestic, Data Pool Vendors. 6. Contact GS1 to obtain a GLN (Global Location Number) and barcodes and select a SolutionProvider 7. Once assigned a Vendor Number (VBU), access LowesLink.com and select Getting Started fromthe header menu.o Select Continue Here to obtain a username and Change My Access to access Lowe’s systems– Product Content Management and Product Information Tool Kit8. Login to LowesLink and navigate to Product Content Management (PCM) to activate your VBUoAdd GLN Information through Stock Registration – be sure to saveoIf your brand does not already exist on the Lowe’s Controlled Brand List, create a new ticketin FootPrints to request it to be added9. Create a new account to access FootPrintso See FootPrints - AccessBack to topPage 4 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product Information 10. Login to LowesLink and navigate to Product Information Tool Kit and download PI Buildero The PI Builder is used to submit your item setup and marketing data to Product Information 11. Build and complete the file, and Upload Digital Asset files to PCM 12. Complete and publish item information (GDSN) through your Solution Provider13. Submit the completed PI Builder file to Product Information via FootPrints, directing it to theappropriate Merchandising Division and Subdivision14. Product Information will subscribe to the GTINs.IfThenFailed validationsyou will be contacted to review and correct (review your PCMNotifications tab for GTIN failures)No validation failuresthe GTINs will go into PCM for approval 15. If you have hazardous products, review your PCM Notifications tab for any requests labeledHazardous Materials Information Request.o Open and complete the Hazardous Material Safety Data Sheet Template linked within thenotification and mail it to the address provided 16. Product Information will contact you if there are any issues with the marketing data and/orimages and PDFs17. Barring any issues with publication, the GTINs are synchronized and Product Information uploadsthe marketing data to PCM Back to topPage 5 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationProcess StepsVendors follow a Product Information Vendor Onboarding process in order for customers to purchaseproducts through Lowe’s selling channels.MERCHANDISINGFIRST STEPS Contact your Lowe’s Merchandising team to request a Master Standard Buying Agreement (MSBA) Provide the company name, state of incorporation and the authorized signer of thedocumentNOTE: Selling a licensed product through Lowe’s will need to be documented. Sign MSBA and Return two original copies to Merchandising team by mail All MSBA questions should be submitted to Merchandising team Complete and Email the Vendor Information Sheet (VIS) to Merchandising team If applicable, Sign and Email Consignment Agreement to Merchandising team Review the EDI Quick Reference document to begin implementation and testing Review the Corporate Payables document for requirementsLAST STEPS Review the Product Returns and Buybacks document Review the Lowe’s Partnership Manual and the Logistics Vendor Requirements Contact your Vendor Supply Chain Specialist (VSCS) with questions Schedule time with your VSCS to Review Lowe's Logistics Requirements Visit Distribution Centers (FDC/RDC), if applicable Contact Vendor Dart team at vendordart@lowes.com for access to Point of Sale dataNOTE: All documents can be found on LowesLink.comPRODUCT INFORMATION Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix (GLN) and support from http://www.gs1us.org/get-startedThere are two major vendor typesIfThenData Pool Vendor Web Vendor Product data is shared electronically with Lowe’s and other retailersthrough the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) This is preferred and ideal for vendors supplying data to morethan one retailer in GDSN, and/or vendors supplying multipleproducts to Lowe’sSelect a Solution Provider from the linked listProduct data is manually entered into Lowe’s Product ContentManagement (PCM) application for Lowe’s use only This is an acceptable approach for small suppliers providing veryfew products (10 or less) exclusively to Lowe’sSee PCM Overview for Web Vendors for supportNOTE: Request Web Vendor status via PCMSupport@lowes.comBack to topPage 6 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product Information Access the LowesLink website at www.loweslink.com Confirm your PC meets the System Requirements by selecting link provided Select Register Here in the LowesLink Getting Started area Select Continue Here to initiate the setup process Enter your Lowe’s assigned vendor number (VBU) to obtain your username and password Verify access to Product Content Management (PCM) and Product Information Tool Kitapplications on home pageo If inaccessible, Select Change My Access and Choose those two ApplicationsAccess PCM to activate your vendor number in the system Select Stock Registration Select GLN Information Add the GLN in the field for the Home Office Location Select Add then SaveEnsure your brand name is listed on the Lowe’s Controlled Brand List Login to PCM; Select View Reports; Select Lowe’s Master Brand Report If not listed, Select How to Add or Update a Brand Name for support and instructionAccess the FootPrints website at https://lowespcm.nfpondemand.com Select Create a new account; Enter New User Registration information See FootPrints - Access for support and instructionITEM SETUP PROCESSProduct Information Setup refers to Item Setup Data (barcodes, dimensions, logistical information, etc.)and Marketing Data (product data used to sell and market) which promotes the selling through Lowe’s. Access the LowesLink website at www.loweslink.com Select the Product Information Tool Kit application Download and Save As the PI Builder Phase 5 to your desktop each time you are creating/updating Utilize the PI Builder Quick Reference Guide for support Create the PI Builder based on the product category of items sold by Lowe’s Choose the correct Item Typeo Stock Items are products that are physically stocked in a storeo Special Order Sales (SOS) are products that are not physically stocked in a storeNOTE: All red subject fields are required to be completed. Complete the Marketing Data Spreadsheet (MDS) for any new itemso Reference the Lowe’s Marketing Data & Image Standards for support Ensure Contact Information is complete and accurate Access PCM to Upload Digital Assets prior to submitting your PI Builder file Digital Asset file names (ImageName.jpg) must match exactly what you enter on MDS Select Mandatory Validation Checker to correct any data quality issues in the PI BuilderBack to topPage 7 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product Information Once PI Builder is complete (a green validation box is present on each tab) a Vendor willIfThenData Pool Vendor Ensure images in the MDS are loaded into PCM via Upload Digital AssetsPublish GTINs with their Solution ProviderRequest a Publication Report from the Solution ProviderCopy and Paste the Publication Report to the Pub Report tab in the PIBuilderWeb Vendor Ensure images in the MDS are loaded into PCM via Upload Digital AssetsAccess FootPrints website at http://lowespcm.nfpondemand.comIf Lowe’s hasThenNot requested the data througha FootPrints ticket Submit a new ticketSelect FootPrints – Creating for support and informationRequested the data through aFootPrints ticket Respond to the existing ticket and attach the fileSelect FootPrints – Responding for support andinformationProduct Information will partner with Merchandising to complete item setup once the PI Builder hasbeen sent via FootPrintsIfThenData Pool Vendor Web Vendor Check with your Solution Provider to ensure items are accepted by theLowe’s systemIf item(s) fails validation, Correct the data and ResubmitCheck your WorkList Task (WLT) in PCM daily during the item set-upprocessOnce item(s) appear in your WLT, Enter all the required GTIN informationin PCM and SubmitSelect PCM Overview for Web Vendors for support and informationBack to topPage 8 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationFootPrintsThe Product Information Support Portal (FootPrints) is a system designed to house requests, track eachticket and send out confirmation emails to everybody attached to the ticket.ACCESSING P ORTALStepAction / ScreenGo the Product InformationSupport Portal webpage http://lowespcm.nfpondemand.comIfThenYou are a New UserSelect Create a new account toregisterYou are a returning userEnter you User Name and PasswordIf you are a New User, Completeall New User Registration fieldsto generate a User ID andPassword.CREATING NEW REQUEST TICKETSFields in red are required to complete before saving and routing the ticket request.StepAction / ScreenSelect New RequestComplete the Subject field andPriority levelIf you are requestingThen Subject field isNew Item SetupCIS VBU-Vendor Name Product CategoryExample: CIS 12345-Clarity Front Load DryerMarketing UpdatesMKT VBU-Vendor Name Product CategoryExample: MKT 23456-ATK HammerBack to topPage 9 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationStepAction / ScreenComplete the InquiryInformation section byselecting the appropriateDivisionComplete the InquiryInformation section byselecting the appropriateSubdivisionSelect appropriate Issue TypeSelect Inquiry Code, asnecessaryComplete Description sectionwith enough details for thoseinvolved to understand yourrequestSelect SAVE to: Create the ticketSend a confirmation emailto current ContactSend a notification emailto the Product InformationassigneeBack to topPage 10 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationRESPONDING TO REQUEST TICKETS VIA EMAILOnce you have submitted your request ticket for New Item Setup and your Builder is approved, the ItemSetup Specialist will make the Merchandise Specialist (MS) the Contact. As the Vendor, you will be Cc’don all further communication as he or she works on the request.StepAction / ScreenType a response to a Cc’d email above theline indicated in email.NOTE: Any additions to the text below theindicated line will not be visible to thoseinvolved.VIEWING AND EDITING TICKETS VIA PORTALPrior to submitting your Builder file FootPrints request ticket, there are three options to view tickets.StepAction / ScreenOption 1:Select Description for a quick pop-up view.Select Previous or Next to view other tickets.NOTE: You cannot edit a ticket in this view.Option 2:Select Details to view and edit the trail of aticket.Select Edit to reply to a ticket, addattachments, or update information.Option 3:Select Edit to reply to a ticket, addattachments, or update information.Select Save (for all options) when you arefinished editing to reroute the ticket.Back to topPage 11 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationSolution Providers – Data Pool Vendors OnlyThese Solution Providers/third parties were evaluated based on their technical capabilities, customerservice and data performance.Select a Data Pool and register with GS1 (www.gs1.org). Lowe’s preferred GDSN Data Pool is1WORLDSYNC (www.1WORLDSYNC.org).HOSTED SOLUTION PROVIDERS 1WORLDSYNC IMFSEnetIDEABEHIND THE FIREWALL PROVIDERS LansaNuBridgesSolution ProviderTelephone NumberWeb site1WORLDSYNC*1.866.280.4013, Option 21.937.610.4223http://www.1worldsync.com/web/usGS1 Canada*1.800.567.7084 ext. 988http://www.aligntrac.com/ns/index.phpAMECE genet-Big SEnet Canada1.613.401.0120http://www.fsenet.com/IBM, formerly e & pe.com/SA2 /Back to topPage 12 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationAt the request of our vendor community, below is a list of third party companies that provide datamanagement and processing services on top of general publication needs.Third PartyTelephone NumberWeb site/EmailData Sync 13.401.0120greg@fsenet.comInStock Retail Companies615.790.2934 Ext. 205Jason.Hoover@InStockrs.comSmart Marketing949.887.8319lisa.smart@smrtmktg.comVendor Team ack to topPage 13 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationProduct Content Management (PCM) – Web Vendors OnlyThe Product Content Management (PCM) application is Lowe’s internal management of the datasynchronization process of Vendor items which feeds directly into Lowe’s Mainframe.Before beginning work in the Product Content Management (PCM) system, the Vendor needs to send acompleted PI Builder File to Product Information via FootPrints. The PI Specialist will then create asubscription for the highest-level barcode. The Vendor will log into PCM to complete the GDSN dataThe Vendor selects the barcode in the Vendor (GTIN) Data column of the WorkList andcompletes all the required pages listedPCM NAVIGATION TIPS To move from page to page, select NextFor additional information on each attribute, select the attribute itself.o A yellow help box will explain the attributeRemember to Save your work frequentlyOnce you have completed all listed screens, Submit and Confirm your work.STEPS FOR A W EB VENDOR ON PCMThe purpose of this section is to provide steps for a Web Vendor to upload Vendor Data to the ProductContent Management (PCM) system1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.Packaging HierarchyBasic InformationIndicators / IdentifiersBarcodesAdditional DescriptionsWarranty and Ad PricingContent and PackagingHandling and StorageOrdering and DistributionProduct MeasurementHazardous InformationSource TaggingProduct HistorySubmission and ConfirmationBack to topPage 14 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationP ACKAGING HIERARCHYStepAction / Screen1. Enter the quantity of thepackaging level2. Select the appropriate PackagingLevel (Each, Inner Pack, Case orPallet) using the drop-down3. Select Update Packaging Level4. When entering your Each UPCbarcode, check the box to selectthe Vendor Consumer UnitNOTE: Your each-level barcodeshould always be an EAN/UCC 12 or13-digit barcode5. Enter 1 for quantity, then selectAdd Packaging LevelBASIC INFORMATIONStepAction / Screen1. Enter the Vendor Description forthe model that is used by yourcompany2. Enter the Vendor Model Numberfor this product3. Enter the GTLN Effective Date(current or future date, if theproduct is not available yet)Back to topPage 15 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationINDICATORS / IDENTIFIERSStepAction / Screen1. Select Yes on Base Unit at the UPClevels; No for all others2. Select Yes on Contains Wood if theproduct is made with wood; No forall other materials3. Select Yes on Available for DirectConsumer Delivery if product isshipped to customer’s home; No ifyou will only ship to Lowe’s4. Select Yes on Available for SpecialOrder if product is available forSpecial Order Sales (SOS); No if it isnot5. Select Yes on Orderable Unit if thisis the level Lowe’s will order theproduct from; No if it is not6. Select Yes on Variable Unit if yourquantity will be shipped at a at adifferent quantity each time (i.e. Aroll of carpet may be 100 squarefeet when first shipped, and 110 sq.ft. the next.); No if the quantity orlength will be the same each timeshipped7. Select Yes on Invoice Unit if thispackaging level will appear on yourinvoice to Lowe’s; No if it is not8. Select Yes on Dispatch Unit ifpackaging level is the shipping level(i.e. if you ship from two differentpackaging levels, you will say yes toboth.); No if it is not9. Select Yes on Bulk Indicator if thisitem is sold by the linear foot; No ifit is sold by the pieceBack to topPage 16 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationStepAction / Screen10. Select Yes on Recall Indicator ifthis item has been recalled inpast; No if this item has neverbeen recalled11. Select how you want returnedgoods handled from theSuggested Return Policy dropdown12. Select Yes on US Patent ifproduct has a United Statespatent; No if this product doesnot13. Select the correct EnvironmentalIdentifier from the drop-down14. Select Add Selection(s)BARCODESStepAction / ScreenEnter your UCC Manufacturer’s ID.If you do not have an UCCManufacturer’s ID, check theUnassigned boxADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONSStepAction / Screen1. Select your Brand Name from thedrop-down. If you do not have abrand name, select Unbranded.NOTE: Select here for instructions onhow to add your brand name to theLowe’s Controlled Band List.2. Enter your Extended ProductDescription, if your product isbranded, as you want it to appearto the industry.Back to topPage 17 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationW ARRANTY AND AD PRICINGThere are no mandatory fields on this page. Complete fields as needed.CONTENT AND P ACKAGINGStepAction / Screen1. Enter the Net Content quantity forthe packing level (each, innerpack, case or pallet) you areworking on(i.e. A case level containing two24-packs has a net content of 48)2. Select the correct Net ContentUnit of Measure from the dropdown(i.e., fluid ounce is a Net ContentUnit of Measure for the each level.The case or pallet Net ContentUnit of Measure is each)3. Select the correct Selling Unit ofMeasure from the drop-down(i.e. pack is a selling unit ofmeasure)4. Select the correct PackageMaterial from the drop-down (i.e.,plastic)5. Select the correct Packaging Typefrom the drop-down (i.e., stretchwrap)HANDLING AND STORAGEThere are no mandatory fields on this page. Complete fields as needed.Back to topPage 18 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationORDERING AND DISTRIBUTIONStepAction / Screen1. Enter Order Quantities for Stockor Special order typesa. Minimum: Lowest numberquantity allowed for Lowe’sorderb. Multiple: Number that isdivisible by the minimum(i.e. If minimum is 20 thenthe multiple could be 2, 5 or10)c. Lead Time: Amount of time(in days) it will take to getthe order to Lowe’s2. Select the Order Unit ofMeasure used for ordering theitem.3. Enter the Truck Load Quantityas the number of items neededfor a full vehicle load4. Enter Total Quantity of Layerper Trade Item as the numberof layers a pallet contains(Only required for pallet GTINs)5. Enter Total Quantity of TradeItems per Layer as the numberof each’s per layer for a case orpallet6. Select the Import ClassificationType from the drop-down if anitem is shipped from outside ofthe United States7. Select the Country of Originfrom the drop-down where thegoods have been produced ormanufacturedSelect Add Selection(s)8. Enter the Vendor HarmonizedTariff ID when an item isproduced or manufactured in acountry other than the UnitedStates9. Select Add to List for importitems.NOTE: Fields marked with a red asterisk are required tocomplete.Back to topPage 19 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationPRODUCT MEASUREMENTStepAction / Screen1. Enter In-box data fields:a. In-box Height (Inches):Vertical dimension fromlowest extremity to thehighest extremityb. In-box Width (Inches):Dimension from left torightc. In-box Depth (Inches):Measurement from thefront to the back of thetrade item2. Gross Weight (lbs.): Weightof the product including allpackaging materials3. Net Weight (lbs.): Weight ofthe product excluding allpackaging materialsNOTE: Fields marked with a red asterisk are required tocomplete.HAZARDOUS INFORMATIONStepAction / Screen1. Select the best HazardousMaterial Identifier from thedrop-down2. Enter the DOT DangerousGoods Number if theHazardous MaterialIdentifier is set to anythingother than NoBack to topPage 20 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
New Vendor Onboarding GuideLowe’s Product InformationSOURCE T AGGINGStepAction / Screen1. Select Yes on Source Tag Indicator ifyour product contains a security tag;No if your product does not.2. Select the Source Tag Location(if applicable) from the drop-down3. Select Source Tag Type AcoustoMagnetice Eas from drop-down4. Enter the Commit Date of when thevendor signed the source tagcommitment form.PRODUCT HISTORYStepAction / ScreenEnter the Availability Start Date whenthe product can be first ordered from thebuyerSUBMISSION AND CONFIRMATIONOnce you have completed the Product History screen and are ready to submit your work.Select Submit at the top of the screen.The next screen will ask you to Confirm that you are submitting your dataBack to topPage 21 of 21Updated 3/11/2016Product Information Training & Communications
a FootPrints ticket Submit a new ticket Select FootPrints - Creating for support and information Requested the data through a . (FootPrints) is a system designed to house requests, track each ticket and send out confirmation emails to everybody attached to the ticket.
Vendor onboarding is a critical process at the early stages of a vendor relationship. Prior to onboarding the vendor has spent time, in some cases much time, with others in the organization determining the suitability of the vendor's products or services. Onboarding is considered by the vendor, and often by
information, and onboarding tasks that are generated by the selected onboarding workflow on the offer card. This guide will detail the onboarding component of the CHRS Recruiting system, and highlight how department users can support new employees with completing all onboarding tasks. Accessing the Onboarding Portal for New Employees 1 .
Training Guide Vendor Processing -- Vendor Management Page 3 Vendor Processing -- Vendor Management This is the Vendor Processing -- Vendor Management course within the Vendor Processing curriculum. If you need a reminder on how to na
1. Setting your onboarding objectives 2. Identifying the onboarding stakeholders 3. Defining your organisational profile 4. Creating a pre-onboarding checklist 5. Developing a new hire orientation checklist 6. Providing a first day checklist 7. Self-assessing your onboarding effectiveness 8. Creating a learning plan that's relevant
Smart Onboarding is a robust new hire onboarding solution that supports the talent you are hiring, regardless of whether they are contractors, temporary workers, or internal employees. Smart Onboarding supports industry best practices throughout the talent's life cycle, including pre-boarding, onboarding and offboarding.
Smart Onboarding is a robust new hire onboarding solution that supports the talent you are hiring, regardless of whether they are contractors, temporary workers, or internal employees. Smart Onboarding supports industry best practices throughout the talent's life cycle, including preboarding, onboarding and offboarding.
Smart Onboarding is a robust new hire onboarding solution that supports the talent you are hiring, regardless of whether they are contractors, temporary workers, or internal employees. Smart Onboarding supports industry best practices throughout the talent's life cycle, including preboarding, onboarding and offboarding. Smart Onboarding has .
Onboarding Approval 5. To Approve the Employee Onboarding request, Click Green Action Gear associated with the row for the Employee Onboarding Request; Click Approve. The Onboarding request contains the employee's W -4 and state withholding forms as well as other configured forms. View forms by selecting Forms Tab in the Actions Pane. Note
