Supplier management is now conducted in the Zycus Supplier Network (ZSN)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) is on a mission to bring automation, innovation and optimization into our goods and services procurement process, while increasing our connections with diverse suppliers.
Zycus Supplier Network
We have partnered with Zycus, an industry leader for Source to Pay (S2P) and Procure to Pay (P2P) capabilities, to help us reach our goals. Companies who are interested in working with Blue Cross can use ZSN to register as a supplier for potential future use. Current suppliers can use ZSN to update their company information and may be asked to participate in source events, contracting negotiations and/or performance management activities.
Code of Conduct
Blue Cross is committed to ensuring we partner with suppliers who support and adhere to our core values and beliefs. Our supplier Code of Conduct serves to outline our expectations to ensure consistent compliance from all third-party suppliers.
Supplier portal
The Zycus Supplier Network lets you:
- Register to become a supplier
- Update your company's information
- Participate in sourcing events
Supplier diversity
Supplier diversity at Blue Cross is a proactive business initiative that seeks to identify and provide fair and equal opportunities for suppliers that reflect the diverse Minnesota communities we serve.
Our mission is to create an environment of opportunity for diverse suppliers through working relationships that yield a business advantage while obtaining competitive pricing plus high quality and exceptional service.
To be considered a diverse supplier, the business is a continuing, independent, for-profit business and is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more diverse individuals.
Benefits of a diverse supplier base:
- Increased competitive advantage with a wider range of offerings
- Increased understanding of diverse viewpoints
- Opening doors to previously inaccessible markets
- Contributing a varied range of ideas, solutions and innovations
- Supporting recruitment, inclusion and retention of individuals from various background
Blue Cross is a member of the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) and Women's Business Development Center of Minnesota (WBDC).
Frequently asked questions
Registration for current suppliers
Guide to register new supplier or update existing supplier
Can anyone from a current supplier register and log in to the Zycus Supplier Network (ZSN) or can it only be the individuals who receive the registration email?
No, only the registration link provided can be used to create a supplier registration for a current supplier. Creating supplier registrations without the registration link provided in the email from Zycus will result in the creation of a duplicate company record. All supplier registrations must be done using a Zycus registration email.
Can I forward the Zycus email with the supplier registration link to someone else in my company to complete the registration process?
Yes, you can forward the supplier registration email to someone else at your company. When they register, a One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the original email address; this would need to be forwarded to the delegate to complete the supplier registration process.
How can we register additional contacts on the ZSN for our company?
A registered Zycus user at your company can add new contacts directly in their Zycus Supplier Network account. After the new contacts are approved, an email will be sent from Zycus with a registration link for the new users to complete the registration process.
Who at a supplier should register on the ZSN?
All contacts at a supplier who interact with Blue Cross should register on the ZSN. The goal is to have all contacts register and up-to-date information maintained by the supplier. This will enable Blue Cross to leverage the suite of tools in Zycus with all supplier touchpoints.
Who can add new users for a supplier?
All registered users at a supplier company can review, add and delete company contacts in Zycus.
Registration for potential new suppliers
My company would like to be considered as a supplier. What is the process for me to register with Zycus?
As a prospective supplier, please go to the Zycus Supplier Network portal for Blue Cross and register your company and yourself as a new user. Only one new registration should be created using this process to avoid the creation of duplicate records.
General and technical help using Zycus
How do I access help while in the Zycus tool?
There is a help feature in the upper righthand corner of the screen that can be selected. It contains instructional videos of frequently asked Zycus tool questions.
Is there a way for me to understand what information is needed in the editable fields in my Zycus account?
Yes, fields have embedded text explaining the information needed for the editable fields.
How do I edit incorrect information in Zycus?
Zycus has a help feature accessible in the upper righthand corner of the screen that provides access to instructional videos. In the Help Videos section, scroll down to the General Overview Profile section and select the Supplier Profile Edits video for a step-by-step guide on making edits.
How do I add additional users to the Zycus tool?
Please review the step-by-step instructions on how to add additional users to the Zycus tool.
I’m having technical issues with Zycus. Where can I get help?
Please contact Zycus tech-support@zycus.com.
Administrative
Why are we being asked to register with the Zycus Supplier Network (ZSN)?
Blue Cross is now using the Zycus Supplier Network. The supplier registration process ensures that we have the most accurate supplier information. Zycus is the new single source of supplier information and will be used for sourcing events (RFPs or other events), supplier reviews, and in 2022 for invoicing and payments.
Do we continue to use Beeline for timesheets and timesheet payments?
Yes, please continue to use Beeline for timesheets.
Do I register with the ZSN if I am participating in Blue Cross’s contingent workforce program? E.g. Beeline
Yes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is now using the Zycus Supplier Network. The supplier registration process ensures that we have the most accurate supplier information.
I am already registered with the ZSN for another client. Do I need to respond to the Zycus registration invitation email?
If your email address is already registered with the ZSN for another customer, please use the registration invitation you received from Zycus and use your existing login credentials to link to Blue Cross.
We haven’t done business with Blue Cross in several years. Do we still need to register?
Yes, please register to maintain current company information, contacts and to be considered for future sourcing events. We are using the ZSN to maintain all supplier records.
Our organization does not permit third-party tools such as Zycus for invoicing. Do I still need to register as a user?
Yes, please register as a user because we are using the ZSN to maintain all supplier records.
Is there a cost to suppliers for using the ZSN?
No, there is no cost to you for participating in the ZSN.
Questions?
If you have questions about the supplier registration or RFP process, please e-mail us at vendorinfo@bluecrossmn.com.