Understanding Supplier Classifications

Overview

Supplier classifications are attributes applied to supplier records in SupplierGateway to categorize suppliers for reporting, eligibility, and analysis. Classifications help organizations segment their supplier base consistently and support programs such as supplier diversity, compliance, and analytics.

This article explains what supplier classifications are, what they represent, and how internal users view supplier classifications within the SupplierGateway platform.

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What Are Supplier Classifications

Supplier classifications are structured attributes associated with a supplier record that describe specific characteristics of a supplier. These characteristics are used across the platform to group suppliers, determine eligibility for programs, and produce accurate reporting.

Classifications are governed values, not free-form labels, and are applied consistently across all SupplierGateway domains.

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How Supplier Classifications Are Viewed in SupplierGateway

Internal users view supplier classifications through the Supplier Management application when reviewing supplier records.

Access Supplier Classifications

Directional Guidance

• Open the Supplier Management app from the main menu

• Navigate to Supplier Status

• Select a supplier from the list to open the supplier record

Outcome:
The supplier profile opens, displaying the classifications applied to that supplier.

Supplier classifications are visible as part of the supplier’s profile and are used throughout the platform wherever supplier data is referenced.

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Common Types of Supplier Classifications

SupplierGateway supports multiple classification types depending on organizational programs and requirements.

Diversity Classifications

These classifications identify suppliers that meet defined ownership or demographic criteria.

Examples may include:

• Minority-owned

• Woman-owned

• Veteran-owned

• Disability-owned

• LGBTQ-owned

These classifications often rely on certifications or attestations provided by the supplier.

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Business Size and Status Classifications

These classifications describe the size or status of a supplier.

Examples may include:

• Small business

• Small disadvantaged business

• Large business

They are commonly used for reporting and eligibility determination.

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Industry or Category Classifications

These classifications describe what a supplier provides.

Examples may include:

• Commodity or service categories

• Industry groupings

They support spend analysis and sourcing insights.

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How Supplier Classifications Are Used

Once applied, supplier classifications are reused across the platform to:

• Group suppliers in reports and analytics

• Support program participation and eligibility

• Segment supplier data for review and oversight

• Ensure consistent reporting across time periods

A change to a supplier classification is reflected wherever that data is used.

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Responsibilities for Supplier Classifications

Supplier classifications follow a shared responsibility model:

• Suppliers provide classification information and supporting documentation when required

• Internal users review classifications and use them for reporting and oversight

• Administrators define classification types, rules, and governance

Clear governance ensures classifications remain accurate and trustworthy.

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What Supplier Classifications Do Not Do

Supplier classifications do not:

• Determine payment terms or pricing

• Replace sourcing decisions

• Act as performance or risk ratings

• Override enterprise procurement policies

They are descriptive attributes used for organization and analysis.

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Summary

Supplier classifications in SupplierGateway provide a consistent way to describe and categorize suppliers across the platform. Internal users view classifications through the Supplier Management application when reviewing supplier records, and these classifications are used throughout reporting, compliance, and analytics programs.

Understanding supplier classifications helps ensure supplier data is segmented accurately and used effectively across all SupplierGateway domains.

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Metadata
Domain: Supplier Management
Article Type: Concept
Audience: Administrators, internal enterprise users