SAP Ariba for Procurement
Digitalisation of procurement processes
With a view to greater efficiency and transparency in its procurement processes, NMBS/SNCB-NMBS is fully embracing digitisation. We use the online platform SAP Ariba for this purpose. This platform allows buyers and suppliers to communicate with each other easily and paperlessly.
NMBS encourages its suppliers to engage to digital collaboration via the SAP Ariba platform. Below is an overview of the key steps:
- How to create a SAP Ariba account
- Participate in Request for proposal (RFP)
- Register as a supplier at NMBS
- Participate in a qualification system at NMBS
- Receiving and confirming orders
- Submitting and following up your invoices
Our categories
In accordance with the Public Procurement Act, all requests for quotations over €30,000 must be submitted via SAP Ariba Guided Sourcing.
Navigate below to the necessary steps.
Create an SAP Ariba account
If you do not yet have an account to connect to SAP Ariba, click on the following link :
Participation price request
The supplier will be invited by SAP to participate in a 'Request For Proposal' (RFP).
The invitation also includes a deadline for submitting your bid. If you are unable to meet this date, please contact the file manager who will be able to see if a postponement is possible.
Register as supplier
When you are awarded the contract, you will be asked to register as a supplier with the NMBS.
The registration form will ask you to ensure that you include the following elements:
- Type of services or goods to be offered
- VAT number
- Contact postal address
Participation qualification system
Depending on the goods and services you can offer, complete one or more questionnaires and download the requested certificates. You will receive an e-mail to this effect via SAP Ariba Network.
Navigate here to the instructions needed to qualify suppliers.
Receiving and confirming purchase orders
For more information on order confirmation via the SAP Ariba platform, click here.
For train parts, the SNCB-NMBS requires an order confirmation and Advanced Shipping Notes (ASN) to be sent systematically. To do this, SNCB-NMBS uses the SAP Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) module.
If you receive a “Purchase Order” (PO) and you do not yet have an SAP Ariba account, please follow the procedure described here (as of page 15).
Invoice processing
Since 1 January 2026, electronic invoicing has been mandatory for B2B companies, using the Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 format. Find out here what changes for you as a supplier.
The SAP Ariba Network platform also enables the transmission of invoices in compliance with the Peppol BIS format and offers streamlined and efficient processing. If you wish to connect, please consult the SAP Ariba help manual (pdf).
For any other questions regarding invoicing, please refer to the General Purchasing Conditions (applicable from 01/01/2026).
For more information about Ariba Network, feel free to contact our Supplier Contact Center.
