Vendor portal implementation to enhance fraud protection and process efficiencies

The Finance and Business Operations team will begin implementation of PaymentWorks (PW), a cloud-based vendor onboarding application, in March. PW allows vendors to enter and maintain their own data, reducing duplication of effort with features that provide greater security and fraud protections. PW is currently in use at several higher education institutions including Johns Hopkins, University of Kentucky, Penn State University and Cornell.  

PW provides an extra layer of fraud protection for vendors and the university through direct entry of vendor information into a secure portal. Improved visibility into vendor data is another benefit, as university staff will have access to the portal for monitoring and maintenance activities. Other security features include the automatic validation of taxpayer identification numbers, Social Security numbers, employer identification numbers, phone numbers and banking information for all vendors in the portal. PW also completes regular reviews of vendors and their data against a list of over 1,600 current watch lists and sanctions. 

Invitations to new vendors or vendor data update needs will be the responsibility of individuals assigned an “initiator” role. Initiator roles will be given to personnel in the Purchasing Operations Centers, Accounts Payable, the central Procurement team, regional campuses and Sponsored Program Services.  

As the official launch of PW approaches, cutover plans and key dates will be shared through Purdue Today and other communication channels. Until then, questions can be directed to regular purchasing center contacts. Keep informed by checking the Accounts Payable PaymentWorks website, which will be regularly updated with new resources for faculty, staff and vendors as they are finalized.