What is SAQ 5.0?

The SAQ 5.0 is a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, created by Drive Sustainability - a Group of Automotive OEMs, and available exclusively on the NQC platform.

Background

The SAQ was created to remove duplication and improve efficiency for suppliers when responding to standard questions relating to sustainability activities.

Steps

What does the SAQ measure?

The SAQ is designed to assess and verify a supplier's compliance with CSR and sustainability expectations. It evaluates the policies, processes, functions, tools, and internal controls that an organisation has in place to manage its operations, meet objectives, and support continuous improvement.

What is a DUNS number, and why do I need one for NQC?

A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses, provided by Dun & Bradstreet. It's used globally to identify companies. NQC requires it as the primary identifier during registration and for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business.

Background

Using the DUNS number helps standardise supplier identification on the platform. There is no charge for an organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page
(search online for "Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

Can more than one person from my organisation work on completing a single questionnaire?

Yes, multiple users that are registered on your organisation account, and that have the required user permissions (e.g. viewer and submitter) can typically contribute to completing a single questionnaire.

Background

Collaboration with colleagues can be useful to ensure that you provide the most complete response to questionnaires. Colleagues may have expertise in different areas (e.g. Human Rights, Environment, Supply Chain Management). The NQC platform automatically saves your progress as you move between questionnaire pages. It is recommended that one user is responsible for the final review and submission.

Steps

Ensure all colleagues who need to contribute are registered users under your organisation's account, and ensure that they have the necessary user permissions to edit the questionnaire. If needed, check with your organisation's 'User Manager'.

To invite a colleague to collaborate on a questionnaire:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the relevant questionnaire on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Respond' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Move through the questionnaire to the page or section that you want your colleague to work on.
5. Select the 'Invite user to collaborate' option from the right side of the questionnaire page.
6. Enter the email address of your colleague and any instructions that might be helpful for them.
7. Click 'Invite user' to send a platform email to them about the request for their support.
8. You should also communicate internally with your colleague so that they know to expect an email from the NQC platform.
9. Once your colleague has signed into the platform, they will be directed to the page or section within the questionnaire where you invited them to help. They will also see your written instructions.
10. Ensure the questionnaire is sent for validation in order to complete it.

Can I update my questionnaire after it has been completed?

Yes, you should regularly review your questionnaire and update it to reflect changes, improvements, or to address customer minimum requirements.

Background

You can update your questionnaire at any time, except when it is in the validation process. You might want to update your questionnaire to improve your rating, to upload new evidence, or to reflect any changes within your organisation and operation.

Steps

To update your questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to update on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Navigate through the questions and change those that you want to.
5. Upload new or revised evidence that directly addresses any changes made.
6. Progress through the questionnaire.
7. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ 5.0 Rating.

I don't have a DUNS number. What should I do?

If you don't have your DUNS number yet, we can either help you to find the correct one or we can provide you with a temporary one.

Background

NQC requires a DUNS number for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business. There is no charge for an organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 urgently and don't have your DUNS number yet, we can provide you with a temporary number.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B
D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page (search online for
"Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

If you require a temporary DUNS number, please raise a ticket:

1. Click your initials in the top-right corner.
2. Click Tickets.
3. Click Raise a new ticket.
4. Select Getting Started from the drop-down menu.
5. Select None of these questions help - Raise a new ticket.
6. Provide your details in the ticket (Name, Organisation, Email, and request for a temporary DUNS number).
7. Click Send.