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BCG’s Speak Up Line

If suppliers wish to report questionable, illegal, or unethical behavior, or a possible violation of this Supplier Code of Conduct, please contact the BCG Speak Up Line.

Coupa Guidance for BCG Suppliers

BCG uses Coupa to enable supplier relationships through the Coupa Supplier Portal, a network of over 9.5 million suppliers and 2,500 purchasing organizations.

Create your Coupa Supplier Portal account today and reap the benefits. Learn more about the portal, registration and onboarding as a BCG supplier in this video:

For more information visit Coupa's website.

Country-Specific Guidance on How to Transact with BCG

The Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP) is BCG’s preferred platform for managing supplier setup and transactions.

The process is outlined in three main stages:

  1. Onboarding,
  2. Transacting with Purchase Orders,
  3. and Invoicing at BCG.

1. Onboarding as a BCG Supplier

Supplier Onboarding Guidelines

Select the location of the BCG entity you’re transacting with below for step-by-step onboarding guidance specific to that country:

BCG onboarding consists of 2 primary steps:

1a. Register for Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP)

You will receive an email invitation initiated by your BCG contact to register for the CSP. There is an expectation to enroll in the CSP as this is the recommended method for transacting with us and is free to use for BCG suppliers. Please note: While Coupa does offer paid subscription options with additional features, these are not required for suppliers working with us. The free 'Registered' plan enables suppliers to seamlessly receive purchase orders, submit invoices, and track payment status when doing business with BCG.

  • If your company is new to the CSP, click the registration link in the email invitation to create your account. Once logged in for the first time, you’ll be prompted to complete your CSP profile with your company and payment details.
  • If your company already has an existing CSP account (created prior to your relationship with BCG), you should still click the same registration link in the email invitation. On the 'Create an Account' page, select the ‘LOG IN’ option at the bottom of the page. This allows you to access your existing CSP account and link BCG as a new customer.

1b. Complete BCG’s Supplier Input Form (for new BCG suppliers only)

If you are a new BCG supplier, you will be invited to complete BCG’s Supplier Input Form within the CSP to complete BCG’s onboarding process.
This form will ask for details including your company’s legal and tax information, banking details, and agree to BCG’s Supplier Code of Conduct. We recommend having this information readily available before you begin.

All required information must be submitted and approved before you can begin transacting with BCG.

Note: In certain cases, additional supplier risk questionnaires or due diligence checks may be required.

2. Transacting with Purchase Orders

Purchase Orders are applicable to suppliers transacting with BCG in:

  • Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, United Kingdom
  • Asia: China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan
  • North America: Canada, United States

If the country you are transacting with is not listed above, Purchase Orders are not yet applicable in this region, and you can skip to section 3: Submitting Invoices, below.

How Purchase Orders Work

For suppliers operating in the countries listed above, a valid BCG Purchase Order (PO) is required for all categories of spend, unless the Enterprise Procurement & Payables team advises otherwise.

Suppliers are required to receive a Purchase Order from their BCG business requester before delivering any goods or services and should only begin work once a valid PO has been issued.

Once a PO has been created, suppliers create their invoices from that PO either by email or in the Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP). This ensures that invoices are matched to pre-approved POs and processed efficiently for payment. For more information on how to submit an invoice, please reference the Supplier Invoicing Guidelines linked section 3: Submitting Invoices below.

Why Purchase Orders Matter

Encouraging BCG business requesters to create POs through Coupa helps ensure a smooth, efficient process and provides benefits for both you and BCG:

  • Faster payment – invoices linked to valid POs are processed more quickly.
  • Streamlined process – reduces manual intervention and ensures clear approvals.
  • Better visibility – allows both you and BCG to track spend and invoice status within Coupa.

Check the BCG PO Terms & Addendum for more information. 

3. Submitting Invoices

Supplier Invoicing Guidelines

Select the location of the BCG entity you’re transacting with below for step-by-step invoicing guidance specific to that country:

BCG offers two primary options for invoice submission*

*Except for domestic suppliers submitting electronic invoices to BCG Azerbaijan, Brazil, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Uzbekistan and Turkey, who should continue to use their government/tax portal or e-invoice system.

A. Email

Suppliers can submit invoices via email to the addresses outlined in BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines linked below.

Email invoices must follow the below requirements:

  • PDF format
  • One invoice per PDF
  • One invoice per email
  • Populate all required information (see required invoicing information outlined in BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines linked above)

B. Coupa Supplier Portal

To submit an invoice through the Coupa Supplier Portal, please follow the below steps:

  1. Login to your Coupa Supplier Portal account.
    a. If you do not have an account, please see section 1a above.
  2. Navigate to the Invoices tab.
  3. Ensure Boston Consulting Group is selected as the customer in the drop-down.
  4. Create an invoice: 
    a. If you have a Purchase Order (PO) Number: Create Invoice from PO. 
    b. If you don’t have a PO Number: Create Blank Invoice.
  5. Populate all required information (see required invoicing information outlined in BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines linked above).
  6. Submit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Expand the sections below for quick answers to common supplier questions at BCG.
For additional FAQs related to the Coupa Supplier Portal, see Coupa’s support page here.

If the FAQs below cannot answer your query, you can raise a ticket for more support:

  • BCG Support: For BCG-specific questions related to policies, processes or forms, email BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com for more support (e.g., onboarding, invoicing, general BCG queries).
  • Coupa Supplier Portal Support: For technical issues related to the Coupa Supplier Portal, you can email supplier@coupa.com or use the Coupa Chat function for further assistance (e.g., Multi-Factor Authentication, login/password issues, etc.).
Expand All
Coupa Supplier Portal Registration
Why have I not received the email invitation to join the Coupa Supplier Portal?

Check your spam/junk email folder for an email with the subject line ‘New CSP Supplier SIM Invitation’.If you still cannot find the email invitation, contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.

Can I forward the Coupa Supplier Portal registration request to someone else in my company?

Yes, you can forward the invitation before creating an account in the Coupa Supplier Portal. You will need to click the “Join and Respond” option provided in the welcome email.

On the ‘Create an Account’ page, you will then see an option at the bottom to forward the invitation to the correct company representative. Please note that the invitation can only be forwarded to another party within the same company email domain.

How do I complete Coupa’s Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)?

If you are experiencing trouble with Multi-Factor Authentication in your CSP account, visit Coupa’s support page here, or reach out to Coupa at supplier@coupa.com.

How can I check if BCG is linked as my customer in the Coupa Supplier Portal?

Log in to the Coupa Supplier Portal and click the "select customer" dropdown within the Invoicing tab. BCG will appear on the list if linked.
If BCG is not appearing, you can reach out to BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com for more support.

Will BCG use the bank details I specify in the CSP?  

If you are an existing supplier, BCG will continue to use the existing banking details in our Vendor Master data.

To submit a banking change request for your current or next payment, please contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com. In your email, use the subject line "Banking Change Request" to ensure your message is addressed promptly, and include the new bank details.

If you are a new supplier, the details submitted during onboarding in the CSP will be used.

How much does it cost to join the Coupa Supplier Portal?

The Coupa Supplier Portal is free to use when transacting with BCG. Please note: While Coupa does offer paid subscription options with additional features, these are not required for suppliers working with us. The free 'Registered' plan enables suppliers to seamlessly receive purchase orders, submit invoices, and track payment status when doing business with BCG.
Coupa Supplier Portal Account Management
Why am I unable to log into my CSP account?

If are experiencing login issues with your CSP account, try resetting your password, and ensure that you are using the correct  link to log in.

If the problem persists, use the Coupa chat option or contact supplier@coupa.com for more support.

Can I edit my company information if it is already entered into the Coupa Supplier Portal?

To update your company information please contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com. They will provide a form which ensures your updated information is reflected in the Coupa Supplier Portal and in BCG systems.

How can I submit a banking change request for my current/next payment?

To submit a banking change request for your current or next payment, please contact  BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.  In your email, use the subject line "Banking Change Request" to ensure your message is addressed promptly, and include the new bank details.

How long will my account be kept active in the Coupa Supplier Portal?

There is no auto-deactivation process for supplier records in Coupa. Your account will remain active unless you or the BCG business owner request to deactivate your supplier record.

Can I translate the Coupa Supplier Portal to another language?

Yes–you can translate the Coupa Supplier Portal by selecting a language in the language picker at the bottom of the web page. For more information on what languages are available in the CSP, see here.
BCG’s Supplier Input Form (New Suppliers)
For step-by-step onboarding guidance for the country you are transacting with, please consult BCG’s Supplier Onboarding Guidelines.

Where is the Supplier Input Form located in my CSP account?

This will be found within the Coupa Supplier Portal tabs: Business Profile > Information Requests. You can also click on the notifications tab on the top right corner of CSP.

What information do I need to provide on the Supplier Input Form?

BCG collects supplier information related to bank details, tax details, remit-to address, contact details, supplier diversity, and codes of conduct– please ensure you have all information ready before beginning the form.

Can I complete theSupplier Input Form in my native language?

Yes. You can select your preferred language in the CSP by hovering over the “English (US)” button at the bottom of the screen. Please note, this functionality is only available for Coupa standard fields so portions of the form will not be translated into your native language.

BCG’s Supplier Onboarding Guidelines provide more detailed guidance for the Supplier Input Form in local language too.

I have provided onboarding information by email to my BCG point of contact, why am I getting reminders to complete the Coupa form?

BCG is not authorized to create your account in the Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP),so it is mandatory for you to fill in the Coupa form and submit for approval. Please look for the Coupa Supplier Invitation email sent to you at the registered email address and follow the instructions to register yourself in Coupa Supplier Portal.
Risk Questionnaires
Where can I access any risk questionnaires I am assigned?

All questionnaires that you are assigned will be available on your Coupa Risk Assess portal dashboard. You will receive separate emails for each questionnaire you are assigned, and you can gain access to that questionnaire directly from that email.Look out for the subject line: ‘Coupa Risk Assess: Action Required…’.

How soon do I need to complete the risk questionnaires?

BCG expects suppliers to complete the questionnaires promptly upon receiving them, within the turnaround time of 10 working days, to ensure a smooth and timely assessment process.

What are the typical risk areas covered in the questionnaires?

The questionnaires typically cover areas such as regulatory compliance, business continuity, fourth-party risks, information security, data privacy, and other due diligence questions relevant to the engagement. For assistance in filling out these questionnaires, consult the respective Supplier Onboarding Guideline for the country you are transacting with. Additional documentation may be required based on the answers provided.

Are there separate assessments for information security and data risk?

Yes, separate assessments for information security and data risk may be assigned to suppliers in addition to the general risk questionnaires. These emails are sent separately, and assessments are conducted outside of Coupa, so be vigilant to ensure you complete all the risk requirements.
Purchase Orders
Note: Purchase Orders are only applicable when transacting with select countries – see section 2: ‘Transacting with Purchase Orders’ above for more information.

Where can I find BCG Purchase Orders?
  • If you are registered on the CSP:
    • Log in to the Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP).
    • Click on the “Orders” tab.
    • Select BCG from the “Customer” dropdown if connected to multiple clients.
    • View all POs received from BCG.
  • If you are not yet registered on the CSP:
    • You will receive the PO copy on your registered PO email address.
Why can’t I see my Purchase Order?
If you can’t see your PO, it’s likely due to one of these reasons:
  • Wrong customer selected: Ensure you have chosenBoston Consulting Groupin the CSPcustomerdropdown.
  • Not connected to BCGon CSP: Please email BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com to resend the CSP invitation.
  • No CSP access/role: Ask your CSP admin to check your permissions.
  • PO sent via email: Check your inbox/spam for the PO.
  • PO not issued yet: Follow up with your BCG business requester.

If you need additional support, please email BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.

How do I update the email where I receive Purchase Orders?
To update the email where Purchase Orders (POs) are received:
  • If the supplier is on CSP: They can log in to Coupa Supplier Portal, go to Profile > Customers > PO Transmission Methods, and update the email.
  • If the supplier isnot on CSP: Please email BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com with:
    • Supplier name
    • The BCG entity you are transacting with
    • Current and new PO email address
Can a PO be received by more than one point of contact?

A PO number can only be received by a single CSP account. However, your CSP admin can grant access to multiple users on CSP as required (profile settings > users).

If you are receiving the PO via email (not registered on CSP), then the PO will be sent to the registered PO email address only. Upon request (BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com), POs can be triggered to additional points of contact if required.

Can I continue to invoice over the original PO amount?

No, if you need to invoice above the original PO amount, please reach out to your BCG business requester to either increase the PO amount or issue a new PO.

If I have a PO number, do I also need a WBS code or Capex ID?

No, a PO number is enough to share on the Invoice for processing. Please ensure that the PO line-item description matches the invoice line-item description.

Can I filter the list of Purchase Orders in my Coupa Supplier Portal to show only Purchase Orders that haven't been invoiced?

Yes, you can use the “Views” or “Filters” function to hide POs which are fully invoiced and have a “Closed” status.

What is the purpose of PO acknowledgement by the supplier? 

This button lets BCG business requesters know you have seen the Purchase Order and can fulfil it by the promised date. You are encouraged to use this feature to alert the requester. You can also use the comments section at the bottom of the PO to communicate with the requester.
Invoice Submission
For step-by-step invoicing guidance for the country you are transacting with, please consult BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines.

Should I submit all invoices via the CSP? 

We strongly encourage suppliers to submit invoices electronically via the Coupa Supplier Portal when possible. You can also upload invoices against all POs visible in the portal, if applicable.Using a different method(e.g. email)could result in payment delays. 

How do I submit an invoice in the Coupa Supplier Portal?

You have the following options to create and submit an invoice in Coupa:
  • To create an invoice against a PO, log into CSP and find the BCG Purchase Order. Select the Gold Coin icon to create an invoice.  You may also use cXML, where you can automate the process of sending an invoice file using Coupa's standard cXML format.  
  • To create a non-PO invoice, log into CSP and navigate to the Invoices tab on the main menu. Click on the Create Blank Invoice button above the Invoices table.
For country-specific invoicing guidelines, please consult BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines (linked under the "Submitting Invoices” section above) for step-by-step guidance.

How do I know what details to include on an invoice?

Invoicing requirements vary depending on the country you are transacting with. For country-specific invoicing guidelines, please consult BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines (linked under the "Submitting Invoices” section above) for step-by-step guidance.

How do I edit/void/delete a submitted invoice in the CSP? 

Once an invoice has been submitted, it cannot be changed in any way. This ensures invoice processing integrity.
What you can do instead:
  1. If the invoice was rejected:
    • You can create a new invoice from scratch with the correct details.
    • The original invoice will remain in the system for audit purposes.
  2. If you need to make changes after submission:
    • Contact your BCG contact to request a rejection if it's still pending approval.
    • Then, resubmit the corrected invoice.
  3. If you need to cancel or issue a refund:
    • Create a Credit Note (also known as a Credit Memo) against the original invoice in CSP (see next FAQ below).
If you need any further assistance, please contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.

How do I credit note against a submitted invoice?

For PO-backed invoices:
  1. Go to the “Invoices” tab in the top navigation of the CSP.
  2. Locate the invoice you need to credit (filter by date or PO number).
  3. Click the Gold Coin icon next to that invoice, labelled “Create Credit Note”.
  4. Complete the Credit Note form:
    • Credit Note Number: Must be unique (not the same as the original invoice).
    • Line Items: Match the original invoice lines and enter negative values (e.g., Quantity: -1, Unit Price: -500.00).
    • Tax: If applicable, enter as negative (e.g., -25.00).
    • Comments: Clearly state the reason (e.g., “Overcharge”,“Duplicate billing”).
    • Attachments: Upload any relevant documentation, such as revised invoices or approvals.Add any attachments or comments explaining the reason for the credit.
  5. Submit the credit note.

For non-PO-backed (Blank) invoices:
If the original invoice was not linked to a Purchase Order:
  1. Go to the “Invoices” tab in the top navigation of the CSP.
  2. Click “Create Blank Invoice”.
  3. On the form:
    • Set Invoice Type to Credit Note (if prompted).
    • Reference the original invoice number in the description or comments.
    • Enter negative values for all amounts and tax fields.
    • Provide a clear reason and upload any supporting documents.
  4. Submit the credit note.
You may also send your credit note by email in PDF format to BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com. However, that is not BCG’s preferred channel for receiving credit notes and might have longer lead time for the credit.

How do I submit a deposit invoice?

Deposit invoices should be submitted via email only. Please ensure ‘deposit’ is mentioned in the invoice line description.
Please consult BCG’s Supplier Invoicing Guidelines for step-by-step guidance specific to the country you are transacting with.

How should I communicate invoice-related questions in Coupa?

Ensure you use the appropriate channel based on your query type:
  • Use the Coupa Comments section for invoice-specific issues — e.g., to confirm or recheck details such as amounts, quantities, RTA, taxes, or invoice descriptions.
  • Email BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com for general or high-level inquiries, such as invoice status or “When will I be paid?”
This ensures your question reaches the right team quickly and avoids delays.

Can I submit an invoice once I have completed the supplier onboarding form?

Once our Supplier Onboarding team has received the completed Coupa form from you, your information will undergo a risk screening process which will take approximately 24 to 48 hours. You will receive confirmation via email of onboarding as soon as the screening is successfully completed. After that, you can create your invoice in Coupa Supplier Portal.

Can I reuse an invoice number once BCG has deleted it on their end?

It is not advisable to use the same invoice number again if the invoice has already been deleted by BCG.

How do I add shipping charges to an invoice?

You can add shipping charges at the bottom of the invoice for the entire invoice or at the line-item level for specific goods.

What types of files can I attach to an invoice?

For invoice image scans, attachments must be of PDF. However, other supporting documents can be in the format of XLSX, PNG, GIF, JPG, PEG, PJPEG, or TIFF.

Do I need to include accounting information on cXML invoices?

Invoices against a PO do not need accounting information. When an invoice references a PO line number, Coupa takes the accounting information associated with the line and adds it to the invoice.

Submitting cXML invoices for non-PO orders is not currently enabled.

Why can't I see my transactions or see the BCG tab to list my transactions in CSP? 

It is likely that you registered for CSP using a different email address from what BCG used for the invitation. Please contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com  and ask for another invitation using the address you registered with.

What does the “Export to” button do?

You can export the rows to a CSV file, an Excel document, or bulk export legal invoices in a compressed (.zip) file. By default, the maximum number of rows you can export is 200,000. If you try to export a larger table, you will receive an error message stating that only 200,000 rows are exported. When you export a table with fewer than 500 rows, the file downloads to your computer immediately. When a table has more than 500 rows, you receive the exported file zipped in an email.
Payment on Submitted Invoices
If I’m using the Coupa Supplier Portal, whois responsible for paying me?

BCG is still responsible for paying you directly. You can follow the status of your invoice and payment through the portal.

How do I know if my invoice has been approved for payment?

The invoice approval status will appear in your CSP account under the Invoice history. If registered with the CSP, you will receive an email and notification from Coupa when an invoice is approved for payment.

Once an invoice has been approved, what do I do next?

Nothing! The invoice is in the queue, and you'll be paid based on the payment terms you have with us.

How will I be notified that my invoice was paid?

Remittance advice will be generated and automatically sent to suppliers via email once the invoice has been paid.

How do I check if an invoice has been paid?

Payment information for your invoice will appear in your CSP account under the invoice history. For questions regarding payment information, contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.

What do I do if an invoice is rejected?

When an invoice is rejected, BCG will provide details explaining the rejection in the comments section at the bottom of the invoice. If you are not clear on the reason, you can either enter questions into the comments section on the invoice which will be sent to the Business Requester (BCG contact), or you can contact them directly for further details to resolve the matter. Once confirmed, all you need to do is to create a new invoice to replace the one that was rejected.

What does "Pending Receipt" mean?

This status shows that BCG is receiving the goods/services into their system. Once the BCG buyer enters the receipt, the invoice is matched against it.

What does the status "Pending Approval" on an invoice mean?

It means your invoice requires BCG internal review and approval. Once approved, your invoice will be paid according to the payment terms.

What does the status "Tolerance Hold" on an invoice mean?

It means your invoiced amount differs from the PO by more than BCG allows without manual approval. If an invoice has been on hold for a while, ask the BCG support team to review it.

I submitted an invoice, but I was never paid. What do I do?

The likely reason is that your account was not fully onboarded into the Coupa Supplier Portal, or you have not completed all the Risk components. Please complete all items to ensure you are paid for any submitted invoices.If you still need help, contact BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com.

How do I create a credit note? (also known as credit memo)

For PO-backed invoices:
  1. Go to the “Invoices” tab in the top navigation of the CSP.
  2. Locate the invoice you need to credit (you can filter by date or PO number).
  3. Click the Gold Coin icon next to that invoice, labeled “Create Credit Note”.
  4. Complete the Credit Note form:
    • Credit Note Number: Must be unique (not the same as the original invoice).
    • Line Items: Match the original invoice lines and enter negative values (e.g., Quantity: -1, Unit Price: -500.00).
    • Tax: If applicable, enter as negative (e.g., -25.00).
    • Comments: Clearly state the reason (e.g., “Overcharge”,“Duplicate billing”).
    • Attachments: Upload any relevant documentation, such as revised invoices or approvals. Add any attachments or comments explaining the reason for the credit.
  5. Submit the credit note.

For non-PO-backed (Blank) invoices:
If the original invoice was not linked to a Purchase Order:
  1. Go to the “Invoices” tab in the top navigation of the CSP.
  2. Click “Create Blank Invoice”.
  3. On the form:
    • Set Invoice Type to Credit Note (if prompted).
    • Reference the original invoice number in the description or comments.
    • Enter negative values for all amounts and tax fields.
    • Provide a clear reason and upload any supporting documents.
  4. Submit the credit note.
You may also send your credit note by email in PDF format to BCGProcPaySupport@bcg.com. However, that is not BCG’s preferred channel for receiving credit notes and might have longer lead time for the credit.

Reactivating as a BCG Supplier

If you have previously done work with BCG and cannot access your account, BCG will need to re-invite you before you start any new work with BCG.

Ask your BCG contact to initiate the supplier onboarding process immediately. They can do so by submitting a Supplier Intake Form in Coupa, which will automatically trigger the required onboarding and screening steps.

If you have issues reaching a BCG contact, you may contact the BCG Procurement & Payables Team for further assistance:

Contact BCG’s Procurement & Payables Team

Offboarding as a BCG Supplier

If you no longer wish to work with BCG, your BCG contact can submit a supplier deactivation request. You will be notified when the deactivation from BCG is complete. You will remain a part of the Coupa Supplier Portal.

Contact BCG’s Procurement & Payables Team

Learn More About BCG Supplier Relationships

Benefits of timely completion of information and ensuring your Coupa Supplier Profile is up to date, such as:

  • Have self-service access to update key commercial information and to provide updates on products, services, diversity, ESG status, etc.
  • Make your company visible to the BCG Enterprise Procurement and Payables team (plus 2,500 others through the Coupa Supplier Network).
  • Less paperwork and self-service tracking of the status of purchases.

Supplier Diversity FAQs

Which corporate and diversity council memberships does BCG hold?

  • (US) National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) – NMSDC’s network of corporate members includes 23 affiliates in the US and five global affiliates. It supports the growth of minority suppliers domestically and internationally.
  • (US) Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) – WBENC’s network of over 540 corporate and government entities partners with 14 regional organizations to provide its world-class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the US.
  • (US) Disability: IN – This network includes a central office and 25 affiliates that serve as a collective voice advocating for people with disabilities in business.

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