ShopBlue eProcurement System

shop blue logo.

ShopBlue is a fully integrated eProcurement system allowing authorized UB faculty and staff to place orders for necessary goods and services.

Need help or have questions?

Visit our Business Services Support Hub to submit and track requests and access helpful resources.

UBITName and password is required.

On this page:

ShopBlue Training

Register for training and log in to the test site to learn how to navigate ShopBlue.

Take a tour of the ShopBlue test site. It's not functional, but you may browse the site to become familiar with the interface. Log in with your UBITName and password.

The ShopBlue e-Procurement system has many new features and differences compared to the eReq system. This is an overview of some of the key changes to the way common purchasing functions are handled in ShopBlue.

What’s Different in ShopBlue?
Function ShopBlue Changes
Cancel vs. Reject
  • "Reject" will completely cancel a requisition in ShopBlue, similar to "Cancel" in eReq
  • "Return" in ShopBlue will return the requisition to the original owner
Freight
  • Freight charges on state-funded requisitions require a separate line item in ShopBlue
Invoicing
  • Suppliers can invoice UB directly in the ShopBlue system for faster payment by Accounts Payable
Notifications
  • Cost approvers receive notifications for all accounts
Payment Request Form
  • New form in ShopBlue
  • Used for all confirming/received orders
  • One invoice may be submitted per form
  • May submit more than one form per requisition
  • Freight must be a separate line item
Purchase Orders
  • ShopBlue system will automatically generate a PO and send it directly to the supplier
Quotes
  • All supplier quotes should be added as an external attachment
Receivers
  • Every order in ShopBlue will require a receiver to be completed, regardless of dollar amount
  • Receivers are completed directly in the ShopBlue system, not in Web Receiver
Shopping Carts
  • Items to be ordered in ShopBlue are placed into Shopping Carts
  • One supplier may be used per shopping cart
  • Contract items and non-contract items may not be mixed in the same shopping cart
Supplier Fulfillment Centers
  • Choose "030" fulfillment center for RF orders
  • Choose "S001" fulfillment center for state orders
Supplier Information
  • Choose "New Supplier" as the supplier when you cannot find a supplier in ShopBlue
  • In the notes section, add as much contact information about the new supplier as possible
  • Attach a UB Substitute W-9, or W-8 for a foreign supplier, if available.

About ShopBlue

ShopBlue electronically routes items through ordering stages, providing a trackable, one-stop shopping experience. 

ShopBlue enhances process efficiency:

  • Streamlines the purchasing process by electronically routing items through various ordering stages
  • Provides a trackable, one-stop shopping experience
  • Shopping, approvals, sending of the purchase order, receipt of goods or services, and payment to the supplier can all be completed in ShopBlue’s shared marketplace
ShopBlue can be used by anyone with a valid UB appointment who needs to make a purchase for work.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about ShopBlue.

Using ShopBlue

Find step-by-step instructions on how to complete tasks in ShopBlue by user role. 

It is required that a business purpose be provided in the "Business Purpose" field of each ShopBlue requisition. The valid business purpose options are listed here.

Business Purpose Options

  • Academic Support
  • Agency Funds
  • Auxiliary Other
  • Chairs and Professorships
  • Educational Opportunity Center
  • Educational Opportunity Program
  • Educational Support
  • Fellowships
  • Food Service
  • General Administration
  • General Institutional Services
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Instruction and Departmental Research
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Libraries
  • Loans
  • Maintenance and Operation Physical Plant
  • Organized Activities
  • Organized Research
  • Prizes
  • Public Service
  • Residence Halls
  • Sponsored Program Development
  • Student Aid / Scholarships
  • Student Services
  • Summer Sessions
  • Training

User Roles in ShopBlue

There are 2 user roles in ShopBlue — Requester and Cost Approver. Your access to ShopBlue will depend on your role.

Requesters can create a shopping cart, provide accounting information and submit the cart to the Approver for final review. Some Requesters can also be Approvers.

Approvers are authorized individuals who may approve transactions that obligate the university to spend funds, provide or receive services, and otherwise commit its resources. Individuals may enter into these transactions only if they have the appropriate level of authority. 

Navigation Key and Guides

Become familiar with the ShopBlue interface.

Downloads

Guides

Navigation Map and Icons

Punch-Out Supplier Navigation

Videos

Review instructional videos to learn how to use ShopBlue.

Glossary of Terms