FAQs – NSV

What is the National Sales Vocabulary (NSV)

The NSV system, database, software and website are CIL’s core product. It consists of over 550000 unique products and services described in a standardized, consistent format – coded in a hierarchical structure.

The NSV system also cross-references supplier product codes, manufacturer & brand data, pack sizes, and GS1 codes to each NSV code where known. Also included for most NSV codes are mappings to the Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV), the United Nations Standard Products & Services Code (UNSPSC) and NHS-eClass.

Although many descriptions are of medical products the database can be used by all types of public and private organisations.

What are the main benefits of Using NSV

By using NSV for the Procurement Record all the data is then able to be aggregated so that full procurement history can be researched to show the what is being bought, from whom and at what price. This in turn creates the following benefits:

• Contract tendering based on accurate usage information possibly leading to lower prices

• Transparent pricing information to be shared with other trusts

• Collaboration with other trusts on contracting to gain the best prices form bulk ordering

• Rationalisation of products, leading to placing fewer orders for higher quantities

• Zero tolerance on invoice checking to ensure correct contract prices are paid

• Overall cash savings should be possible of 5-20% or £0.5m to £1m per trust

Is NSV unique?

Most procurement systems e.g. CPV, UNSPSC, NHS-eClass are headings only and give very little useful information. Only the NSV system includes descriptions at item level e.g. a full description of a chair where price and specification can be compared exactly from different suppliers.

Who needs NSV?

Large organisations who have a need for a procurement department owing to high spend on many products or services. This can include public or private organisations. They are all accountable to either the public or shareholders and need to show everything was efficient and above board and accountable by using a an accurate audit trail.

Does anyone else provide NSV

No.

Some management consultants can offer a coding or heading service, but only as an additional service from staff that little or no experience in coding. CIL specialise in procurement coding and have the history and staff expertise to provide the service with the full experience usually required.