Vendor onboarding
Vendor risk tiering software for proportional diligence
Assign vendors to risk tiers and Keelstar applies the right document set, screening cadence, and approvals automatically.
Last updated:
Related: Vendor Packet · Vendor onboarding · Vendor due diligence software · Vendor compliance dashboard · Third party vendor compliance · All solutions
The common problem
Every vendor gets the same onboarding packet whether they sell office supplies or handle PHI. Teams waste time on low-risk vendors and under-review high-risk ones.
- One-size-fits-all onboarding slows procurement
- High-risk vendors slip through with minimal review
- Tier definitions exist in policy but not in software
- Auditors ask why a vendor received lighter scrutiny
How vendor onboarding works
Define
Set the documents and attestations each vendor type must complete before they are approved to work or get paid.
Collect
Send a single portal link so vendors upload W-9s, insurance, contracts, and questionnaires in one place.
Approve
Review completeness, assign owners, and release vendors to AP and operations with a dated audit record.
Benefits
- One portal instead of scattered email threads
- Checklists tied to vendor type and spend tier
- Status visibility for procurement, AP, and risk
- Evidence packet for internal and external audits
Tier configuration
Define tiers that match your risk policy
Configure document requirements, screening frequency, and approval paths for each vendor tier in one system.
Automation
Apply tiers at intake automatically
New vendors inherit tier rules at onboarding so the correct packet and controls start immediately.
- Tier-based document requirements
- OIG re-screening cadence by tier
- Approval routing by risk level
Evidence
Explain tier decisions to auditors
Third-party risk assessments and tier assignments stay on the vendor record with timestamps.
Who it's for
- Third-party risk managers defining vendor tiers
- Procurement leaders speeding low-risk onboarding
- Healthcare compliance teams tiering PHI vendors
- Audit teams reviewing vendor diligence consistency
What good looks like
- Tier definitions mapped to document requirements
- New vendors assigned a tier at intake
- High-risk tiers include enhanced screening
- Tier changes documented with rationale
- Tier assignment exports for audit
Need a tracked version? Set up a vendor portal, vendor onboarding workflow, or browse all solution guides.
FAQ
Configure as many tiers as your policy requires, each with its own requirements and cadence.
Yes. Tier changes are logged with rationale on the vendor record.
Yes. High-risk tiers can re-screen monthly while lower tiers follow lighter schedules.
Assign tiers manually or based on intake data like category, spend, or data access.
Keelstar covers W-9, COI, OIG screening, contracts, invoices, and policies on shared vendor records.