How to avoid SMETA audit pitfalls and improve supply chain

Strong supply chains are built on more than cost and efficiency - they’re built on trust. SMETA audits give companies the chance to spot risks early and turn them into opportunities for better compliance, safer workplaces, and stronger supplier relationships. In this carousel, you’ll learn: 👉 The most common pitfalls companies face in SMETA audits 👉 Why labor providers often create hidden risks 👉 How corrective action plans help drive measurable progress Explore practical ways to strengthen your supply chain. 📍 Join our SMETA Audit Insights Webinar on September 25 at 10:00 AM ET/ 4:00 PM CET with experts from TÜV SÜD 🔗 http://spkl.io/6042AuGLw

How can buyers ensure supplier safety without bearing disproportionate risks? This research examines the interaction between buyer audit strategies and supplier safety investments when damages from non-compliance are shared. By modeling how reputable buyers and suppliers set their respective audit and safety levels,  the study uncovers nuanced dynamics showing that the effectiveness of audits depends not only on their intensity but also on the magnitude of damage costs when they are shared between buyers and the supplier, based on external compliance standards. The full paper, co-authored with Yang Li and Hubert Pun, has been recently accepted for publication in IISE Transactions, where it contributes both theoretical insights and practical guidance for firms and policymakers seeking more effective approaches to supply chain governance. Read on in the full paper: https://lnkd.in/gg2n7M_N

Supply chains are only as strong as the confidence you have in them. 📌NQC's SUPPLIERASSURANCE is about more than reacting when things go wrong. It’s about knowing your risks, acting early, and staying ahead. By evaluating every supplier, at every tier, you build defensible due diligence that stands up to scrutiny and aligns with leading standards like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. Swipe through to see how SUPPLIERASSURANCE creates real supply chain assurance. 🔗https://lnkd.in/ezm-K5q9

Contracts on auto-renewal rarely protect value. They quietly raise costs and limit flexibility. 🔗 Learn why in the full blog: https://lnkd.in/g5JnwaWD Our review of over 6,000 contracts each year reveals that many organizations are operating with low-maturity agreements—characterized by auto-renewals, vague language, and add-ons that increase total costs by 8% to 12%. Managing Partner & Chief Client Value Officer Michael Braunschweiger outlines how procurement leaders can move to high-maturity contracts that improve transparency, leverage, and long-term savings. Discover how LogicSource captures hidden savings through contract optimization: https://lnkd.in/ggHMtXqc #SpendManagement #CostSavings #ContractMaturity

Navigate Global Manufacturing Risks: Secure Your Supply Chain – Part 3 of a 5 Part Series In The News: "65% of respondents said attracting and retaining talent is their primary business challenge." - Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute - This quote from the Deloitte and manufacturing institute report, enforces the need for outside help in the manufacturing process, due to the lack of talent in the field. Navigating the complexities of global manufacturing can feel like traversing a minefield. Tariff-free zones, pre-vetted contract manufacturers, and on-the-ground quality audits are essential for mitigating risks and securing your supply chain. But for SMBs, these resources are often out of reach. How can you ensure quality and reliability when manufacturing offshore? REDUxCOMPLETETM provides a global network of pre-vetted contract manufacturers across plastic, metal, and electrical, in multiple tariff-free zones. We also have quality audit staff on the ground to ensure your product meets your requirements. This saves you months of expensive qualification efforts and reduces your headcount. Imagine accessing a secure, reliable global supply chain without the costly overhead. We support your staff in every contract manufacturer engagement, allowing you to access multiple markets safely and nimbly. Ready to secure your global supply chain and mitigate manufacturing risks? Book a free consultation with me on my calendar link: https://bit.ly/442M0x4 #GlobalSupplyChain #ManufacturingRisks #ContractManufacturing #QualityControl #TariffFreeZones #GlobalSourcing #SupplyChainManagement #SMBManufacturing #ManufacturingSolutions #BusinessStrategy #OperationsManagement #ManufacturingExcellence #SupplyChainResilience #ManufacturingEfficiency #StrategicSourcing #OperationalExcellence #ManufacturingTechnology #BusinessDevelopment #EBITDAgrowth #ManufacturingConsulting #ManufacturingPartners #ManufacturingProcess #ProductCommercialization

🔑 Supplier Relationship Management: Beyond Price In procurement, choosing and managing suppliers isn’t just about cost. To build lasting, value-driven partnerships, we need a broader perspective. That’s where RAQSCI comes in: Regulatory – compliance and certifications Assurance of Supply – reliability and continuity Quality – meeting agreed standards Service – responsiveness and collaboration Cost – competitive, but sustainable Innovation – driving future growth RAQSCI reminds us that the strongest supplier relationships are built not only on contracts, but also on trust, performance, and shared innovation. 🌍 In today’s dynamic markets, applying RAQSCI ensures procurement isn’t just transactional — it’s strategic. #Procurement #SupplierRelationshipManagement #SRM #StrategicSourcing #Innovation

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞. With the need of more robust exception handling processes for DSCSA compliance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin your journey. That’s why we’ve created a six-step infographic so you can confidently take the first step towards handling exceptions for projects rejected due to data errors under the DSCSA. Inside, you’ll discover: 🔹A detailed analysis of each step to ensure you’re on the right path towards exception handling 🔹How to create awareness, support your supply chain partners, and develop a comprehensive solution 🔹Strategies ensure compliance and seamless movement of prescription products through the supply chain Download the infographic today and start your journey towards a successful exception handling➡️ https://okt.to/9bQCGl

Loading and unloading exclusion steps Here is a suggested outline of Loading and Unloading Exclusion Steps based on industry best practices and regulatory guidance, including the setup and management of exclusion zones for safe operations: How have you documented this in your sites and discussed this with your supply chain partners?

Procurement has taught me a simple yet powerful principle: transparency builds trust. I first understood this during class case studies where fairness in supplier selection was discussed. Whether in public or private organizations, openness ensures compliance and strengthens relationships. #Procurement #Transparency #BusinessEthics #SupplyChainManagement