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Resolute Resolutions: Steering the Supply Chain with Year-Long Focus

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

As we embark on a new year, the omnipresence of New Year’s resolutions is undeniable, whether it be on social media, in conversations, or in the news. For many of us, the commitment to these resolutions begins fervently in January but tends to wane as quickly as the holiday decorations are put away. In the supply chain realm, these resolutions take on a strategic and operational significance.

Plan and Play Smart
A key resolution in supply chain management is the adoption of real-time visibility for both supply and demand, enabling effective scenario planning and inventory optimization strategies. This visibility is critical for adapting to changes and making timely, resolute decisions. Integrated Business Solutions are essential in this regard, enhancing the synchronization of supply chain risk and real-time planning. The economic fluctuations affecting sales, operations planning (S&OP), forecasting, demand response, supply, and inventory planning emphasize the need for an agile approach with high visibility. 

Taking Out the Garbage: Data Hygiene
Another crucial resolution involves tackling ‘garbage data’ – data that is inaccurate, unusable, or untrustworthy. Cleaning up and ensuring data reliability is fundamental. The steps to improve data hygiene include: 

  • Audit: Assessing the current data situation and identifying issues in data collection processes. 
  • Standardize: Creating consistent reporting processes aligned with organizational goals. 
  • Deduplicate: Utilizing automation to reduce duplication and human error. 
  • Verify: Testing the reliability and accuracy of the data post-clean-up. 

Strengthen Your Business Networks
The cost of disruption in the supply chain extends beyond finances to brand perception and customer satisfaction. Achieving 360-degree, real-time visibility across the entire end-to-end supply chain is vital. Integrated platforms that allow instant information sharing with suppliers, partners, and third-party providers are essential for transparency, fast decision-making, and enhanced customer satisfaction. 

Closer Scrutiny of Materials Suppliers
Materials suppliers, often less scrutinized than contractors, now face increasing scrutiny due to economic and regulatory pressures. Ensuring compliance with health, safety, quality assurance, environmental protection, and ethical practices is paramount. Supporting suppliers in demonstrating their compliance with supply chain risk management practices is crucial in navigating the complex maze of global and regional regulations. 

Embracing Technology and Innovation
Incorporating technology and innovation is pivotal. Digital transformation can significantly streamline operations. Integrating advanced analytics, AI, and IoT technologies can revolutionize supply chain management. 

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement is essential. This involves open communication, regular training, and celebrating milestones to align the team with organizational goals. 

Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges
The supply chain industry faces numerous challenges, including market fluctuations and global disruptions. Balancing steadfast commitment to resolutions with the flexibility to adapt is key to resilience. 

Conclusion
As we progress through the year, let’s focus on these resolutions with strategic planning, data management, strengthened business networks, and rigorous supplier scrutiny. Let’s make this year count by staying focused, resilient, and committed to our goals in the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain management. 

April Harrison Blog, Supplier Information Management, Supply Chain, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

GHG Protocol Decoded: Tech Solutions for Scope 3 Reporting

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

 

Scope 3 emissions, often referred to as “value chain emissions,” are a part of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s corporate standard for greenhouse gas accounting. These emissions are generally the most significant share of an organization’s carbon footprint but are also the most complex to manage and mitigate, as they involve activities not directly owned or controlled by the reporting company. Scope 3 includes both upstream and downstream emissions and encompasses a wide range of indirect emissions sources.

The regulations and guidelines around Scope 3 emissions vary depending on the region and the specific regulatory framework. However, there are some general aspects to consider:

  • Voluntary vs. Mandatory Reporting: In many regions, reporting Scope 3 emissions is still voluntary but is increasingly being encouraged or required as part of broader sustainability reporting frameworks. For example, the European Union’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) encourages companies to report on their Scope 3 emissions.
  • Standards and Protocols: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3.
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Companies may choose to report Scope 3 emissions as part of their sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. This is often done to improve transparency, manage risks, and identify opportunities for reducing emissions in the supply chain.
  • Investor and Stakeholder Pressure: There is increasing pressure from investors, customers, and other stakeholders for companies to report and reduce their Scope 3 emissions. This pressure often drives more detailed and rigorous reporting and reduction strategies.
  • Sector-Specific Guidelines: Certain industries have specific guidelines or expectations for Scope 3 reporting. For example, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides methods and guidance for companies to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3.
  • Local and National Regulations: Some countries have specific regulations or guidelines for Scope 3 reporting. These can vary significantly and may be more or less stringent than international standards.
  • Integration with Broader ESG Goals: Scope 3 emissions reporting is often part of broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and goals within organizations.

Technological Approaches for Measuring Scope 3 Emissions

Measuring Scope 3 emissions involves complex data collection and analysis due to the broad range of indirect emission sources across a company’s value chain. Technology plays a crucial role in this process, with several key approaches:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Tools: These software tools analyze the environmental impacts of products or services throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. LCA tools can be instrumental in quantifying Scope 3 emissions related to product use and end-of-life stages.
  • Supply Chain Analysis Software: These platforms focus on mapping and assessing emissions within a company’s supply chain. They help identify hotspots of high emissions and opportunities for reduction by analyzing supplier data and activities.
  • Carbon Accounting Platforms: These comprehensive tools enable companies to track and manage their carbon emissions across all scopes, including Scope 3. They often feature dashboards, reporting capabilities, and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS): While primarily focused on direct energy consumption (Scope 1 and 2), EMS can also contribute to Scope 3 analysis by providing insights into the energy use and associated emissions of leased assets, franchises, and outsourced activities.
  • Blockchain and IoT: Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer new ways to track and verify emissions data across complex supply chains, enhancing transparency and accuracy.

Data Sources for Scope 3 Emissions Measurement

Scope 3 reporting platforms gather data from a variety of sources:

  • Supplier Surveys and Self-Reporting: Direct communication with suppliers to collect data on their emissions and environmental practices.
  • Industry Averages and Benchmarks: Utilizing established databases and benchmarks to estimate emissions for common processes or products in the absence of specific data.
  • Public and Proprietary Databases: Accessing government or commercial databases that provide emissions factors and environmental impact data for a wide range of activities and materials.
  • Sensor and IoT Data: Collecting real-time data from sensors and IoT devices embedded in products or supply chain operations to monitor emissions.

Reliability and Approaches

The reliability of Scope 3 measurement can vary significantly based on the data quality, the methodologies used, and the comprehensiveness of the analysis. Approaches that incorporate primary data from direct suppliers and use robust, widely recognized methodologies (like those recommended by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) tend to be more reliable. However, even with the best tools and intentions, Scope 3 measurements often involve a degree of estimation and uncertainty, especially when relying on secondary data or industry averages.

Watch-Outs When Sourcing Scope 3 Reporting Software

  • Data Quality and Transparency: Ensure the software supports high-quality, verifiable data collection and offers transparency about its methodologies and data sources.
  • Customization and Scalability: The platform should be adaptable to your specific industry and supply chain complexity and scalable as your business and reporting needs evolve.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: The software should integrate seamlessly with your existing ERP, CRM, and other management systems to streamline data flow and avoid silos.
  • Compliance and Standards Alignment: Verify that the software supports compliance with relevant regional regulations and aligns with international standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
  • User Support and Training: Adequate user support, training, and resources are essential to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing use of the platform.

In conclusion, technology offers powerful tools for measuring Scope 3 emissions, but the choice of platform and approach requires careful consideration of your company’s specific needs, the quality and source of the data used, and the ability to integrate and align with broader sustainability goals

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the global standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) involves aligning your business’s sustainability reporting with internationally recognized guidelines. The ISSB, operating under the IFRS Foundation, aims to provide a global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards to meet investors’ information needs. Here’s a guide for your business to align with the ISSB standards: 

Understand the ISSB Standards and Their Objectives

  • Overview of ISSB Standards: Familiarize yourself with the ISSB’s aim to standardize sustainability disclosures, focusing on providing relevant, reliable, and comparable information to investors. 
  • Scope and Relevance: Understand how these standards are relevant to your business, particularly in communicating sustainability-related financial risks and opportunities to investors. 

Assess Current Sustainability Reporting Practices

  • Gap Analysis: Evaluate your current sustainability reporting practices against the ISSB standards to identify gaps. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including investors, to understand their needs and expectations regarding sustainability information. 

Integrate Sustainability into Governance

  • Governance Structure: Ensure your board and management are equipped to oversee sustainability issues in line with the ISSB standards. 
  • Accountability and Responsibility: Assign clear roles and responsibilities for sustainability reporting and disclosure within your organization. 

Enhance Data Collection and Management

  • Robust Data Systems: Develop or enhance systems to collect accurate and verifiable sustainability data. 
  • Quality and Consistency: Focus on the quality, consistency, and reliability of the data collected for sustainability reporting. 

Align Reporting with ISSB Requirements

  • Disclosure Practices: Adapt your sustainability reporting practices to align with the ISSB’s disclosure requirements, focusing on materiality, clarity, and completeness. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your reporting practices to align with evolving ISSB standards and best practices. 

Prepare for External Assurance

  • Assurance Readiness: Prepare for external assurance of your sustainability disclosures to ensure they meet the ISSB standards. 
  • Transparency and Credibility: Use external assurance to enhance the credibility and transparency of your sustainability reporting. 

Implement Effective Communication Strategies

  • Investor Communication: Develop a strategy to effectively communicate your sustainability performance and risks to investors. 
  • Public Reporting: Ensure public disclosures are clear, concise, and provide meaningful information to investors and other stakeholders. 

Monitor Developments and Participate in Dialogues

  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of developments and updates in ISSB standards and related regulatory changes. 
  • Industry Collaboration: Participate in industry forums and dialogues to stay informed and influence the development of sustainability standards. 

Train and Educate Staff

  • Internal Training: Provide training for staff involved in sustainability reporting to ensure understanding and compliance with ISSB standards. 
  • Building Expertise: Develop internal expertise or seek external support for interpreting and applying the ISSB standards. 

Conclusion
Aligning with the ISSB standards is a strategic move towards globally consistent and comparable sustainability reporting. It not only aids in meeting investor demands but also enhances the overall credibility and transparency of your business’s sustainability efforts. As these standards evolve, staying proactive in adapting and improving your sustainability reporting practices will be key to maintaining alignment and demonstrating your commitment to sustainable business practices. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) involves a strategic approach to climate-related risk management and disclosure. The TCFD aims to improve and increase the reporting of climate-related financial information. Here’s a comprehensive guide for your business to align with the TCFD recommendations: 

Understand the TCFD Framework

  • Framework Overview: Familiarize yourself with the TCFD’s four core areas: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets. 
  • Applicability and Benefits: Understand how the TCFD recommendations apply to your organization and the benefits of enhanced climate-related financial disclosures, including better risk management and more informed strategic planning. 

Integrate Climate-Related Risks into Governance

  • Board Oversight: Ensure your board of directors is informed about and oversees climate-related risks and opportunities. 
  • Management’s Role: Establish management-level roles responsible for assessing and managing climate-related issues. 

Incorporate Climate Change into Organizational Strategy

  • Impact Assessment: Assess the potential impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on your organization’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning. 
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analysis to understand the resilience of your organization’s strategy under different climate-related scenarios. 

Manage Climate-Related Risks

  • Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify and assess climate-related risks to determine how they could affect your organization. 
  • Risk Management Processes: Integrate climate-related risks into your existing risk management processes, ensuring an organization-wide approach to addressing these risks. 

Develop and Disclose Climate-Related Metrics and Targets

  • Metrics Selection: Choose appropriate climate-related metrics that are relevant to your organization. 
  • Setting Targets: Set and disclose targets your organization uses to manage climate-related risks and explain how these targets align with your strategy. 

Enhance Transparency and Disclosure

  • Reporting: Prepare to disclose climate-related financial information in your organization’s annual financial filings or other public documents. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly update and refine your disclosures as practices and knowledge evolve. 

Engage with Stakeholders

  • Stakeholder Communication: Communicate with stakeholders about your organization’s approach to managing climate-related risks and opportunities. 
  • Feedback Incorporation: Use stakeholder feedback to enhance your climate-related financial disclosures. 

Monitor Regulatory Developments

  • Regulatory Awareness: Stay informed about current and upcoming regulations related to climate disclosure in the jurisdictions where your organization operates. 
  • Compliance Preparation: Prepare your organization for potential regulatory changes or requirements related to climate reporting. 

Provide Training and Build Capacity

  • Internal Training: Ensure relevant employees and management are trained on the importance of climate-related risks and the TCFD recommendations. 
  • Expertise Development: Develop in-house expertise or seek external support to understand and implement TCFD-aligned disclosures effectively. 

Conclusion
Aligning with the TCFD recommendations is essential for forward-thinking organizations committed to addressing climate change risks and opportunities. It facilitates compliance with emerging regulations and positions your business as a leader in sustainable practices, enhancing investor confidence and public trust. By taking proactive steps in governance, strategy, risk management, and transparent reporting, your organization can effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Complying with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)involves several key steps and considerations for businesses. The CSRD significantly expands the sustainability reporting requirements for companies in the EU. Here’s a guide to what your business needs to do: 

 Understand the Scope and Applicability

  • Determine Eligibility: The CSRD applies to all large companies, whether they are publicly listed or not. Specifically, it targets companies with more than 500 employees. 
  • Timeline Awareness: Be aware of when the CSRD requirements will apply to your business. The directive is expected to be applied in stages starting from 2024 for reports published in 2025. 

 Develop Robust Data Collection Systems

  • Data Collection and Management: Establish or enhance systems for collecting a wide range of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data. This includes environmental impact, social practices, and governance structures. 
  • Technology Integration: Consider implementing technology solutions that can help in accurately collecting and managing sustainability data.

Align Reporting with CSRD Requirements

  • Understand Reporting Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the specific reporting standards and formats that the CSRD mandates. This includes details on sustainability-related matters such as environmental protection, social responsibility, and treatment of employees. 
  • External Standards and Frameworks: Align your reporting with recognized sustainability frameworks and standards that are consistent with CSRD requirements. 

Integrate Sustainability into Business Strategy

  • Strategic Alignment: Ensure that your company’s strategy reflects a commitment to sustainability, as the CSRD aims for sustainability to be integrated into the business model. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, to understand their perspectives and incorporate their feedback into your sustainability practices. 

Establish a Sustainability Governance Structure

  • Governance Framework: Set up a governance framework for sustainability reporting, ensuring that there is oversight and accountability within the organization. 
  • Training and Awareness: Train relevant staff on CSRD requirements and the importance of sustainability reporting. 

Prepare for Assurance and Verification

  • Assurance Readiness: Prepare for external assurance of your sustainability reporting, as the CSRD requires assurance on the reported sustainability information. 
  • Transparency and Accountability: Focus on the accuracy and transparency of your reporting to build trust with stakeholders and comply with the directive. 

Stay Informed and Adapt

  • Regulatory Updates: Stay updated on any changes or updates to the CSRD and related regulations. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your sustainability practices and reporting to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement. 

Communicate and Disclose

  • Effective Communication: Develop a communication plan to effectively disclose sustainability information both internally and externally. 
  • Report Preparation: Prepare your sustainability reports in line with CSRD guidelines and ensure they are accessible to stakeholders. 

Conclusion
Compliance with the CSRD is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an opportunity to embed sustainability into the core of your business operations. By taking these steps, businesses can not only comply with the directive but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires a comprehensive approach from businesses. The CSDDD aims to ensure that companies operating in the EU market address and mitigate adverse impacts on human rights and the environment within their operations and supply chains. Here’s a guide on what your business needs to do: 

Understand the Directive and Its Scope

  • Determine Applicability: The CSDDD applies to large companies operating in the EU market. This includes EU companies with significant turnover and a certain number of employees, as well as non-EU companies with substantial business in the EU. 
  • Scope of Operations: Understand that the directive covers your operations, your subsidiaries, and your supply chain, including indirect business relationships.

Conduct Thorough Due Diligence

  • Risk Assessment: Carry out a thorough risk assessment to identify actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights and the environment in your operations and supply chains. 
  • Action Plan: Develop and implement an action plan to address, prevent, and mitigate identified risks. 

Engage with Affected Stakeholders

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with potentially affected groups, including workers, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders, to understand their concerns and perspectives. 
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish and maintain a system for receiving and addressing feedback or complaints from affected stakeholders. 

Implement Effective Governance Structures

  • Responsibility and Oversight: Assign responsibility for due diligence at a high governance level within your organization. 
  • Training and Awareness: Ensure employees and management are trained and aware of the due diligence requirements. 

Ensure Transparency and Reporting

  • Public Reporting: Prepare and publicly disclose an annual report on your due diligence policies, processes, findings, and actions taken. 
  • Transparent Communication: Be transparent about the challenges and limitations faced in addressing adverse impacts. 

Monitor, Evaluate, and Update Due Diligence Practices

  • Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your due diligence measures. 
  • Regular Updates: Update your due diligence processes as needed based on monitoring results and evolving risks. 

Prepare for Legal Compliance and Liability

  • Legal Compliance: Understand and comply with the legal obligations under the CSDDD, including civil liability provisions. 
  • Documenting Compliance: Keep thorough records of your due diligence efforts to demonstrate compliance. 

Establish End-to-End Supply Chain Management

  • Supply Chain Collaboration: Work collaboratively with suppliers and business partners to ensure they understand and comply with the CSDDD requirements. 
  • Contractual Clauses: Include appropriate clauses in contracts with suppliers and business partners to ensure compliance with due diligence obligations. 

Develop a Responsive Strategy for Identified Risks

  • Mitigation and Remediation: Develop strategies to mitigate any adverse impacts and provide for remediation where harm has occurred. 
  • Ending Relationships: Be prepared to end business relationships if mitigation of adverse impacts is not possible. 

Conclusion
Compliance with the CSDDD is a crucial step towards responsible and sustainable business practices. By integrating due diligence into your business operations and addressing potential adverse impacts on human rights and the environment, your company not only adheres to regulatory requirements but also contributes positively to societal and environmental well-being. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Evolving Corporate Sustainability Regulations

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Corporate sustainability has gained unprecedented importance in the face of global challenges like climate change and human rights issues. Businesses are increasingly held accountable for their environmental degradation and social impacts. Legislative and regulatory changes are redefining corporate responsibilities towards sustainability, moving beyond voluntary initiatives to mandatory compliance.

From EU regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to the global standards of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD),  the reporting landscape is transitioning at lightning speed.

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which aims to enhance the protection of the environment and human rights in the EU and globally. The due diligence directive will set obligations for large companies regarding actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights and the environment, with respect to their own operations, those of their subsidiaries, and those carried out by their business partners.

Which regulations apply to you?

Key Frameworks: The CSDDD, CSRD, ISSB, and TCFD represent significant legislative and regulatory shifts, mandating comprehensive sustainability practices and reporting.

Implications for Organizations: These frameworks signal a shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability practices, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.

Read more over the next few days as we provide insight into CSRD, ISSB, TCFD, and the CSDDD.

April Harrison Blog, ESG, News, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

TYS Podcast S2E1- Navigating Supply Chain Risks

In the ever-evolving landscape of procurement, understanding and mitigating risks have become paramount for businesses seeking sustained success. In the inaugural episode of “TYS Lunch & Learn,” hosted by Fatima Lacanlale, Nick Picone, VP of Advisory Practice at Trust Your Supplier, sheds light on critical aspects of digital transformation, supply chain dynamics, and the future of how to mitigate risk in procurement. 

Unlocking the World of Risks:
Nick, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the business software industry, delves into the intricacies of supplier risks, particularly focusing on financial vulnerabilities. With companies facing historic acceleration in interest rates, small and medium-tier suppliers are grappling with financial stress. The result? A significant increase in bankruptcies, posing a substantial threat to supply chain continuity. 

Nick emphasizes the need for organizations to grasp the impending challenges, with $4 trillion of debt expected to roll over at much higher rates in the next four years. Small and medium-tier suppliers, often crucial to a company’s operations, are likely to bear the brunt. To address this, businesses must act swiftly, collaborating with suppliers to mitigate risks or exploring alternative sourcing strategies. 

The Power of Visibility and Clean Data:
A recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of visibility and clean data. Nick asserts that clean, segmented data forms the foundation for achieving comprehensive visibility across the supplier base. The ability to augment this data with real-time insights from third parties and take actionable steps is essential.  

Trust Your Supplier (TYS) emerges as a solution that empowers businesses with the agility to navigate these challenges, offering a single, unified platform for data security, governance, and risk management. 

Actionable Steps for a Resilient Future:
Nick provides actionable steps for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and mitigate risks. The key lies in intellectual curiosity and collaboration. Leadership within organizations must engage in internal dialogues and collaborate with external providers like TYS to understand and solve the complex problems associated with procurement risks. The adoption of modern technology, including blockchain platforms, is pivotal in achieving control over data, fostering trust, and ensuring transparency—an approach that Trust Your Supplier advocates. 

In conclusion, this episode underscores the critical need for businesses to proactively address risks in their supply chain. By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and staying intellectually curious, organizations can not only navigate the challenges posed by financial uncertainties but also build a resilient supply chain that stands the test of time. Stay tuned for more insights and expert discussions in future episodes of ” Lunch & Learns.” 

April Harrison Blog, Podcast, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management 0 Comments , , ,

Navigating Data Governance in Supply Chain Management: The Critical Role of Supplier Segmentation

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

In today’s global business environment, managing supply chain risks and ensuring compliance with both regional and global regulations is more challenging than ever. Central to this challenge is the effective governance of supplier data, which encompasses a wide range of aspects from contracts and insurance to audits and purchase orders. This blog explores the importance of utilizing supplier segmentation as a strategic tool in managing data governance and mitigating risks. 

Understanding Supplier Segmentation: 

Supplier segmentation is the process of categorizing suppliers based on various criteria such as spend, risk, strategic importance, and compliance. This segmentation allows organizations to apply different management techniques and resources based on the category of the supplier. 

Enhancing Data Governance through Supplier Segmentation

>Revalidation of Data: Regular revalidation of supplier data is essential for maintaining its accuracy and relevance. Segmentation helps prioritize which suppliers require more frequent or detailed revalidation processes. 

>Risk Assessment: Different suppliers pose different levels of risk. Segmentation allows for tailored risk assessment strategies, focusing more intensely on high-risk or high-impact suppliers.

Compliance with Global and Regional Regulations

>Understanding Regulatory Landscape: Each segment of suppliers may be subject to different regulatory requirements based on their location, size, or industry. 

>Customized Compliance Strategies: Segmentation enables the development of compliance strategies that are specifically tailored to the regulatory requirements of different supplier groups. 

Third-Party Risk Management

>Identifying and Monitoring Risks: Effective segmentation helps identify the various risks associated with each supplier group and setting up appropriate monitoring mechanisms. 

>Proactive Risk Mitigation: By understanding the risk profile of each segment, companies can proactively develop mitigation strategies.

Contract Management and Insurance

>Tailored Contract Strategies: Different supplier segments may require different contract terms and conditions based on the level of engagement and risk involved. 

>Insurance Requirements: Supplier segmentation helps in determining appropriate insurance requirements and levels of coverage for different supplier categories. 

Audits and Purchase Orders

>Audit Planning: Segmentation aids in planning audits, focusing resources on high-risk or high-value suppliers. 

>Streamlining Purchase Orders: By understanding the nature and requirements of each segment, companies can streamline their purchase order processes for efficiency and compliance. 

Conclusion

In the complex and ever-evolving world of global supply chain management, supplier segmentation stands out as a vital tool for effective data governance. It not only ensures compliance and mitigates risks but also optimizes resources and enhances operational efficiency. As businesses continue to navigate the intricacies of global and regional regulations, the strategic use of supplier segmentation will be a key factor in their success. 

Want to learn more? Let’s talk!

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Trust Your Supplier (TYS) is a Small, Minority and Woman owned business with a global reach offering an innovative blockchain-based solution for supplier and risk management to large and mid-size enterprises. By harnessing the immutability of the blockchain, TYS ensures daily monitoring, historical, predictive, and prescriptive risk insights, enabling trusted data exchange and workflow automation beyond traditional boundaries. This distributed ledger technology fosters transparency, efficiency, and empowerment for businesses to effectively manage suppliers and mitigate risks.  

April Harrison Blog, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Supplier Information Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Bridging Gaps in Collaboration & Data to Achieve Compliance

In the dynamic landscape of digital procurement, the recent DPW Amsterdam 2023 conference featured a thought-provoking panel discussion hosted by Michelle Armstrong, the Global VP of Value Solutions for Trust Your Supplier (TYS). With participants including Diarmuid O’Donoghue, Head of Digital Procurement Garage at BT Sourced, and Dr. Elouise Epstein, a Partner at Kearney, the discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving realm of procurement and the role of blockchain in its future. 

Trust Your Supplier (TYS), a patented information network built with IBM Hyperledger blockchain was designed for digital identity verification of suppliers. The platform focuses on fostering collaboration among strategic partners to enhance information reliability and reduce supply chain risks. 

Here are the discussion points and key takeaways from the session recording: 

The Value of Digital Identity
Emphasizing the significance of digital identity, Michelle highlights the growing importance of synergizing information among augmented providers. She underscores the relevance of such collaboration in the context of emerging regulations like the supply chain due diligence and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. 

Insights from Diarmuid O’Donoghue on BT Sourced
Diarmuid provides valuable insights into BT Sourced, a separate procurement entity based in Dublin, Ireland, supporting BT’s diverse needs. The organization’s mission revolves around leveraging technology for a better future, with a strong focus on diversity, digital innovation, and predictive analytics. 

The Significance of “BT Sourced”
Diarmuid explains the rationale behind the choice of “BT Sourced” as opposed to “procurement.” He highlighted how the name aligns seamlessly with their mission, incorporating both digital and human aspects. 

Dr. Eloise Epstein’s Perspective on Procurement Marketing
Dr. Elouise Epstein echoes the sentiment of rebranding procurement, emphasizing the need to move beyond jargon and make it more accessible to the broader business community. Her perspective sheds light on the importance of effective communication in fostering collaboration. 

Blockchain’s Role in Decision Making
Diarmuid emphasizes the pivotal role of blockchain in ensuring security, privacy, and traceability throughout the procurement process. He highlights how blockchain contributes to building trust and accountability, crucial elements in the decision-making process. 

Supplier Adoption and Digital Identity  
Michelle delves into the challenges of getting suppliers to adopt new strategies and digital native blockchain technologies. She acknowledges BT’s success in convincing internal teams, external suppliers, and partners to embrace the process. 

Key Takeaways

  • The importance of having a unified vision and strategy to prevent technology from overshadowing goals. 
  • BT Sourced’s ambition to become the most digitally skilled global procurement company with a focus on self-service, customer experience, and quick data access. 
  • Eloise Epstein’s critique of the complexity suppliers face in transacting with organizations and the need for simplifying supplier experience management. 
  • Diarmuid O’Donoghue’s confidence in the future of the digital wallet concept for suppliers, empowering them to control and share data. 
  • Michelle’s vision of a future where suppliers possess a portable wallet with continuously updated information on ESG, cybersecurity, and more. 

Collaboration and Challenges in Procurement
Michelle praises the trend of digital garages and highlights the importance of a unified digital identity for suppliers. Diarmuid discusses BT’s digital strategy, mentioning a recent digital week that fostered collaboration with vendors. 

Key Insights

  • The significance of collaboration within digital garages, emphasizing the need for one set of Digital Service Orchestration (DSO) standards. 
  • BT’s digital week as a platform for collaboration with vendors, generating positive energy for potential partnerships and integrations. 
  • The value of competitors and vertical industries collaborating, aligning compliance and due diligence efforts for a streamlined approach. 
  • Dr Eloise Epstein’s emphasis on upskilling people, especially in digital competency, and the encouragement to prioritize human elements alongside AI. 
  • Audience questions touching on convincing suppliers to adopt blockchain, ensuring interoperability among vendors in different industries, and the importance of open dialogue and collaboration. 

Conclusion
The DPW Amsterdam 2023 panel discussion provided a rich tapestry of insights into the evolving landscape of digital procurement. From the role of blockchain in decision-making to the challenges of supplier adoption and the importance of collaboration within digital garages, the discussion highlighted the need for a unified approach, innovative solutions, and a human-centric perspective in the ever-evolving world of procurement.  

As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, these insights serve as valuable guideposts for the future of procurement excellence. 

Want to learn more? Let’s talk!

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Trust Your Supplier (TYS) is a Small, Minority and Woman owned business with a global reach offering an innovative blockchain-based solution for supplier and risk management to large and mid-size enterprises. By harnessing the immutability of the blockchain, TYS ensures daily monitoring, historical, predictive, and prescriptive risk insights, enabling trusted data exchange and workflow automation beyond traditional boundaries. This distributed ledger technology fosters transparency, efficiency, and empowerment for businesses to effectively manage suppliers and mitigate risks.  

April Harrison Blog, Events, Risk & Compliance, Telecom, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , ,