Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies - May 2008 - (Page 37)

focuses on helping companies avoid recalls with its Factory Footprint solution. During the design process, as traits and characteristics of a product are established and sources of supply identified, Factory Footprint automatically recommends the types of tests, certifications and inspections that need to be done, says CEO Sue Welch. “So while a company is in the design process, it can start to collaborate with suppliers on these requirements and force them early on to agree to comply with the requirements and to show that they are capable of doing so.” The TradeStone application also includes processes for evaluating factories on social, ethical and legal compliance, she says. “Factory Footprint is able to take information from the factory, from on-site inspections and from audits to make sure this factory is qualified to do business with the buyer.” In the next stage, it analyzes the products to be made and lists the types of certifications required for those products to be imported to the U.S., so the company can confirm that the needed certifications are in place, she says. “This is all about determining if the supplier is a valid one for that buyer and then monitor- ing and auditing compliance on a continuing basis,” she says. “Anyone who imports anything needs to either develop more discipline with their overseas partners or put people on the street overseas to do inspections,” says Kozenski. “The other alternative is to increase inbound inspections here in the states when goods arrive. If someone from the government comes in and asks to see a record of your inspections of imported products for the past six months, you are going to need to have all your ducks in a row.” One of the issues that led to Mattel’s recalls last summer was that a trusted 15year supplier in China subcontracted work to a supplier that used the high-lead-content paint. Mattel at that time allowed the original supplier to do its own testing. It has since increased its quality assurance budget by 25 percent and significantly increased product testing. Finding suppliers with whom you can develop long-lasting relationships still is the best strategy, says Mantripragada. “What we are seeing is that leading companies are taking extra steps to educate their suppliers regarding manufacturing best practices and, in some cases, are helping them deploy the right IT infrastructure to ensure that these best practices are adhered to. That’s the way to go, because for long-term competitiveness, long-term supplier relationships ultimately are a necessity.” To access this article online, visit The Digital Edition at www.SupplyChainBrain.com. Resource Links Axway, www.axway.com Capgemini, www.capgemini.com Carolina Logistics Service, www.cls.inmar.com CDC Software, www.cdcsoftware.com GENCO, www.genco.com i2, www.i2.com Infor, www.infor.com Intermec, www.intermec.com Marsh Risk Consulting, www.marshriskconsulting.com RedPrairie, www.redprairie.com SAP, www.sap.com SEKO, www.sekoworldwide.com TradeStone, www.TradeStonesoftware.com THE EFFICIENCY OF TOTAL LOGISTICS 60 por ts, 10 multimodal hubs, a network of container terminals covering the whole of Pa r i s re g i o n , a ye a r - ro u n d l o c a l s e r v i ce linked with over 100 European por ts with no t ra n s h i p p i n g a n d a co m b i n e d t ra n s p o r t offer. The assurance of high-per formance, spot traffic at managed costs and delivery times. Port autonome de Paris. Logistics made to measure : www.paris-ports.fr The other way to Paris region www.SupplyChainBrain.com GLOBAL LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIES 37 http://www.SupplyChainBrain.com http://www.axway.com http://www.capgemini.com http://www.cls.inmar.com http://www.cdcsoftware.com http://www.genco.com http://www.i2.com http://www.infor.com http://www.intermec.com http://www.marshriskconsulting.com http://www.redprairie.com http://www.sap.com http://www.sekoworldwide.com http://www.TradeStonesoftware.com http://www.paris-ports.fr http://www.SupplyChainBrain.com

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Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies - May 2008 Contents Editorial GL and SCS Exclusive Fast Forward Up Front Cover Story: 'Be Prepared Is Motto that All Companies Should Follow When It Comes to Recalls Here and There 1+1=One Opinion Can't Happen Here Industry Voices

Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies - May 2008

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