SGS, the world’s
leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, has
launched the Buying Assistance Program, a new service to help consumer goods manufacturers
successfully source suppliers for their global supply chains.
SGS’s Buying Assistance
Program, devised for the toys and hardgoods sector, fills a gap that has become
readily apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before a buyer chooses a new
supplier, they will often inspect a production facility to gauge its ability to
fulfill contractual obligations. However, with the introduction of travel
restrictions during the pandemic, this has become impossible. The answer is
local independent inspectors acting as the eyes and ears for the buyer.
SGS works with the
buyer to create a checklist and inspection plan. SGS’s highly-trained
inspectors review every aspect of the facility’s production process – from
purchasing raw materials to shipping the end product – providing full reports
with photographic evidence that can be customized for reporting in 2D or 3D, as
if the buyer were actually present. The inspector’s report determines whether a
facility can fulfill the customer’s ordering requirements, identifying strengths
and weaknesses in the supplier’s systems, and pinpointing non-conformities. When
a problem is encountered, they work with the buyer and the supplier to develop
a remediation plan. As an important part of due diligence, SGS’s Buying
Assistance Program helps businesses find the right supplier while mitigating
risk in their supply chain.
Commenting on the
launch, Scott Nesson, International Sales Manager, SGS said: “The severe
disruption caused by COVID-19 has shown that buyers are often unable to visit
potential suppliers. With the Buying Assistance Program, we are using the
latest technology, backed by our global network of highly experienced
inspectors, to fill the gap and restore trust in global supply chains.”
Managing a global
supply chain is difficult even without the restrictions imposed to curb the
spread of COVID-19. Without detailed inspections, buyers are cautious and seek
assurance because they lack the necessary insights to make informed decisions about
new suppliers. The Buying Assistance Program fills this intelligence gap, helping
the buyer to make the right choices and rebuilding trust in their supply chain.
For further information,
please contact:
Rachel Cheng
Consumer Goods & Retail Services, SGS
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Phoebe Lee
Consumer Goods & Retail Services, SGS
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Scott Nesson
International Sales Manager
Email: crs.medai@sgs.com
About SGS
SGS is the world’s
leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is
recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000
employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around
the world.