Department store retailer partners with Altius to improve supply chain management
Department store retailer partners with Altius to improve supply chain management
Selfridges & Co has appointed Altius Vendor Assessment to manage supplier pre-assessment, compliance and accreditation on behalf of the retail group.
The Altius online vendor accreditation and management system takes an evidence-based approach to checking the competences of suppliers – from health and safety compliance through to financial health, environmental performance, customer service and corporate social responsibility.
Robust process assures standards
Martin Beck, health and safety manager for Selfridges, said: "The robust assessment process used by Altius provides us with the assurance that our contractors can meet the high professional standards we demand, minimising risk and liability for both parties.
While the process is rigorous, it can be tailored to the specific tasks the individual contractor will perform, so we don't waste their time in seeking irrelevant information. Some suppliers have reported that they have reduced insurance premiums by becoming an Altius Assured Vendor."
He added: "We are impressed by the flexibility of the online system, which means that it's future proof. We can instantly add new criteria into our assessments to reflect new regulations, or to meet new environmental or corporate social responsibility requirements. The live assessment process gives us a continuous picture of supplier competence and financial health, not just a snapshot in time, so we can maintain full confidence in our contractors."
Simplifying supplier processes
Previously, Selfridges assessed contractors as part of the pre-tender interviews. The new assessment system has simplified and strengthened this process, saving time and resources and easing the burden on contractors.
The Altius Vendor Assessment system won the 2011 British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Award for Innovation in Technology and Systems. The service is free to clients and main contractors seeking verified suppliers, and there's a small annual fee for vendors.
The provider said its service also helps suppliers simplify the process of tendering for work outside the Altius network, as they can share their online information to prove their credentials to other clients or assessment providers, often avoiding the effort of duplicating the completion of pre-qualification procedures.
