Morrisons goes online for compliance
By Retail Technology | Monday June 24 2013
UK grocer appoints online vendor assessment technology vendor to assure supply chain compliance for managing work across its estate
Food retailer Morrisons has appointed Altius Vendor Assessment to manage contractor assessment, compliance and accreditation.
With 500 stores, 7 major distribution centres and 19 production facilities, Morrisons required a central system for monitoring the health and safety credentials and competences of hundreds of contractors undertaking work across its national estate.
Evidence-based approach
It selected the Altius online supplier accreditation and management system to provide a consistent, evidence-based approach to checking the competences of suppliers – from health and safety compliance through to financial health, insurance cover and other commercial risk factors.
Phil Taylor, head of group health and safety for Morrisons, explained: "The Altius system provides assurance that our contractors meet the high professional standards we require, thereby minimising risk and liability for both parties. It's a live assessment process, so we gain a continuous picture of supplier competence and financial health, with all their certification and evidence available to view online.”
Added supply chain visibility
Taylor said the supermarket examined a number of assessment providers. “But Altius were able to tailor their assessment to our needs and accommodate updates and new requirements as required,” he added. They also provide support and advice to our contractors to help them improve their systems and processes. We receive weekly reports on contractors, but can use the system at any time to gain visibility of our supply chain."
Priya Kudhail, buyer for Morrisons, added: "The Altius Assured Vendors network is very useful for identifying new suppliers who are pre-qualified and can meet our criteria. The live financial data is also helpful as we can continuously check credit scores of contractors and set up alerts to avoid financial risk."
Morrisons joins the likes of Selfridges, Punch Taverns, Arcadia Group, Superdrug and Wolseley is using the Altius system to improve supply chain management and reduce risk and liability.
