It can be very difficult to know if your supply chain is operating in line with the policies and procedures of your business, as each supplier operates independently under its own governance.
However, as a buyer, you may be able to identify opportunities to coordinate the supply chain, achieve cost savings and meet your own environmental or other objectives.
An audit of the supply chain can encompass:
- Environmental impact.
- Information security.
- Data protection compliance.
- Business continuity plans.
- Social impact.
- Technology compatibility.
- Knowledge and cross training.
- Price and value.
For example, software can be a point of failure, as compatibility and version issues arise causing extended cost and delivery times.
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Manufacturing companies in England could be eligible for up to 50% funding to implement ISO management systems including ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management.
The scheme is provided by the Manufacturing Advisory Services (MAS) for Small/Medium sized manufacturing businesses to help them achieve their ambitions and increase their abilities.
ISO standards are internationally recognised and provide a competitive advantage when tendering for larger contracts. There are many other benefits to implementing a management system, which provides a structured approach to quality assurance and controlling the company's impact on the environment.
Easy To Apply
If you are considering implementing ISO standards in your manufacturing business, we are offering free assistance to apply for funding as part of our quoting process.
Contact us to find out how we can help your business move forward with funding from MAS.
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A recent call from a panicked client has led to this blog post regarding PAT testing.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), is a process of periodically testing electronic devices to ensure they are maintained and safe for use.
If a device has been PAT tested you will usually find a sticker on the plug, which has the date of the last test.
This formal process of regular inspection and testing has clear advantages for reducing risks associated with electronic devices in the workplace. However, I often hear PAT testing quoted as a legal requirement for businesses. This is incorrect.
Electrically Safe - The Law
Regulation 4(2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 says
"As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger"
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The Obvious
Scenario: The office has burnt down/flooded/been broken in to and all our data is lost.
It's important to know your data is back up and available off site, should your main place of business be compromised.
It's also wise to consider:
- an alternative place to trade from,
- how to redirect the telephones,
- how to communicate any issues to landlords and tenants.
The Not So Obvious
Scenario: A natural disaster has damaged a large number of properties on our books.
If you browse the properties you manage, you will probably find that they are all within a close proximity to each other, and your lettings office.
While this is convenient for everyone most of the time, it could leave you vulnerable in the event of a natural disaster. Read More...
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While almost every business in the UK is required to notify the Information Commissioner under the data protection act, many are unclear as to what data is being protected.
Of course, it is good practice to protect all data relating to the business, it is also important to know your statutory obligations under the Data Protection Act.
"Personal Data"
The act is intended to regulate "Personal Data", which is defined in the act as quoted below:
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