CSR procurement activities
PlanReview of Procurement Policies
A review of the Olympus Group's procurement policies was followed by an update of the "Request to Suppliers," which defines the Olympus Group's requirements for suppliers. The Olympus Group procures materials and parts from many countries. Our global CSR procurement activities are based on the Supply Chain CSR Promotion Guidebook of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). In May 2011, English and Chinese versions of the "Request to Suppliers" were compiled and placed on our website.
DoBriefings for Suppliers and In-House Education
Each year business units hold procurement policy briefings for suppliers. At these meetings, the Corporate Social Responsibility Division and procurement divisions work collaboratively to build understanding about the Olympus Group's approach to CSR procurement by informing suppliers about key aspects of the CSR procurement policy. We plan further initiatives to consolidate the CSR procurement approach in our supply chains, including the creation of further opportunities for dialog with suppliers about more specific aspects.
The Olympus Group also recognizes the need to ensure that those working in procurement divisions, which are its interfaces with suppliers, are fully informed about CSR procurement. Since fiscal 2011, CSR procurement training has been provided for management-level staff in procurement divisions.
Staff explains the CSR procurement policy at a procurement policy briefing run by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation.
Check&ActionSelf-Assessment Surveys and CSR Audits
Since fiscal 2006, we have conducted annual self-assessment surveys of our suppliers. The purpose of these surveys, which are conducted through our website, is to obtain information about the CSR efforts of suppliers, including business continuity planning (BCP) and environmental initiatives. Feedback on the results of the surveys is provided through procurement policy briefings and other channels, and suppliers are asked to make improvements.
In fiscal 2010, we took these activities to a new level by conducting CSR audits with the cooperation of some of our major suppliers. The audits, which centered on regulatory compliance, also covered such aspects as human rights, labor, safety and health, and the environment. This was the first initiative of its type by the Olympus Group. We gained valuable experience, and we are now moving forward into a new phase.
Request to Suppliers (Extract)
1. Compliance with Laws, Regulations, and Social Norms
2. Health & Safety
3. Fair and Impartial Trade
4. Ensuring Quality and Safety, Delivery, Fair Pricing, and Stable Supply
5. Environmental Considerations
6. Ensuring Information Security and the Appropriate Protection of Information
7. Promoting Social Contributions
8. Promoting CSR Activities Internally and Among Suppliers
We are working with suppliers to put "Social IN" into practice through on-site audits.
For many years, the Olympus Group has been manufacturing cameras and digital recorders in China. Many of the parts needed for these products are procured from local suppliers. As part of our efforts to implement our "Social IN" management philosophy through our procurement activities, we recently conducted our first on-site audits of suppliers. These audits represent an important new step forward for Olympus. We will continue to work with suppliers to contribute to society through our business activities.
- Kenichi Kishida
- Divisional Manager
Olympus Hong Kong and China Ltd.
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