Supplier Briefings
Promoting CSR-Based ProcurementSupplier Briefings
To build good relationships with suppliers in this challenging business environment, we need to ensure a mutual understanding of quality, price, delivery dates, the environment and CSR. Olympus business divisions, plants and affiliated production companies in Japan and overseas hold regular briefings to inform suppliers about their business and production plans. Suppliers are then asked to cooperate in our efforts to improve quality, costs, delivery dates, environmental performance and CSR.
Self-Assessment Surveys of Suppliers
Since 2002, Olympus has conducted surveys to ascertain the progress made by its suppliers in relation to CSR initiatives. In November 2005, our earlier environmental initiatives surveys were expanded into CSR activities. In fiscal 2008 (the year ended March 2009), the items included in the survey and the number of companies covered were further expanded. As shown in the diagram on the right, we implemented a comprehensive survey that included basic corporate information, financial and management situations, CSR initiatives, business continuity plans, quality, costs, delivery dates and the environment. We established a dedicated website and contact points for this survey achieving a response rate of approximately 98.6% for suppliers in Japan.
Membership of United Nations Global Compact (CSR-Based Procurement Section)
As a member of the CSR-Based Procurement Section of the United Nations Global Compact Japan Network (GC-JN), Olympus is working with other participating companies to develop CSR-based procurement assessment standards with the aim of promoting CSR-based procurement globally.
The Evolution of CSR-Based Procurement
Content of Survey of CSR Initiatives by Suppliers
A New Dimension in Manufacturing
The Future of CSR-Based ProcurementGlobal business conditions are very challenging at present. To achieve a high level of competitiveness in this environment, whilst also achieving high standards in terms of product quality, costs, delivery dates, the environment and CSR, we need to base our procurement processes on systems that support global collaboration with suppliers. As part of our efforts to achieve this goal, we plan to conduct regular information exchanges and local surveys with the cooperation and understanding of our suppliers during fiscal 2009. Other initiatives to support CSR-based procurement will include human resource development and the dynamic sharing of procurement information within the Olympus Group.
VOICE : Realizing our Management Philosophy through Procurement
Olympus aims to realize its "Social IN" management philosophy and make a continuing contribution to society through procurement activities based on specific values including:
-Co-creation - the synergistic effect achieved by combining quality, knowledge, and skills;
-Competition - implementation of competitive principles; and
-Fairness - business transactions based on dialogue, openness and transparency.
by Makoto Oishi
General Manager, Strategic Procurement Organizing Department,
Production Engineering Division
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