4 Steps To Start Building A Sustainable Supply Chain

You are a business owner concerned with sustainability for the environment and your business’ sake, so you are probably interested in supply chain transparency. We hear the term “transparency”, a lot and it sounds great, but in order to decide if we are ready for it and how to begin, we need to understand what it really means and what it requires.

What is supply chain transparency?

It is easy to think transparency is merely the act of a business disclosing their stand on certain issues. This falls very short of reality. Put simply, supply chain transparency is discovering important facts about your supply chain and making that information known to the public.

How do I begin building sustainable supply chain transparency?

#1. Prioritize

You will want to define your priorities so you can set clear, actionable goals. You may list several items of interest, such as a supplier’s carbon footprint, water consumption, or recycling programs. Order the items on the list by importance to you and relevance to your corporate mission.

#2. Set Standards

You will need to set both minimum standards and optimum goals for yourself and members of your supply chain. This will help you to make decisions that reach your goals without becoming too overwhelming, and it will aid you in communicating your requirements and decisions to others.

#3. Discuss

Encourage members of your supply chain to open a collaborative discussion on the subject of sustainability and transparency. This will help you share your needs, objectives, and concerns with those involved in a non-confrontational and effective manner. They will also be able to tell you what their objectives are, and all of you can discuss factors that hinder your goals and overcome them together.

#4. Reduce

It will be easier to manage supply chain transparency when you have fewer suppliers to monitor, communicate with, and work with. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of working with a smaller number of suppliers, and simplify matters as much as possible.
By setting clear, definable goals, you can monitor your progress and better communicate your goals and progress. It is undeniable that the path to sustainability will take time, so you will need to work with suppliers as you both grow into your goals. Transparency is not so much a goal to be reached as a way to reach a goal. Building transparency gives you, your business partners, and your customers the information to better your business and the world. It is an exciting adventure, and the four tips above will give you a sound footing for the journey.