How can you use tech to support supplier sustainability?

1 Track supplier data

One of the first steps to support supplier sustainability is to collect and track relevant data from your suppliers. This can include information on their emissions, waste, energy use, labor practices, certifications, and compliance. You can use tech tools such as cloud-based platforms, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, or blockchain applications to store, share, and analyze supplier data. These tools can help you create dashboards, reports, and alerts that can help you identify gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

2 Conduct supplier audits

Another way to use tech to support supplier sustainability is to conduct regular audits of your suppliers. Audits can help you verify the accuracy and reliability of the data you collect, as well as evaluate the performance and practices of your suppliers. You can use tech tools such as online surveys, mobile apps, or video conferencing to conduct remote or virtual audits. These tools can help you save time, money, and resources, as well as reduce travel-related emissions.

3 Engage with suppliers

A third way to use tech to support supplier sustainability is to engage with your suppliers on a regular basis. Engagement can help you communicate your expectations, provide feedback, and offer guidance and support to your suppliers. You can use tech tools such as online platforms, chatbots, or gamification to create interactive and collaborative experiences for your suppliers. These tools can help you motivate, educate, and reward your suppliers for their sustainability efforts.

4 Benchmark supplier performance

A fourth way to use tech to support supplier sustainability is to benchmark your supplier performance against industry standards, best practices, or competitors. Benchmarking can help you measure your progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic and achievable goals. You can use tech tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or big data analytics to compare and contrast your supplier data with external sources. These tools can help you generate insights, recommendations, and action plans for improvement.

5 Promote supplier innovation

A fifth way to use tech to support supplier sustainability is to promote supplier innovation and collaboration. Innovation and collaboration can help you and your suppliers find new ways to reduce environmental impacts, improve social conditions, and create value for your stakeholders. You can use tech tools such as online platforms, crowdsourcing, or co-creation to facilitate innovation and collaboration among your suppliers. These tools can help you share ideas, challenges, and solutions, as well as leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of your supplier network.

6 Adopt sustainable technologies

A sixth way to use tech to support supplier sustainability is to adopt sustainable technologies in your own operations and encourage your suppliers to do the same. Sustainable technologies are those that can help you and your suppliers reduce your environmental footprint, enhance your efficiency and productivity, and create positive social outcomes. You can use tech tools such as renewable energy, smart sensors, or circular economy models to adopt sustainable technologies in your own operations. You can also use tech tools such as online platforms, e-learning, or incentives to encourage your suppliers to adopt sustainable technologies in their operations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?