Primark goes with ethical auditing IT system

09 Mar '09

3 min read

In Primark's bid for world class, cutting edge management of its ethical auditing programme, it has signed a deal with BSI Management Systems for the provision of Entropy Software. The web-based supply chain audit, compliance and performance management software simplifies the management of supply chain compliance with ethical standards. This will facilitate the efficient management of Primark's extensive independent auditing programme.

Primark, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods, has several hundred independent suppliers based mainly in China and South Asia. To improve standards in the factories which supply the company, Primark published a mandatory supplier code of conduct and joined the Ethical Trade Initiative in 2006. The investment in Entropy Software is a key part of Primark's ethical trade strategy, allowing all supplier audits, non-conformances and remedial actions to be managed through the Entropy Software platform, with much greater global visibility and management control.

Ray Ellis, a Business Systems Analyst with Associated British Foods (owners of Primark), said, "The process we went through for software vendor selection included the initial creation of a needs statement for an ethical auditing IT system, containing the business rationale and objectives. We are confident that the relationship between us and BSI will grow and strengthen, and that we have chosen a world-class software solution in Entropy Software. This is demonstration of Primark's commitment to having the best available solutions to help manage its supply chain, and to improve working conditions whilst maintaining competitive edge and quality in a fast-moving fashion environment."

The Entropy Software solution also helps companies to address risk, compliance and performance management in areas of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, environmental, health & safety, quality, and supply chain compliance management.

"We are delighted to be working closely with such an expanding household-name as Primark", says Rob Wallis, Managing Director of BSI Management Systems in the UK.

"In recent years, competitive pressures and globalisation have led many high street retailers to rely on an ever-extending global supply chain. As a result, many big-brand companies have recognised the need to take responsibility for the ethical performance of their supply chain and are integrating tools such as Entropy Software into their management systems. Our Entropy Software can help to implement and manage controls that assist each supply chain to adhere to their compliance objectives, and ensure that risks associated with the supply chain are cost-effectively managed."

BSI Management Systems is one of the world's largest certification bodies, with over 64,000 certified locations and clients in more than 120 countries.

Entropy Software is part of BSI Management Systems and offers a proven solution for organisations to manage and mitigate supply chain compliance risks; take accountability and allocate internal and external action planning (CAPA); manage the whole audit process; improve and share sustainable supply chain practices; and respond more proactively to external pressures.

Primark is a major European brand operating out of 187 stores in the UK, Holland, Spain and Ireland (where it trades as Penneys). They employ in excess of 27,500 people. Primark is ranked by TNS as the UK's second largest clothing retailer by volume and Verdict Research places them as the leading retailer in value clothing.

BSI Management Systems

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