IBM has created a new consulting service to aid companies in managing their suppliers. The offering includes methods for collecting and analyzing supplier data for energy use, environmental impact, quality, safety, cost, efficiency and labor practices. It contains a database of 30,000 supplier locations in 60 countries. The IBM's Sustainable Supplier Information Management service can help clients to develop processes and systems for managing part numbers; process change; audits covering such issues as cost, quality, business ethics and environmental practices; supplier qualification; problem resolution, and quality issues. It can be used in tandem with IBM's Sustainable Procurement offering, which helps companies to set cost, efficiency and sustainability measurements and goals for procurement activities. The service covers all supplies, materials, ingredients, components, finished goods and services for manufacturing, delivery and other key business processes.
