Supply chain optimization and brand reputation are quite important for the growth of fashion retailers in this extremely competitive and constantly changing industry. In the fashion industry, customers are increasingly demanding and choosy about their products and they expect their product to be safe and produced fairly and responsibly. On the other hand, they want their products on the shelves without any delay. In fact, client retention is one of the most crucial challenges for fashion retailers. According to the reports of digitalcommerce360, “between 9.7% & 11.6% of fashion eCommerce customers come back for more products, regardless of the order volume of the stores”.
A supplier audit program from reputed third party inspection companies plays a crucial role in satisfying your clients’ need in the most appropriate manner. As part of a stringent quality inspection strategy, it offers guarantees that a vendor can create specific products and meet your specified quality needs and lead-times while respecting environmental and social regulations.
Here are the 6 reasons which you need to implement your supplier audit program before CNY
- Reduce risk
Regular auditing programs should be considered an investment in order to protect your supply chain rather than an account. You can also avoid potential disruptions in your supply chain by affecting your business growth, saving money and time in the long run.
- Check the supplier’s production capabilities
Before CNY, garment manufacturing factories were at the highest levels of production. If you want to check all the factories during full capacity operation, then this is the best time to do this. You can check all product quality, product lines, machinery as well as equipment that work both under repair, and more.
- Assess the sustainability of the supplier management system
When the productivity of the factory is higher and everyone is busy doing work, this is the perfect time to assess the suitability, availability, and effectiveness of a resource management system under different real-life conditions. Before CNY, all the reviewers can assess whether their management system, especially the supplier process control, is adapted to overtime or maybe counteracted by the pressure, in this way posing risks to the supply chain and merchandise.
- Ensure that your supplier complies with local and international regulations
You need to make sure that your brand image is protected at all times, especially during the peak season. Over time, your product supplier grows and changes (or not). Depending on their financial condition, you may expect improvement or deterioration in their working conditions, machinery, production location, equipment, etc. However, one of the most crucial issues that you face is to verify that your suppliers continue to comply with all international as well as local conditions. Regulations on social, quality, and environmental requirements while production lines are fully operational.
- Identify and prepare corrective actions to prepare for post-CNY production
It is quite difficult to get a 100% pass report on a stringent social audit, supplier audit or environmental audit by any inspection companies in Asia. The needs are high, but you can help your garment supplier with regular reviews and a clear definition of appropriate corrective actions whereas ensuring that the start of the garment buying season is not affected.
- Develop a long-term relationship with the supplier
Regular review and comments of your suppliers is also an excellent way in order to show your interest in building a long-term partnership with them. The objective of this auditing service is to assess the current situation and make subtle improvements based on international and local standards. It is in the interest of both parties if they have a common goal of working together in a long way.
