Sidenor 2020 Corporate Report

80 Corporate Report 2020 | Society We have a continuous supplier evaluation plan In 2019, we implemented the supplier portal, which enables us to advance in the development and approval of suppliers. By the end of 2020, all suppliers of Sidenor were already registered in the portal. The portal serves as a single repository, on an online platform accessible from Sidenor’s corporate website, for all updated information on all suppliers of Sidenor. All current and potential suppliers can register by providing information for their registration and approval. The registration phase on the platform consists of two parts.   The first one is the informative registration of general data on the Company and its activity. In addition, the supplier shall endorse the Corporate Social Responsibility (RSC) of Sidenor’s suppliers, which lists its commitments in terms of child labour, forced labour, equality, safety and environment.   The second step is the supplier’s approval. Here, we will request detailed information so as to get an updated picture of the supplier, including indications such as ISO9001, ISO14001, sector- specific certificate, financial information, compliance with the legislation on data protection (GDPR) and supplier CSR. The portal will serve as a communication channel with suppliers, where material or services non-conformities will also be dealt with. By evaluating the information provided within the framework of the approval process and the quality of service according to non-conformities, we obtain a qualification for all suppliers. Lines of progress in 2021 The supplier portal will support our next step towards the digitisation of our purchasing process. 2021’s main challenge consists in consolidating the negotiation platform, so that we might be able to integrate the entire purchasing activity in a virtual environment: from the definition of the need and design of the request for proposal to supplier selection, comparison of quotations, support in negotiation and to purchase order award management. This will enable us to reach the highest productivity and efficiency rates in the negotiation and award of purchase orders with suppliers, as well as to ensure transparency in the whole process. Due to the pandemic, volatility and uncertainty, which were already present in the previous years, grew exponentially. Supplier risk management, flexibility and agility are fundamental factors which must be considered when designing a strong supply chain. For this purpose, we are analysing Saas tools which, by means of massive data capture and advanced analytics techniques, make it possible to generate metrics in real time. This will enable us to manage the risk of our suppliers in a more flexible and efficient way.