Order the right thing
Responsible procurement starts with identifying the correct material: matching the product name to its code (SKU) and to any documentation, so there is no ambiguity about what is being ordered. Clear catalogue information makes this straightforward.
Keep the documentation
Where a certificate of analysis, safety data sheet or specification is available, keeping it with your records supports traceability. Where documentation is not yet provided, it can be requested rather than assumed.
Maintain records
Recording what was received, its batch where stated, and the date, keeps procurement traceable. This record-keeping is the purchaser’s contribution to a responsible supply relationship.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the first step in responsible procurement?
Confirming the exact material via its name, SKU and any documentation before ordering.
What records should a buyer keep?
At minimum, what was received, its batch where stated, and the date, kept with any documentation.