Sedex, a collaborative platform for sharing responsible sourcing data on supply chain, has launched a virtual assessment tool that allows remote audits of the site using video conferencing.

The novelty will allow Sedex members to continue assessing their site and suppliers for supply chain transparency while in situations where physical audits are difficult because of the pandemic.

The video conferencing technology allows taking a virtual site tour alongside examination of site’s documentation and management system.

Aligned with Sedex’s SMETA (Members Ethical Trade Audit) methodology, the tool allows greater insights into performance, working conditions wherever in-person audits are not possible.

The tool holds relevance for the sites that are in remote locations and self-audits are not ideal in situation.

Selected members of the company have been accessing the tool since June 2020 and the results are encouraging. The tool has also been an ideal cost saving option to save travel cost.

Uptake has been strongest in India where more than 20 per cent of the virtual assessment has been conducted to date in manufacturing and rural agriculture.