Apple's Supplier Responsibility 2019 Progress Report

With technology giants, Apple, holding a special event today, Supply Chain Digital looks at the firm’s Supplier Responsibility 2019 Progress Report.

Apple’s products are manufactured worldwide. The firm works with suppliers from mining to recycling in order to meet the needs for the people and communities in its supply chain. With a determination to maintain the highest standards, Apple seeks to set the bar for its rivals to follow. Since 2008, more than 3.6mn supply chain employees have taken part in education programmes as part of Apple’s drive to offer skill-building opportunities to meet the needs of members in the supply chain space.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has helped shape Apple’s supply chain into the powerhouse it is today. Having originally joined Apple in 1998, Cook reduced the number of key suppliers from 100 to 24 as well as cutting the number of warehouses from 19 to nine and decreasing the inventory level from two months to one. “We believe that business, at its best, serves the public good, empowers people around the world, and binds us together as never before,” said Cook, on Apple’s official website.

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Apple seeks to equip the workforce of tomorrow with new skills. As part of SEED’s expansion into vocational certification, a programme was introduced to offer robotics training to its supply chain employees. In 2018, 744 supplier employees earned a certificate in assembly line robotics, while 203 participants in the SEED programme hold advanced robotics positions at supplier facilities.

In a bid to decrease the impact Apple has on the environment, the firm provides support and education that allows suppliers to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill while manufacturing Apple products. Through a partnership to accelerate accountability and achieve continuous improvement, Apple expects to see a 30% rise in high-performing supplier facilities year on year.

Image source: Apple Newsroom.

For more information on all topics for Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics - please take a look at the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital magazine.

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