As sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent priority in the boardroom, organizations are turning their focus to their supply chains, where the greatest environmental and social risks often lie. Research has shown that Scope 3 emissions, which stem from a company’s supply chain, account for approximately 80% of total carbon emissions. Moreover, ESG-related transgressions are often hidden in the deeper tiers of supply chains, particularly in tiers 4 and 5, where raw materials are sourced.
With the rising pressure from stakeholders and growing expectations for businesses to act responsibly, it is no surprise that cloud-based platforms for ESG and risk management are gaining traction. However, a recent report from CIPS and Deloitte highlighted that only about 25% of organizations are actively tracking their Scope 3 emissions, signaling that many businesses are still not adequately addressing these critical sustainability aspects.
Here, we explore 10 widely used platforms that are paving the way for supply chain sustainability. These platforms offer businesses the tools they need to track and manage their supply chain’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact, promoting greater transparency and compliance.
Read also: Skills for sustainable supply chain management
1. EcoVadis
Founded in 2007, EcoVadis has become one of the largest providers of business sustainability ratings, with a network of over 100,000 rated companies worldwide. The platform evaluates companies’ environmental, social, and ethical performance, helping them improve their supply chain sustainability practices. EcoVadis covers various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, automotive, and technology, providing companies with the insights needed to assess and enhance their suppliers’ sustainability efforts.
2. Sourcemap
Sourcemap offers a supply chain mapping and transparency platform that allows organizations to visualize, analyze, and manage their supply chains. By enabling businesses to track their products from raw materials to finished goods, Sourcemap provides detailed insights into every stage of the supply chain. The platform’s goal is to raise sustainability standards across supply chains, helping companies map their supply chains end-to-end and drive improvements.
3. Assent
Assent Compliance offers a comprehensive supply chain sustainability management solution, particularly focused on manufacturers with sustainability goals. It specializes in supply chain data management and compliance solutions, including regulatory intelligence services that help businesses stay updated on evolving industry standards and compliance requirements. Assent serves industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, enabling organizations to manage their sustainability and compliance risks effectively.
4. Microsoft Sustainability Cloud
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability brings together a suite of ESG capabilities to help organizations accelerate sustainability initiatives and growth. The platform integrates data from various sources, providing businesses with the transparency and insights needed to manage their environmental footprint. Microsoft’s solutions help organizations embed sustainability across their value chains and create new opportunities in an ever-evolving market.
5. OneTrust
OneTrust is a leader in privacy, security, and data governance, offering solutions that help organizations track and manage their ESG metrics. The platform enables businesses to define core ESG goals, monitor progress, and foster trust with stakeholders through enhanced transparency. OneTrust also provides real-time regulatory intelligence, helping companies stay ahead of changing regulations and continuously improve their sustainability efforts.
6. Achilles
Achilles specializes in supplier management and supply chain risk assessment. Its platform provides tools to enhance supply chain visibility, assess supplier performance, and mitigate risks. Companies can track and monitor supplier performance across various criteria, including regulatory compliance and sustainability practices, to ensure they are meeting ESG standards.
7. Avetta
Avetta offers cloud-based risk management and contractor qualification services. The platform helps organizations assess and manage risks within their supply chains and contractor networks, including evaluating contractors based on safety performance, financial stability, and regulatory compliance. Avetta also supports organizations in ensuring their suppliers meet sustainability and ESG requirements.
8. Veriforce
Veriforce is an ISO-certified provider of supply chain risk management solutions, particularly for contractors in the energy industry. The platform helps companies ensure compliance with complex safety and environmental regulations while optimizing business performance. Veriforce’s solutions are designed to enhance supply chain visibility, track safety and regulatory compliance, and protect workers and the environment.
9. SupplyShift
SupplyShift is a platform that focuses on supply chain transparency and sustainability, helping businesses assess and manage sustainability performance across their supply chains. It provides tools for mapping supply chains, tracking supplier performance, and identifying ESG risks and opportunities. SupplyShift allows companies to evaluate suppliers’ ESG practices, such as their environmental impact, labor conditions, and governance.
10. Transparency-One
Transparency-One offers a powerful software platform for supply chain traceability and transparency. By helping businesses collect, analyze, and share supply chain data, Transparency-One ensures accountability at every stage of the supply chain. Its mission is to partner with companies to create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world for consumers by enhancing supply chain visibility.
The Path to Sustainable Supply Chains
These platforms are leading the charge in driving transparency and sustainability in supply chains. By leveraging technology, businesses can gain deeper insights into their supply chains, assess ESG risks, and ensure compliance with environmental and social standards. As more organizations adopt these tools, the shift towards more sustainable and responsible supply chains will continue to gather momentum, contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable global economy.
