Primark turns to IT to manage ethical supplier policy

Primark proves popular with shoppers

Budget fashion retailer Primark is turning to technology to help manage the ethical standards across its supply chain.

The company has faced criticism of its practices in the past, after workers at a Manchester factory supplying garments was accused in January of employing illegal immigrants at well below the national minimum wage.

Primark announced this week that it has signed a deal with supplier BSI Management Systems to implement web-based supply chain audit, compliance and performance management software to support compliance with ethical standards.

The tool, called Entropy, will help to ensure that independent suppliers, mainly based in China and South Asia, conform to Primark’s mandatory code of conduct.

All supplier audits, non-conformances and remedial actions will be managed using Entropy, giving greater global visibility and control.

“This is demonstration of Primark’s commitment to having the best available solutions to help manage its supply chain, and to improve working conditions whilst maintaining competitive edge and quality in a fast-moving fashion environment,” said Ray Ellis, business systems analyst at Primark’s owner, Associated British Foods.