AUDIT4ALL
Develop a joint supplier audit program for rail suppliers
Project description
With several thousand suppliers (e.g. traction providers, shunting yards, container terminals, wagon keepers, cleaning stations, manpower leasing companies, etc.) per RU and new legislation, this audit process is becoming more extensive, complex and lengthy. In addition, new legislation such as the Corporate Social Due Diligence Directive imposed by European policy is coming into force.
All departments, such as Safety and Audit, are challenged to achieve higher levels of efficiency. The audit process has to be carried out with limited capacity. This is a challenge that is seen both from the RU side and from the supplier side.
UIC is fully aware of these concerns and is bringing together stakeholders from the operator side (passenger operators, IMs and freight operators) in this project to develop a global standard for auditing different aspects of the management system.
Project Structure & Deliverables
The project is organised around 5 activities:
Develop a benchmark with other existing best practices Other industries have shown the way to develop joint audit programs. The deliverables will research best practices as a basis for the development of a sector specific framework
Develop a framework of standards This deliverable will ensure compatibility of the different management systems. This action needs to be undertaken to ensure that all legal requirements in the different countries are taken into account. If not, no common ground is found.
Develop a common audit program for suppliers whereby RUs accept the audit results of others for certain suppliers Of course, there must be a common understanding and agreement on a common programme for the results to be accepted. It will be a matter of aligning internal programmes and ensuring that they comply with internal policies and national legislation where applicable.
Develop (a) tool(s) to leverage results from individual audit efforts Proper data management is required to ensure that maximum efficiency is achieved in the system. This data management will also be necessary to ensure audit trails and documentation. If these tools are not developed, it is highly likely that the authorities will not accept these practices as an acceptable means of compliance.
Analysis of potential business models and develop structures that enable embedding of the project results in a permanent practice This deliverable will focus on the development of sustainable business models when the project moves from project mode into daily operation