ASIA customised products comes more logistical challenges . This is where Essilor ’ s worldclass supplier network lends a helping hand . “ We have more than 30,0000 suppliers , of which 1,000 are logistics and supply chain vendors ,” explains Zhirnov . “ We classify these suppliers into three grades whereby we have 14 strategic vendors , 500 preferred vendors and the rest classified as others .” With such a complex network of partners , supplier relationship management is critical and as such Essilor has developed a thorough relationship management program which ensures that its strategic vendors have a mutually beneficial partnership . “ It helps us understand what the partnerships are going to achieve , what our plans are , and how we can support each other to complete these missions ,” he says .
But why is supplier sustainability so important for Essilor ? “ We believe that if we work hand in hand with our suppliers , together we can increase the positive impact of our business in the communities where we work ,” notes Zhirnov . “ For the past two years in our Sourcing and Procurement team , we ’ ve set out to involve our network of suppliers in different ways . In addition to driving compliance with Essilor ’ s responsible business practices , we engage suppliers in three key areas : promoting visual health through awareness raising
179 www . supplychaindigital . com