The audit program

The supplier sustainability audit program focuses on direct material suppliers in low-cost countries in South and Central America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, as these are perceived as greatest risk for not being compliant with ASSA ABLOY’s Business Partner Code of Conduct. 

Audit process and Traffic-light system 

Audit scores are linked to a five color-coded system – the traffic light system.

  • Green means that the supplier is approved.
  • Yellow, orange and purple means that the supplier is approved on condition that it resolves outstanding issues within an agreed time frame.
  • Red means that the supplier is not approved. The supplier is put on 'new-business hold', and a follow-up audit will be conducted within six months.
  • Yellow, orange and purple reflects the level of non-conformaties; yellow has the least and purple the most. 
  • Red, yellow, orange and purple statuses can be revised based on evidence of a corrective action plan, well-documented progress and firm commitment from the supplier.
  • Contracts with suppliers may be subject to termination in case of non-compliance that is not remedied within an agreed time frame.

The objective of the sustainability audits is to minimize risks of non-compliance among suppliers, primarily in low-cost countries. During the sustainability audit, ASSA ABLOY can verify whether or not the supplier is in compliance with the ASSA ABLOY Code of Conduct. Each division is responsible for performing audits when required and their audit reports are submitted to the Group’s supplier database.

Risk areas and “stoppers”

Audits are designed to assess risks within areas such as business ethics, workers’ rights, health and safety and environment. Some criteria in the audit checklist are of such significance that they are called “stoppers." If a supplier fails to comply with these important standards, it is automatically rated “red” – regardless of its performance in other areas.

The supplier data base

Suppliers in selected low-cost countries are listed, graded and tracked in the ASSA ABLOY supplier database. It ensures transparency and access to consistent information on the suppliers' performance.The purchasers use this database to gain easy access to information on the sustainability performance of suppliers from selected countries. It also enables ASSA ABLOY to follow up on several key performance indicators as well as being an importatant means of identifying and developing preferred suppliers.

Confidentiality is ensured by assigning user rights and limiting updating rights.