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HARTMANN GROUP 47Clear guidelines for a strong partnershipWe often work with our suppliers on site, while evaluation and qualificationare conducted centrally at HARTMANN using a uniform structure. As part ofan evaluation and qualification process, we analyze the performance of oursuppliers based on defined criteria that include all aspects regarding Health,Safety, and Environment (HSE) and all corporate responsibility issues. Therequirements for our suppliers are part of the agreements and are covered inthe Code of Conduct of the HARTMANN GROUP.Systematic supplier evaluationBecause our purchasers usually establish initial contact with our suppliers,they are to be involved in the assessment of issues regarding HSE and thesocial responsibility of companies (Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR). InMarch 2010, HARTMANN therefore launched the “HSE/CSR supplier qualification”pilot project with five gauze suppliers in India. The goal was todevelop a Supplier Evaluation Tool (SET) for purchasers.The information for the SET is obtained by our purchasers during theirroutine visits at a location and a final meeting with the supplier. Prior to this,our employees are appropriately trained. The tool provides a method forquantifying supplier information to adapt the supplier qualification programsto specific needs. 80 percent of the questions posed under SET canalready be answered during the tour of a plant. This saves time and alsoincreases the readiness of suppliers to use the tool.SET is based on 16 questions about corporate responsibility. These questions,for example, deal with the conformity of work conditions and environmentalprotection with international standards ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 aswell as the 10 principles of the Global Compact of the United Nations (UNGlobal Compact) on human rights. Other questions relate to emergencyprevention and organization and to social and legal conformity. The focus ison business approaches and thus company activities such as production anddelivery.The SET data is centrally collected, evaluated, and used to compare performanceamong suppliers. Together with additional business criteria such assales, unique market position, product features, and country of production,we are provided with comprehensive documentation on our top suppliers.Based on the SET results, we decide whether a supplier is to be audited or asite assessment is to be made. If deficiencies are revealed, the purchasersfirst have to address them in a personal meeting and to present concretesuggestions for improvement. If significant deficiencies cannot be correctedwithin a defined period of time, we take appropriate steps. “In general,sanctions are possible, however, so far we have always found a mutuallyacceptable solution in a direct dialog,” said Peter Halbauer, Head of GroupPurchasing Management of the HARTMANN GROUP, summing up the resultsobtained so far.Supplier pyramidCurrentsupplierQualified supplierCertified supplierProvider poolQualification on the path upwardsThe path from being a provider to a qualified supplier for the HARTMANNGROUP is a clearly defined process. Our procedural guidelines define arange of integrated criteria for this purpose:— The base of the so-called supplier pyramid is a pool that accommodatesall applicants who complete our supplier questionnaire.— In the next step, we expect them to provide proof of a managementsystem certified under ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 (for medical devices).— The actual qualification is made by the Quality Control, Development,and Purchasing Departments. In case of doubt, the assessment issupplemented by internal or external audits, for example, by TÜV SÜDfor medical products.— If the supplier successfully completes the evaluation, he moves to thetop of the pyramid. Then we share our knowledge with the supplier,working together on improving processes and products.