Environmental Auditing When Purchasing Hazardous Materials

To increase efficiency in the business process of purchasing when materials have to be checked for being hazardous, an integrated solution is a necessity. In many companies purchasing is not linked to this environmental aspect. Collaboration between the purchasing department and environmental experts leads to a scenario in which both parties are able to effectively reduce the amount of time and therefore money spent ensuring legal compliance.

The workflow between materials management, SAP Supply Chain Management, and the environmental experts creates the required links between previously unrelated departments. It allows, prior to the purchase itself, all required business documents to be checked as it enables the environmental department to check the material safety data sheet of the supplier.

After the purchase order is created automatic integration in materials management ensures ongoing linkage and documentation throughout the life cycle of the material. The material safety data sheet of the supplier is scanned into the database and important information is transferred directly to obtain all data required for further activities. This, for example, could be the creation of a standard operating procedure for internal use and/or the creation of a hazardous substance register, thus fulfilling legal requirements and internal needs simultaneously.

In many cases tight integration enables all participants in this process to optimize their work and cover all requirements in time in an effective way. Often the missing information flow leads to redundant work or legally critical gaps in documentation. The notification of all participants leads to high-quality processes, resulting in cost-effective work and indicating the value potential of integration.