Is your current supply chain solution holding you back?
Many platforms offer basic compliance boxes to tick, but modern supply chains demand more. You need deep visibility, data-driven insights, and a collaborative approach that drives improvement.
If you are tired of static audits and limited visibility, it is time for a change. Discover why thousands of businesses are switching to Sedex for a smarter, more sustainable supply chain.
Many supply chain tools rely on “pass/fail” or simple HQ-level scoring systems that reduce complex operations into oversimplified metrics, often punishing suppliers rather than supporting them.
This outdated approach hides real risks and leads to missed opportunities for improvement.
Most platforms only let you see Tier 1 suppliers, leaving you blind to risks further down the chain.
Competitors often use “one-size-fits-all” questionnaires that fail to capture specific, local risks.
Suppliers are bombarded with repetitive audits that waste time and money without adding value.
Excluding suppliers for non-compliance often drives bad practices underground rather than fixing them.
We believe in continuous improvement, not just compliance.
Sedex helps you meet rising expectations from human rights due diligence to environmental reporting by combining multi-tier supply chain visibility, risk-based assessments, and audit data you can act on.
Instead of fragmented tools and static scoring, you get a practical, improvement-led approach built for today’s requirements.
The problem: Most competitors stop at your direct suppliers.
Risk doesn’t stop at Tier 1—and neither do we. Sedex connects your supply chain beyond Tier 2, giving you the visibility to spot social and environmental risks earlier and act faster where it counts.
The Problem: Competitors often use static desktop questionnaires that ignore context.
We use dynamic risk scoring across 14 critical topic areas. Our assessments adapt based on supplier type, industry, location, and workforce size. You get a tailored risk profile that reflects reality, not just a generic standard.
The Problem: Traditional systems punish suppliers for finding issues.
We foster a culture of transparency. Our platform and SMETA methodology encourage suppliers to share data and work on Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). This collaborative approach builds stronger relationships and drives long-term positive change.
The table below compares Sedex with traditional supply chain sustainability platforms across the
areas that matter most.
| Feature | Sedex | Traditional Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment approach | Tailored assessments built around each supplier’s industry, size operating environment and risk profile. | Rigid, one-size-fits-all questionnaires that oversimplify complex supply chains. |
| Supply Chain Depth | Deep multi-tier visibility, enabling companies to understand and manage risks beyond Tier 1, across worksites and subcontractors. | Limited to HQ level or Tier 1 data, forcing suppliers to carry the burden of filling gaps, which is no longer aligned with legislative requirements. |
| Verified onsite audit methodology | SMETA – a globally recognised sustainability audit methodology, that supports transparency and can be shared with multiple customers. | Minimal audit capabilities (often “pass/fail”), creating an environment where suppliers are discouraged from openly reporting issues. |
| Legislation alignment | Regular legislative gap analysis across our tools and services helps keep requirements current—including updates to SMETA 7 so your due diligence approach stays closely aligned with evolving CSRD and CSDDD expectations. | Updates may be slower or less transparent, leaving customers to interpret changing regulatory requirements and adapt questionnaires and audit expectations themselves. |
| Corrective action guidance (SAQs & audits) | You don’t just collect answers—you get a clear pathway to improvement. Each completed SAQ can be supported with management controls guidance and improvement recommendations, and SMETA audits provide clear corrective actions and CAPs to help suppliers remediate issues. | DIY or custom SAQs can put the burden on customers to keep questions aligned with changing legislation—and to write their own corrective actions—resulting in inconsistent follow-up and slower remediation. |
| Audit firm reach | 50+ global audit affiliate firms help increase availability and reduce scheduling delays, supporting faster audit turnaround across geographies. | Smaller approved auditor pools can create scheduling backlogs, delaying audits and corrective actions. |
| Data portability | Shareable audit data that reduces duplication, builds trust, and supports long-term progress across the supply chain. | Siloed data that forces suppliers to repeat work and increases pressure without providing any shared value. |
| Global reach | A truly global network operating across 180 countries, supporting suppliers wherever they are. | Limited regional or single-market focus that places unnecessary strain on suppliers outside core geographies. |
| Recognition |
SMETA recognised the Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI). Sedex is recognised as a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Licensed Software & Tools Partner. |
Few recognition standards and limited alignment with global sustainability expectations. |
"Sedex enabled us to integrate ethical trading into daily operations and rapidly onboard 647 suppliers in 12 weeks. With a 91% self-assessment completion rate, we now effectively identify risks and drive targeted improvements across our supply chain."
"With Sedex, we assessed over 12,000 supplier sites and embedded human rights due diligence into procurement. This enabled a 67% compliance rate and focused our efforts where they have the most impact."
"Sedex provided a structured approach to onboard high-impact suppliers and improve visibility into our supply chain. Enhanced risk mapping has helped us evaluate compliance, identify key areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to support sustainable growth."
Years of expertise
Trusted solutions built on decades of experience. So you can focus on growth, not guesswork.
Members
Join a global network of industry leaders driving sustainability and success.
Countries
Wherever you operate, we’ve got the insights to support your supply chain.
Issues resolved in 2025
Real improvements, not just reports—helping you build a better, safer supply chain.
