Amfori QMI

Amfori QMI is an excellent topic. Auditing against international standards is a core function of amfori BSCI, and its evolution into the amfori Sustainability Platform (with QMI as a key component) represents the current state-of-the-art.

Let’s break down the auditing schemes, the programs, and how they align with international standards.

Executive Summary

amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is one of the world’s leading industry-driven initiatives for improving social compliance in global supply chains. Its primary tool is the amfori BSCI System, which includes a Code of Conduct and a monitoring methodology (amfori BSCI Audit).

The key to understanding its power is the amfori QMI (Query My Audit) database. It is the centralized platform where all amfori audit data is stored, managed, and shared among members, reducing audit duplication and enabling performance tracking.

The entire system is explicitly designed to be aligned with and act as a stepping stone towards certification with key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and other international standards.

1. The Core Auditing Scheme: amfori BSCI Audit

The amfori BSCI Audit is the primary on-the-ground assessment tool.

A. The Foundation: The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct
This code is built on several international standards, most importantly:

• International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions: The bedrock of the system. Principles on freedom of association, collective bargaining, non-discrimination, abolition of forced/child labour, and occupational health & safety are all derived from ILO core conventions.
• The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): Provides the framework for due diligence.
• The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises: Reinforces responsible business conduct.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

B. The Audit Process & Methodology
A BSCI audit is a comprehensive, two-part process:

1. Document Review: Policies, records, payroll, working hours, etc.
2. On-site Inspection: Interviews with management and workers (privately), physical inspection of facilities (production areas, dormitories, canteens), and a review of safety equipment and procedures.

C. Audit Performance Areas & International Standard Alignment
The audit checks performance against 13 performance areas, each directly linked to international standards:

D. The Audit Result: The amfori BSCI Rating
After the audit, the company receives a rating on a scale of A to E, which drives the corrective action timeline.

• A (Outstanding) / B (Good): No major non-compliances. Audit valid for 3 years.
• C (Acceptable) / D (Insufficient): Non-compliances found. A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is required, with a follow-up audit in 12 months.
• E (Unacceptable): Critical issues found (e.g., child labour). Immediate action and a follow-up audit are required.

2. The Program & Platform: amfori QMI and the Sustainability Platform

amfori QMI (Query My Audit) is not a separate scheme but the technological backbone.

• It is the online database where all audit reports are uploaded.
• amfori members can access their suppliers’ audit reports (with permission), track their performance, and monitor the progress of Corrective Action Plans.
• It enables shared responsibility and transparency across the amfori community. If one member audits a factory, other members can use that same audit, reducing costs and audit fatigue for the supplier.

The amfori Sustainability Platform is the broader ecosystem that houses QMI and other tools, providing a 360-degree view of a company’s due diligence activities.

3. The Path to International Certification

A key strength of the amfori system is its role as a continuous improvement model that prepares companies for formal certification.

The primary recognized certification is SA8000 (Social Accountability International), a globally auditable standard for decent workplaces.

• amfori BSCI Audits are recognized by SAAS (Social Accountability Accreditation Services). This means that a well-performed BSCI audit (typically a grade A or B) can be used as a basis for an SA8000 certification audit, reducing the time and cost for the final certification step.
• Think of it as a progression: A company starts with amfori BSCI to build its system, address non-compliances, and then moves towards an SA8000 certificate as a mark of excellence.

4. The Environmental Side: amfori BEPI

It’s crucial to note that amfori also has an environmental program: amfori BEPI (Business Environmental Performance Initiative).

• Focus: Environmental performance in supply chains (e.g., GHG emissions, water use, waste, chemicals).
• Alignment with International Standards: BEPI’s framework is aligned with key international standards like:
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)
  • The Higg Index (for the apparel sector)
  • Various national and international environmental regulations.
• Integration: BEPI assessments can also be managed through the amfori Sustainability Platform, allowing members to manage both social (BSCI) and environmental (BEPI) risks in one place.

Summary: Key Advantages of the amfori Approach

1. Internationally Aligned: The system is built directly upon ILO conventions and other UN instruments, ensuring credibility and relevance.
2. Industry-Driven: It reflects the practical needs and shared responsibility of businesses.
3. Reduces Audit Fatigue: The QMI platform and shared audit approach prevent suppliers from undergoing multiple, similar audits for different clients.
4. Continuous Improvement Model: The grading and CAP system focus on progress rather than just a pass/fail result.
5. Path to Certification: It provides a clear and recognized pathway to achieving SA8000 certification.
6. Holistic: Through BEPI, it covers both social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

In conclusion, auditing schemes and programs like amfori BSCI and BEPI, managed through the QMI platform, provide a robust, internationally-aligned framework for companies to conduct due diligence, improve conditions in their supply chains, and work towards the highest levels of social and environmental performance.

What is Required Amfori QMI

Here is a detailed breakdown of what is required to participate in and benefit from Auditing Schemes and Programs aligned with International Standards through amfori QMI.

Core Concept: It’s a Management System, Not Just an Audit

The fundamental requirement for using amfori’s system is the commitment to a continuous improvement process, not just passing a one-time audit. The amfori BSCI System is a management system designed to help companies achieve compliance with international standards over time.

1. Requirements for amfori Members (Buyers/Brands)

Companies joining amfori to manage their supply chain due diligence have specific obligations:

2. Requirements for Suppliers (amfori BSCI Participants)

Suppliers (“Production Units” or “Factories”) are the ones being audited. Their requirements are operational and procedural.

3. Requirements for the Audit Itself & Alignment with International Standards

The audit process itself is highly standardized to ensure consistency and alignment. The requirements are embedded in the amfori BSCI methodology.

Summary: The “Path to Compliance”

The requirements can be visualized as a continuous cycle:

For the Buyer (amfori Member):
Commit → Invite Suppliers → Fund Audits → Monitor in QMI → Support Improvement

For the Supplier (BSCI Participant):
Register → Implement Code of Conduct → Undergo Audit → Execute Corrective Actions → Improve Rating

The ultimate goal of meeting these requirements is not just to get a report in the QMI system, but to genuinely improve working conditions and environmental performance, bringing a company’s operations in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and preparing them for potential certification like SA8000.

Who is Required Amfori QMI

The amfori BSCI System is a supply chain due diligence program driven by brands and retailers (amfori Members) and applied to their suppliers (Production Units). Therefore, the requirement flows downstream from the buyer to the producer.

• The “Who” that Drives the Requirement: amfori Member Companies (Buyers/Brands/Retailers).
• The “Who” that Undergoes the Audit: Their Suppliers (Factories/Production Units, called “amfori BSCI Participants”).
• The “Who” that Conducts the Audit: amfori-Accredited External Auditing Firms.

1. Who is Required to Drive the Process? (The “Trigger”)

amfori Member Companies (Buyers/Brands/Retailers)

These are the companies who join amfori and commit to its Code of Conduct. They are the primary entities requiring the audits.

• Examples: A European supermarket, a global fashion brand, a furniture importer.
• Their Requirement: To fulfill their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and human rights due diligence obligations, they mandate that their suppliers undergo amfori BSCI audits.
• Their Role:
  • They formally adopt the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct.
  • They invite their suppliers to register on the amfori QMI platform.
  • They are financially responsible for paying for the audit.
  • They use the amfori QMI platform to monitor their suppliers’ audit results and corrective actions.

In short: Without an amfori Member requiring it, a supplier does not need an amfori BSCI audit.

2. Who is Required to Be Audited? (The “Subject”)

Suppliers / Production Units / Factories (amfori BSCI Participants)

These are the businesses that manufacture goods or provide services for amfori Member Companies. They are the ones directly assessed against the international standards.

• Examples: A garment factory in Bangladesh, an electronics assembly plant in Vietnam, a farm in Kenya.
• Their Requirement: The requirement is commercial. To secure or maintain business with an amfori Member company, the supplier must agree to:
  1. Register on the amfori Sustainability Platform (QMI).
  2. Undergo an amfori BSCI audit conducted by an amfori-approved auditor.
  3. Implement the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct and correct any non-compliances found.
• Their Role:
  • Provide full access to their facility and records for the audit.
  • Pay for any necessary corrective actions (e.g., installing new safety equipment, updating payroll systems).
  • Manage and execute the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) within the QMI platform.

3. Who is Required to Conduct the Audit? (The “Assessor”)

amfori-Accredited Independent Auditing Companies

To ensure integrity, consistency, and expertise, amfori does not conduct the audits itself. Instead, it accredits and oversees a global network of professional third-party audit firms.

• Examples: Large, globally recognized firms like Bureau Veritas, SGS, TÜV Rheinland, Intertek, etc.
• Their Requirement: These firms must meet amfori’s strict accreditation criteria, which includes auditor training on the amfori BSCI methodology and its alignment with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
• Their Role:
  • Schedule and perform the on-site audit according to the precise amfori BSCI methodology.
  • Interview workers privately and review documents.
  • Assign a performance rating (A-E).
  • Upload the final report directly into the amfori QMI database.

Summary: Who is Required?

In essence: The amfori Member company is required by its own CSR policy to use the scheme. The supplier is required by its customer (the amfori Member) to undergo the audit. The audit firm is required by amfori’s rules to conduct the audit properly. The amfori QMI platform is the central tool that connects all three parties and manages the data against the backdrop of international standards.

When is Required Amfori QMI

The requirement for an amfori BSCI audit is not a one-time event but a continuous cycle driven by business relationships, risk management, and performance deadlines. Key triggers include the start of a new supplier relationship, the expiry of a previous audit, and the finding of non-compliances.

1. When is an Amfori BSCI Audit Initially Required?

An initial audit is typically required under the following circumstances:

2. When are Follow-Up and Re-Audits Required?

The amfori system is based on continuous improvement, so the “when” is also determined by the previous audit’s results and its validity period.

3. When is the Amfori QMI Platform Used?

The QMI platform is the central hub for the entire process, and its use is required at specific points in time.

Summary: Key Timing Triggers

The requirement for an audit and the use of the QMI platform can be summarized by these key temporal triggers:

1. START of a Business Relationship: A new supplier must be audited.
2. END of an Audit Validity Period: A re-audit is required every 1 or 3 years, depending on the grade.
3. FAILURE to Meet Standards: A follow-up audit is required after a poor grade (C, D, E) to verify corrective actions.
4. OCCURRENCE of a Critical Event: A re-audit may be triggered by a major incident or change at the facility.
5. ONGOING Due Diligence: The amfori QMI platform is used continuously for monitoring and reporting.

In essence, the “when” is defined by a cycle of initial assessment, periodic renewal, and event-driven verification, all managed through the amfori QMI platform to ensure ongoing compliance with international standards.

Where is Required Amfori QMI

The requirement for amfori BSCI audits and the use of the QMI platform is global in geographical scope but is concentrated in manufacturing hubs and high-risk countries. The program’s operational “home” is the digital amfori Sustainability Platform (QMI), which is accessible online worldwide.

1. Geographical “Where”: The Physical Location of Required Audits

The requirement for amfori BSCI audits applies to the entire global supply chain of an amfori member company. However, the focus and intensity are highest in certain regions.

A. Primary Focus: Sourcing & Production Countries (Supplier Locations)
Amfori BSCI audits are required wherever a member’s suppliers are located. This is overwhelmingly in:

• Asia: The primary region for amfori BSCI audits due to its concentration of global manufacturing.
  • China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia.
• Europe: For members sourcing from within Europe, particularly for agricultural products, textiles, and other goods.
  • Turkey (cross-continental), Italy, Portugal, Spain, Eastern European countries.
• Latin America:
  • Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico.
• Africa:
  • Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa.

B. Driven by Risk-Based Due Diligence
The “where” is not random; it is strategically targeted based on risk. Amfori members are required to focus their auditing resources on high-risk countries and sectors. Risk is determined by:

• Country Risk: Nations with weaker enforcement of labour laws, higher incidence of labour rights issues, or political instability.
• Commodity/Sector Risk: Industries known for labour issues (e.g., garments, textiles, agriculture, electronics assembly).

In short: An audit is required at the physical location of any supplier that an amfori member deems to be within the scope of its due diligence program, with a clear emphasis on higher-risk geographies.

2. Digital “Where”: The Location of the Program & Data Management (amfori QMI)

This is the central “place” where the program is managed, and it is entirely online.

A. The amfori Sustainability Platform (QMI)
This is the cloud-based digital hub where the entire program is executed. Its “location” is on amfori’s servers, accessible via the internet from anywhere in the world.

• Where audits are scheduled and managed.
• Where audit reports are stored and shared.
• Where Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) are tracked and monitored.
• Where data analytics and supply chain mapping occur.

B. Key “Places” within the amfori QMI Platform:

3. Organizational “Where”: Where the Requirement Originates

The mandate for using these schemes does not come from the supplier’s location but from the location of the business relationship’s headquarters.

• The Requirement Flows From: The amfori Member’s headquarters (e.g., a buying office in Brussels, Berlin, London, or New York).
• The Requirement is Applied To: The Supplier’s manufacturing facility (e.g., a factory in Bangladesh or Vietnam).

Summary: Where is it Required?

In essence: The physical audits are required on-site at suppliers across the globe, but the program itself is managed and stored digitally within the amfori QMI platform, which is controlled by the buying companies in their home countries.

How is Required Amfori QMI

The requirement is implemented through a standardized, cyclical process managed within the amfori Sustainability Platform (QMI). This process involves digital workflow management, a rigorous on-site audit methodology, a corrective action framework, and data-driven reporting, all designed to align with international standards.

1. How the Process is Managed: The Digital Workflow in amfori QMI

The “how” is fundamentally driven by technology. The amfori QMI platform provides the structure and tools to manage the entire lifecycle.

2. How the Audit is Conducted: The Methodology on the Ground

The on-site audit follows a strict, evidence-based methodology to ensure it correctly assesses compliance against international standards.

The audit is a two-part process:

Part A: Document Review
The auditor checks for a formal management system and verifiable records.

• How it’s done: Reviewing policies, payroll records, time sheets, employment contracts, safety permits, and training records.
• Alignment with Standards: This checks the “plans and processes” required by management system standards like ISO and the record-keeping demanded by ILO conventions on wages and hours.

Part B: On-Site Inspection
The auditor verifies that the documented systems reflect reality.

• How it’s done through:
  1. Physical Inspection: Walking through production areas, warehouses, dormitories, canteens, and checking safety equipment, emergency exits, and hygiene.
  2. Worker Interviews: Conducting private, confidential interviews with a cross-section of workers (without management present). This is a critical step for uncovering issues like harassment, forced overtime, or freedom of association violations.
  3. Management Interviews: Interviewing HR, safety officers, and top management to understand their knowledge and commitment to the code of conduct.

3. How It Aligns with International Standards: The Translation Mechanism

This is the core “how” for ensuring international relevance. The system doesn’t just allude to standards; it operationalizes them.

4. How Corrective Actions are Enforced: The “Teeth” of the System

A finding without a solution is useless. The “how” of enforcement is built into the QMI platform and the business relationship.

1. Mandatory CAP: For any grade below an ‘A’, the supplier must complete a Corrective Action Plan within the QMI platform.
2. Evidence-Based Verification: The supplier cannot just claim an issue is fixed; they must upload proof (e.g., a photo of a repaired fire extinguisher, a revised payroll document, a training attendance sheet).
3. Timeline Pressure: The system enforces deadlines based on the audit grade (e.g., a follow-up audit in 12 months for a ‘C’ or ‘D’).
4. Commercial Consequence: The amfori Member uses the audit results and CAP progress in QMI to make sourcing decisions. Persistent failure to improve can lead to a loss of business.

Summary: The “How” in a Nutshell

The requirement is implemented through an integrated system:

1. Digitally: The amfori QMI platform is the engine that drives the workflow, ensures transparency, and stores data.
2. Methodologically: A rigorous two-part audit (document review + on-site inspection) collects verifiable evidence.
3. Linguistically: The Code of Conduct and audit checklist translate complex international standards into practical, assessable requirements.
4. Cyclically: The Corrective Action Plan and grading system create a continuous improvement loop, closing the gap between non-compliance and alignment with international norms.

In essence, amfori QMI provides the “how-to” manual and the tools for a company to conduct effective human rights and environmental due diligence across its global supply chain.

Case Study on Amfori QMI

Improving Working Conditions at “Stellar Stitches” Garment Factory

Company: EcoStyle Europe (an amfori Member, a mid-sized fashion retailer based in Germany).
Supplier: Stellar Stitches (a garment factory with 500 workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh).
Program: amfori BSCI Audit & amfori QMI Platform.
International Standards: ILO Conventions, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Phase 1: The Trigger & Initial Audit

Background:
EcoStyle Europe, committed to its CSR policy, mandates that all new suppliers must undergo an amfori BSCI audit before large orders are placed. They select Stellar Stitches for its competitive pricing but have no prior social compliance data on the factory.

Action:

1. Invitation via QMI: An EcoStyle compliance manager logs into the amfori Sustainability Platform (QMI) and sends an electronic invitation to Stellar Stitches.
2. Registration: The factory manager at Stellar Stitches registers the company on QMI, creating a profile with basic details (address, number of workers, product type).
3. Audit Scheduling: EcoStyle uses QMI to select and appoint an amfori-accredited audit firm (e.g., Bureau Veritas). The audit is scheduled for Q2 2023.

The On-Site Audit:
An auditor from Bureau Veritas spends two days at Stellar Stitches. The audit follows the standard two-part methodology:

• Document Review: The auditor finds payroll records are incomplete, showing significant discrepancies between regular and overtime hours. The factory’s evacuation plan is outdated.
• On-Site Inspection & Interviews: The auditor observes blocked fire exits, missing safety guards on sewing machines, and insufficient first-aid kits. Private worker interviews reveal that workers are not paid the correct overtime premium and are unaware of the company’s grievance mechanism.

Audit Result & QMI Report:
The auditor uploads the final report to the amfori QMI platform. The report details non-compliances and assigns Stellar Stitches an overall performance rating of D (Insufficient).

Key non-compliances linked to ILO standards include:

• Performance Area 5 (Fair Remuneration): Non-Compliant. Failure to pay correct overtime rates (violation of ILO C1 – Hours of Work and ILO C131 – Minimum Wage Fixing).
• Performance Area 7 (Occupational Health & Safety): Non-Compliant. Blocked fire exits and unguarded machinery (violation of ILO C155 – Occupational Safety and Health).
• Performance Area 2 (Worker Involvement): Non-Compliant. No functional grievance mechanism (violation of ILO C135 – Workers’ Representatives).

Phase 2: Corrective Action & The Role of QMI

The Requirement:
Due to the ‘D’ rating, Stellar Stitches is required to complete a full Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and undergo a follow-up audit within 12 months.

Action in the QMI Platform:

1. CAP Creation: The management of Stellar Stitches logs into their QMI profile. They are prompted to create a CAP addressing each non-compliance. For example:
   • Issue: Incorrect overtime pay.
   • Root Cause: Flawed payroll software and lack of manager training.
   • Corrective Action: Update payroll system; recalculate and back-pay owed wages; train HR and line managers.
   • Deadline: 60 days.
   • Evidence Required: Screenshots of updated software, copies of revised pay slips, and training attendance records.
2. Evidence Upload: Over the next few months, Stellar Stitches uses QMI to upload evidence for each completed action.
3. Monitoring by EcoStyle: The compliance manager at EcoStyle Europe monitors the CAP progress in real-time through QMI. They don’t need to email the factory for updates; they can see the status and uploaded evidence directly in the platform.

Phase 3: Follow-Up Audit & Verification

The Follow-Up:
A follow-up audit is scheduled for Q2 2024. The same auditor returns to verify that the corrective actions are not only implemented but also effective and sustainable.

Findings:

• The payroll system has been updated, and back-pay has been provided to affected workers.
• Fire exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. Machine guards are installed.
• A new grievance box has been installed, and workers have been trained on how to use it confidentially.

New Audit Report in QMI:
The follow-up audit report is uploaded to QMI. It shows that most major non-compliances have been resolved. The performance rating for Stellar Stitches is upgraded to C (Acceptable).

The report notes that while systems are now in place, they need time to become fully embedded in the company culture. Another follow-up audit will be required in 12 months to ensure continuous improvement.

Analysis: How International Standards Were Upheld

This case study demonstrates the practical application of the amfori system in enforcing international standards:

1. From Principle to Practice: Abstract ILO conventions were translated into specific, auditable requirements (e.g., “ILO C155” became “unguarded machinery” and “blocked fire exits”).
2. Driving Continuous Improvement: The system did not simply fail the factory. The D grade + CAP + follow-up cycle provided a structured pathway for Stellar Stitches to improve from an “Insufficient” to an “Acceptable” operation.
3. The Role of QMI as the Central Nervous System:
   • Transparency: EcoStyle had full visibility into the process without being physically present.
   • Efficiency: All communication, reporting, and evidence collection was centralized, reducing administrative burden.
   • Accountability: The CAP in QMI created an unambiguous, time-bound record of commitments.
4. Shared Responsibility: EcoStyle Europe fulfilled its due diligence obligation under the UN Guiding Principles by proactively identifying and mitigating human rights risks in its supply chain. They used a recognized system to do so.

Conclusion

The amfori BSCI scheme, managed through the QMI platform, provided a clear, structured, and effective mechanism for EcoStyle Europe to meet its corporate responsibility goals and for Stellar Stitches to align its operations with international labour standards. The case moved from identifying critical risks to verifying tangible improvements, demonstrating that auditing schemes are not about punishment but about fostering sustainable progress in global supply chains.

White paper on Amfori QMI

The complexity of global supply chains, coupled with increasing regulatory pressure for human rights and environmental due diligence (e.g., EU CSDDD), demands robust, scalable, and efficient compliance mechanisms. This white paper examines the auditing schemes and programs offered by amfori, specifically the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and its enabling technology, the Query My Audit (QMI) platform. We detail how this integrated system translates international standards into actionable audit protocols, drives continuous improvement, and provides the data transparency required for modern corporate sustainability reporting. The conclusion affirms that the amfori system represents a critical industry-led solution for operationalizing due diligence across complex, multi-tiered supply chains.

1. Introduction: The Challenge of Supply Chain Governance

Global brands and retailers face unprecedented scrutiny regarding their social and environmental footprint. Stakeholders—including investors, consumers, and regulators—require proof that products are sourced responsibly. The core challenge lies in effectively monitoring and improving conditions in thousands of supplier facilities across diverse legal and cultural contexts. Isolated audits are insufficient; a systematic approach grounded in international norms and powered by digital collaboration is necessary.

2. The Amfori Ecosystem: An Overview

amfori is a leading global business association for open and sustainable trade. Its two primary programs for supply chain due diligence are:

• amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative): A holistic system for monitoring and improving social compliance in supply chains, centered on a Code of Conduct and a standardized audit methodology.
• amfori BEPI (Business Environmental Performance Initiative): A platform for improving environmental performance, using a similar framework for assessment and improvement.

The amfori Sustainability Platform (with QMI at its core) is the digital infrastructure that unifies these programs, enabling data management, audit sharing, and performance tracking.

3. The Auditing Scheme: Amfori BSCI in Detail

3.1 Foundation in International Standards

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct is not an independent standard; it is a direct operationalization of key international instruments, including:

• International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Conventions: The bedrock for principles on forced labour, child labour, freedom of association, non-discrimination, and collective bargaining.
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): Provides the foundational “Protect, Respect, Remedy” framework, making BSCI a practical due diligence tool.
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises: Reinforces responsible business conduct.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This foundation ensures the scheme’s credibility, relevance, and global applicability.

3.2 The Audit Methodology: A Rigorous Two-Part Process

The BSCI audit is a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment against the Code’s 13 Performance Areas.

1. Document Review: Auditors scrutinize policies, payroll records, timesheets, employment contracts, and safety permits to verify formal management systems.
2. On-Site Inspection:
   • Physical Walkthrough: Inspection of production areas, dormitories, canteens, and safety equipment.
   • Worker Interviews: Confidential, private interviews are a mandatory and critical component for uncovering issues like harassment or freedom of association violations that may not be visible in documents.
   • Management Interviews: Assessing management’s knowledge and commitment to the Code.

3.3 The Performance Rating System

Audit results are not binary (pass/fail). They are graded on an A-E scale, which dictates the corrective action timeline:

• A/B (Outstanding/Good): Valid for 3 years.
• C/D (Acceptable/Insufficient): Requires a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and a follow-up audit in 12 months.
• E (Unacceptable): Critical issues found; requires immediate action and a rapid follow-up.

This graded system fosters a continuous improvement model, recognizing that progress is often incremental.

4. The Digital Enabler: The Amfori QMI Platform

The QMI platform is the operational engine that transforms the BSCI methodology from a theoretical framework into an efficient, transparent system.

• Centralized Data Repository: All audit reports, CAPs, and evidence are stored in a single, cloud-based location.
• Workflow Management: The platform manages the entire audit lifecycle—from supplier invitation and auditor scheduling to CAP monitoring and follow-up triggering.
• Shared Audit Principle: A single BSCI audit in QMI can be shared and accepted by multiple amfori members, dramatically reducing audit fatigue for suppliers and cost for buyers.
• Transparency and Traceability: Members have real-time visibility into their suppliers’ compliance status, enabling proactive risk management and simplifying reporting for regulations like the CSDDD.

5. Alignment and Path to Certification

A key strength of the amfori system is its role as a stepping stone to formal certification.

• Recognition by SAAS: The amfori BSCI audit is officially recognized by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS).
• Path to SA8000: A strong BSCI audit result (typically an A or B grade) can form the basis for an SA8000 certification audit, reducing the time and cost for suppliers to achieve this globally recognized standard. This creates a clear progression path: BSCI for foundational due diligence → SA8000 for certified excellence.

6. Business Case and Benefits

7. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The amfori BSCI system and QMI platform represent a mature, industry-proven approach to supply chain due diligence. By effectively translating international standards into a practical auditing scheme and leveraging digital technology to ensure efficiency and transparency, it delivers tangible value to both buyers and suppliers.

As supply chain due diligence evolves from a voluntary initiative to a legal imperative, integrated systems like amfori’s will become not just advantageous, but essential. The future will likely see deeper integration of environmental (BEPI) and social (BSCI) data within QMI, advanced analytics for predictive risk modeling, and even tighter alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks worldwide. For companies committed to sustainable and ethical trade, engagement with such schemes is no longer an option but a core component of responsible business strategy.

Industrial Application of Amfori QMI

The amfori BSCI system, powered by the QMI platform, is not a theoretical framework but a practical Supply Chain Due Diligence and Management System applied across global industries. Its industrial application transforms international standards into actionable protocols for risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence within complex manufacturing and agricultural supply chains. This document outlines its real-world application from factory floor to corporate boardroom.

1. Core Industrial Context: The Challenges Addressed

Industries like apparel, footwear, electronics, agriculture, and consumer goods face common challenges:

• Complex, Opaque Supply Chains: Lack of visibility into sub-tier suppliers.
• Audit Fatigue: Suppliers subjected to multiple, repetitive audits from different clients.
• Inconsistent Standards: Varying codes of conduct create confusion and inefficiency.
• Systemic Risks: Persistent issues like excessive overtime, workplace safety hazards, and unauthorized subcontracting.

The amfori system is industrially applied to directly address these challenges.

2. Practical Application Across the Supply Chain

2.1 Application for the Brand/Buyer (amfori Member)

• Pre-Sourcing: Supplier Qualification
  • Action: A sourcing manager uses QMI to check a potential supplier’s audit history and grade before placing orders. A ‘D’ rating flags a high-risk supplier.
  • Industrial Outcome: De-risking the supply base from the start, preventing reputational damage.
• Post-Sourcing: Performance Monitoring & Strategic Sourcing
  • Action: A CSR team uses QMI dashboards to monitor all suppliers’ CAP progress. They prioritize resources and engagement for suppliers with the lowest grades.
  • Industrial Outcome: Data-driven decision-making. A brand can reward high-performing suppliers (A/B grade) with more business and collaboratively develop C/D graded suppliers.
• Reporting & Compliance
  • Action: The legal and compliance team exports data from QMI to generate reports for regulatory compliance (e.g., EU CSDDD, modern slavery acts).
  • Industrial Outcome: Efficient and defensible reporting, proving due diligence to regulators and investors.

2.2 Application for the Supplier/Factory (amfori BSCI Participant)

• Operational Management System Implementation
  • Action: Factory management uses the BSCI Code of Conduct as a blueprint to build their HR, payroll, and Health & Safety systems. They appoint a BSCI management representative.
  • Industrial Outcome: Standardization of internal processes, leading to fewer payroll errors, reduced workplace accidents, and better employee relations.
• Corrective Action Execution
  • Action: Following a ‘D’ grade in Occupational Health & Safety, the factory uses the CAP in QMI to track the installation of fire extinguishers, machine guards, and conduct emergency drills. They upload photos and training records as evidence.
  • Industrial Outcome: Tangible, verifiable improvements in working conditions that reduce downtime from accidents and improve worker morale and productivity.
• Commercial Relationship Management
  • Action: A factory’s sales team uses its improved BSCI ‘B’ rating in QMI as a marketing tool to attract new business from other amfori members.
  • Industrial Outcome: Enhanced market access and commercial competitiveness.

3. Specific Industrial Examples (Use Cases)

Use Case 1: Garment Factory in Bangladesh

• Challenge: High risk of fire safety violations and excessive overtime.
• amfori Application: BSCI audit identifies locked emergency exits and incorrect overtime pay calculation.
• QMI Action: CAP is created to install panic bars, conduct fire drills, and update payroll software. Evidence is uploaded to QMI.
• Result: Follow-up audit confirms improvements. The factory’s rating moves from ‘D’ to ‘C’. Worker turnover decreases.

Use Case 2: Electronics Assembly Plant in Vietnam

• Challenge: Use of student workers and potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• amfori Application: Audit reviews student intern contracts and checks chemical safety data sheets (SDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• QMI Action: CAP mandates proper internship agreements and documented training on chemical handling. The buyer monitors evidence submission in QMI.
• Result: Prevention of potential forced labour and health incidents. The plant becomes a benchmark for other facilities in the region.

Use Case 3: Fruit Farm in South America

• Challenge: Ensuring fair wages for seasonal migrant workers and safe pesticide application.
• amfori Application: Audit involves interviewing migrant workers (with translators) and inspecting pesticide storage and application records.
• QMI Action: CAP requires providing workers with clear, written contracts in their native language and providing certified training on pesticide handling.
• Result: Improved living and working conditions for a vulnerable workforce and reduced environmental contamination.

4. The Role of QMI as the Industrial Operating System

The QMI platform is the central nervous system for this entire application:

• A Single Source of Truth: Replaces scattered spreadsheets, emails, and paper reports.
• Workflow Automation: Automates the scheduling, reporting, and CAP tracking process.
• Performance Analytics: Allows buyers to analyze data by country, commodity, or risk factor (e.g., “show all suppliers in China with a ‘D’ in Working Hours”).
• Supply Chain Mapping: Helps visualize the supply chain and identify hidden sub-suppliers.

Conclusion: The Tangible Industrial Value

The industrial application of the amfori BSCI and QMI system delivers measurable Return on Investment (ROI):

• For Buyers: Risk Reduction, Regulatory Compliance, and Brand Protection.
• For Suppliers: Operational Efficiency, Reduced Audit Fatigue, and Enhanced Competitiveness.
• For Workers: Safer, Fairer, and More Dignified Employment.

By providing a standardized, transparent, and collaborative platform, the amfori system moves corporate social responsibility from a public relations exercise to an integral part of core industrial and supply chain management.