Creating material profiles and an automated due diligence system for Microsoft

TDi worked with Microsoft on its responsible sourcing and due diligence practices, including creating material profiles for key input materials and creating a tool for supply chain risk and opportunity assessment. Microsoft has a large complex supply chain that reaches into countries and businesses over which it has little influence, and it sources conflict minerals for its products. The client wanted better to understand where its minerals are sourced, the associated risks, and the opportunities for improvement.

TDi’s role in the project:

• Creation of an extensive database of applicable voluntary sustainability standards (VSS),
• Compilation of material profiles outlining various supply chain risks and opportunities for each.
• Development of a bespoke automated system using a relational database application that allows Microsoft to assess and track supply chain risks of input materials and manage/respond to those risks with increased due diligence and/or assurance
• Provision of key information on the available and applicable VSS and characteristics, with clear guidance on opportunities to implement VSS in their supply chain.
• To complete the project, TDi created a streamlined approach to risk assessment within Microsoft’s supply chain, and to supplier management and compliance with the client’s responsible sourcing goals.