Increasing Risk Liability and Pressure Mounting on Franchisors

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Risk Management

The movement in the US for a higher minimum wage has taken a new angle in attacking large franchisors, and it could threaten to rip apart the franchising industry as we know it. There are now consolidated cases going before the National Labour Relation Board which claim that a franchisor – such as McDonald’s, one of the companies being attacked – is actually a joint owner with its franchisees.
If the board rules against McDonald’s, it would mean that the corporation could be liable for wage underpayments or other violations, even things that aren’t related to the franchise agreement. The franchise owners would also basically lose their “business owner” status and be more subject to corporate policies. They would become, essentially, corporately-controlled outlets instead of franchises.

Earning China’s Trust through Auditing and Compliance

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Trust

If you were to try and imagine a new business opportunity that could literally double or triple your revenues quickly (or more), most business owners would get fairly excited. Opportunities like that don’t come along very often, but a great deal of Australian business owners are now looking head-on at one later this year.
The free trade agreement with China that will come into effect by the end of 2015 will undoubtedly affect many different industries over time, but the fresh food industry is first in line to reap big rewards.

Programmed Compliance and Cyber Security

blog, Compliance Management, Data Security & Privacy Compliance

A well maintained audit and compliance routine is paramount in any business when it comes to online/cyber security.  Just because you’ve followed the protocols set in place, it doesn’t mean that you can fight the fight against a major cyber security attack.  The compliance process needs to be a living and breathing entity, constantly curated and improved.
In this article we discuss the advantages of using programmed compliance in an agile process to guard against cyber attacks.

The Value of Checklists in Compliance Processes

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software

Checklists. We mostly use them to compile our grocery needs and make sure that we don’t arrive back at home having forgotten the milk or eggs. But checklists, as simple as they are, are some of the most powerful tools available to us, in business and in life.
Here we give the history, psychology, and practical reasons for using checklists in organisations.

Imported Food Scares Raise the Need for Better Auditing and Compliance

blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Supply Chain

The recent food scares with imported berries and tuna have raised more than public fear and government scrutiny. They’ve once again raised the importance of – and apparent lack of – proper auditing procedures with many organisations around the globe.
In this article, we look at food safety and discuss the need for replacing current auditing and compliance systems, in order to safeguard public health.

Self Regulation and Compliance Aren’t Always Compatible

blog, Compliance Management, Self Regulation

Self-regulation, in most instances of business or government, is far from effective or consistent, let alone honest. Self-preservation is a powerful thing, and human nature dictates that we’re all going to make a mistake, at some point.
When that unfortunate incident happens, the best thing that can happen is to immediately address it and handle it. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more harm it will cause when it finally sees the light of day. Self-regulation, combined with a natural tendency towards self-preservation, is simply an invitation to corrupt practices or processes.

How Technology is Helping Organisations Manage Compliance

Big Data, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Risk Management

Technology is changing the way businesses, and the world, operates at an almost blinding speed, and for many companies the struggle to keep up with the constant changes demanded by new developments can be extremely burdensome.
A simple example in the case of customer-facing assets is the emergence of social media as a platform for sales, marketing and customer service. This requires a new skill set, as well as a reimagining of business policies and processes.

When Non-Compliance Becomes a Public Safety Matter

blog, Compliance Management, Supply Chain

A lack of proper compliance standards and systems is always a problem for any business. That’s no great secret. Non-compliant players in a supply chain can cause lowered quality in products, confusion and/or mistrust from the consumer base, delays in inventory deliveries, and more.
While all of these are important and major issues that can – and do – negatively affect business results, none of them elicit the same level of concern and need for immediate action that another three-word issue can: food safety concerns.
This article warns about the business and health dangers than can arise from poor supply chain compliance standards.

3 Ways Retail Compliance Officers Can Reduce Potential Problems In Their Supply Chain

blog, Compliance Management, Supply Chain

Your supply chain is a huge part of, and more often than not a necessity to, your business. Unfortunately, it can also be a huge liability for your business if your suppliers aren’t vetted properly and if you don’t ensure compliance throughout your supply chain.
Thorough vendor risk management, then, must be a vital component of your compliance strategy.
This article explains ways in which retail compliance officers can reduce potential problems in their supply chain.