− ISO 14001 is the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems.

− ISO 14001 is the principal management system standard which specifies the requirements for the formulation and maintenance of an EMS. There are three fundamental commitments required in an environmental policy that meets the requirements of ISO 14001. These include:.

− These commitments help drive the improvements in overall environmental performance. ISO 14001 can be used as a tool; it focuses on controlling your environmental aspects or the way that your activities products and services interact with the environment; for example, emissions to air, land or water. Organisations must describe what they intend to do, adhere to their procedures and record their efforts to demonstrate compliance and improvement. You will set objectives, targets and implement a programme to improve your environmental performance which often leads to financial benefits.Organisations are required to identify applicable legal, statutory and related requirements. It is particularly important to identify how the legislation affects you so that compliance measures can be adopted and periodically evaluated ensuring requirements are understood by employees and implemented effectively.

−Organisations of all types, sectors and sizes can improve their environmental performance through the implementation of this standard..

−Improved environmental performance led by top management commitment.
-Cost savings can be achieved through improved efficiencies in energy and water usage and through waste minimisation
-Reduced risk of pollution incidents and other releases to the environment and therefore avoidance of unnecessary clean up costs and/or enforcement action by regulatory bodies
Compliance with legislation through the identification of new legislation in adequate time to address appropriate issues
Reduced risk of non-compliance with legislation and subsequent costs/prosecution
Improved brand image as customers will see an organisation that is in control of its impact on the environment
Improved business focus and communication of environmental issues
Improved profitability through costs reductions and improved customer satisfaction.

-ISO 9001: It provides your company with a set of principles that ensure a common sense approach to the management of your business activities to consistently achieve customer satisfaction.:

-ISO 9001 applicable to:s Any organization can benefit from implementing ISO 9001 as its requirements are underpinned by eight management principles:
A customer focused organization
Leadership
The involvement of people
Ensuring a process approach
systematic approach to management
A factual approach to decision making
Mutually beneficial supplier relations
Continuous improvement

- Benefit: Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements
Reduced operating costs - through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies
Improved stakeholder relationships - including staff, customers and suppliers
Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact on the organization and its your customers
Improved risk management - through greater consistency and traceability of products and services
Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply…

−OHSAS 18001 is the International Occupational Health and Safety Management Standard. It was published in July 2007, superseding OHSAS 18001, and is intended to address occupational health and safety (OH&S) rather than product safety. OHSAS 18001 provides a framework to the effective management of OH&S including compliance with the legislation that applies to your activities and identified hazards.

− The standard is applicable to any organisation that wishes to eliminate or minimize risk to employees and other stakeholders who may be exposed to OH&S risks associated with its activities. Many organizations will have elements required by OHSAS 18001 already in place which can be supplemented to provide a more cohesive management system to meet the requirements of the standard. Organisations that implement OHSAS 18001 have a clear management structure with defined authority and responsibility, clear objectives for improvement, with measurable results and a structured approach to risk assessment. This includes the monitoring of health and safety management failures, auditing of performance and review of policies and objectives.

−Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements whilst safeguarding their health and property
Reduced operating costs - by decreasing down-time through incidents and ill health and reducing costs associated with legal fees and compensation
Improved stakeholder relationships - by safeguarding the health and property of staff, customers and suppliers
Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers
Improved risk management - through clear identification of potential incidents and implementation of controls and measures
Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply

−Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) was founded in 2003 for the purpose of developing the tools and procedures for the European Business Social Compliance Programs. Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is the common European platform of retailers, industry and importing companies for monitoring and improving social standards in supplier countries for all consumer goods. The BSCI is based on the labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other important international regulations like the UN Charter for Human Rights, as well as on national regulations. The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) was officially launched on 30 November 2004. It represents a coordinated effort by the European retail industry to implement a harmonized code of conduct and improve working conditions in supplier countries on a voluntary basis. The driving force behind the BSCI is the Brussels -based Foreign Trade Association (FTA), which is the association for European commerce lobbying particularly on foreign trade issues.

Benefits of the BSCI:

The benefits of the BSCI as a broad and comprehensive monitoring system for social standards in the supply chain are numerous

−Synergy effects, reduction of multiple auditing thereby reducing costs are one characteristic. Factories/companies which are being audited can improve their competitiveness through improved social standards as better working conditions and an improved management system leads to better product quality, higher productivity, fewer work accidents, less sick leave producing more highly motivated workers and lower staff turnover. The result of this is an improvement ethically, but also economically for both involved employers as well as employees. The economic advantages in this respect - in parallel taking into account the objectives to reduce excessive overtime and raise salaries where necessary, have been shown in research studies in this field. Therefore, benefits of the individual company also have a positive effect on the broad public.

Does the BSCI provide a certification?

−The BSCI is not a certification system and therefore does not issue a certificate. The BSCI provides a specific process with uniform management instruments for Members, suppliers, auditors and qualifiers. This approach ensures uniform audit procedures and evaluation and therefore comparability of the results. If I do not get a certificate what do I receive as proof of the audit? The cover page of the audit report outlining the results and the validity of the audit can be displayed in the factory premises and be used as proof of the audit.

Products covered by the BSCI:

−Audits within the BSCI can be conducted in any production facility worldwide. The type of articles covered by the BSCI varies widely. There are quite a number of department stores as members, who sell all sorts of soft goods, clothing, home textiles, small appliances, toys, and accessories. There are also members that focus on one particular product group, for example clothing stores, shoe retailers, baby products, or sports goods. For the implementation of the BSCI in the food industry, the BSCI has developed a special module for the primary production (farms).

−Management Practice.
Documentation.
Working Time
Remuneration.
Child labour/Young Labour
Forced Labour/Discrepancy Measures/Prison Labour.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargain.
No Discrimination.
Working Conditions.
Health and Social Facilities.
Occupational Safety and Health.
Dormitories.
Environment.

−SA8000 is a global social accountability standard for decent working conditions, developed and overseen by Social Accountability International (SAI).

The SA8000 standard for socially responsible employment practices first appeared in 1998 after nearly a year of drafting by the advisory board.

An advisory board comprising 25 experts from a wide range of backgrounds, including businesses, trade unions and non-governmental organizations, drafted the terms of SA8000. Now that the code has been finalized, SAI is overseeing the certification of companies that have expressed a desire to become SA8000-compliant.

Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) has been developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), known until recently as the Council on Economic Priorities Accreditation Agency. SAI is a non-profit affiliate of the Council on Economic Priorities (CEP). SA8000 is promoted as a voluntary, universal standard for companies interested in auditing and certifying labour practices in their facilities and those of their suppliers and vendors. It is designed for independent third party certification.

Benefits of SA8000:

Initial evidence indicates that SA8000 certified facilities enjoy a competitive advantage and workers experience concrete benefits as the SA8000 management system and any needed corrective actions are put in place.

Benefits for Workers, Trade Unions and NGOs:

−Enhanced opportunities to organize trade unions and bargain collectively.
-A tool to educate workers about core labor rights.
-An opportunity to work directly with business on labor rights issues.
-A way to generate public awareness of companies committed to assuring humane working conditions.

Benefits for Business:

−Drives company values into action.
-Enhances company and brand reputation.
-Improves employee recruitment, retention and productivity.
-Supports better supply chain management and performance.

-Clear and credible assurance for ethical purchasing decisions.
Identification of ethically made products and companies committed to ethical sourcing.
Broad coverage of product categories and production geography.

A summary of the Standard elements follows:

No workers under the age of 15; minimum lowered to 14 for countries operating under the ILO Convention 138 developing-country exception; remediation of any child found to be working.

No forced labor, including prison or debt bondage labor; no lodging of deposits or identity papers by employers or outside recruiters.

Provide a safe and healthy work environment; take steps to prevent injuries; regular health and safety worker training; system to detect threats to health and safety; access to bathrooms and potable water.

Respect the right to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively; where law prohibits these freedoms, facilitate parallel means of association and bargaining.

No discrimination based on race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or age; no sexual harassment.

No corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse.

Comply with the applicable law but, in any event, no more than 48 hours per week with at least one day off for every seven day period; voluntary overtime paid at a premium rate and not to exceed 12 hours per week on a regular basis; overtime may be mandatory if part of a collective bargaining agreement.

Wages paid for a standard work week must meet the legal and industry standards and be sufficient to meet the basic need of workers and their families; no disciplinary deductions.

Facilities seeking to gain and maintain certification must go beyond simple compliance to integrate the standard into their management systems and practices.

−It is a Food Safety methodology that relies on the identification of Critical Control Points (CCP's) in food production and preparation processes. Closely monitored CCPs will ensure that food is safe for human consumption.

It avoids traditional "end product testing" and seeks to identify hazards and reduce risks throughout all stages from producer to plate.

The approach was originally derived from Engineering System's - "Failure Mode and Effect Analysis". It was further developed by Pillsbury / NASA for the American Space Programme . Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points reduced the risk of astronauts suffering from the effects of consuming contaminated food whilst in space.

HACCP Principles are now promoted and incorporated into Food Safety Legislation in many Countries.

−Identifying any hazards that must be prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels.
-Identifying the critical control points at the step or steps at which control is essential to prevent or eliminate a hazard or to reduce it to acceptable levels.
-Establishing critical limits at critical control points which separate acceptability from unacceptability for the prevention, elimination or reduction of identified hazards.
-Establishing and implementing effective monitoring procedures at critical control points.
-Establishing corrective actions when monitoring indicates that a critical control point is not under control.
Establishing procedures, which shall be carried out regularly, to verify that the measures outlined in the above paragraphs.
-And, establishing documents and records commensurate with the nature and size of the food business to demonstrate the effective application of the measures outlined in the above paragraphs.

−ISO and its member countries used the Quality Management System approach, and tailored it to apply to Food Safety, incorporating the widely used and proven HACCP principles into the quality management system. The resulting standard is ISO 22000.

The standard contains the specific requirements to be addressed by the FSMS.

−ISO/IEC 27001:2005 Information Technology -- Security Techniques -- Specification for an Information Security Management System. The standard covers all types of organizations (e.g. commercial enterprises, government agencies and non-profit organizations). It specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented ISMS within the context of the organization's overall risk management processes. It specifies requirements for the implementation of security controls customized to the needs of individual organizations or parts thereof. It does not mandate specific information security controls. The standard defines its 'process approach' as "The application of a system of processes within an organization, together with the identification and interactions of these processes, and their management". It employs the PDCA, Plan-Do-Check-Act model to structure the processes.

−Since compliance to C-TPAT program can sometimes be confusing, GBL Management Consultants has created a package designed to clarify and simplify the certification process. We have successfully navigated through C-TPAT application and certification for a variety of clients and we can help you too!

Allow us to help you become CTPAT/C-TPAT compliant!:

The main goal of CTPAT/C-TPAT Compliance is to make a more secure and efficient supply chain through partnership. Customs has to adapt to the changing industry and therefore, requires the assistance of private industry to ensure increased vigilance throughout the supply chain. Customs recognizes that just as it protects the trade and U.S. borders, businesses must ensure that their brands, employees, and customers are protected. US customs understands that a safe and regulated supply chain is the most critical part of keeping US safe. Customs is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through instilling CTPAT. In turn, they want to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.

Ask us how we can help!

It does seem to be both complicated and a lot of work. However, the benefits of this program far outweigh the actual hassle of the project. It can save you so much time and money that not participating does not make sense.

GBL Management Consultants has developed a proven formula for success in the C-TPAT Certification and Validation process. We begin with a site visit to your designated facility at an agreed upon time that usually takes no longer than a day to complete. During this visit, our auditors observes your operations and the security practices already in place. The information gathered helps our staff to prepare an Executive Summary/Security Profile that meets and exceeds the minimum standards required by CBP for your business type.

Personalized training at your location.
An in-depth analysis of your company security procedures.
Preparation and Filing of your Executive Summary.
A Customized C-TPAT Compliance Manual that addresses your company’s specific needs.

CE Marking is the symbol inline. The letters "CE" are the abbreviation of French phrase "Conformité Européene" which literally means "European Conformity". The term initially used was "EC Mark" and it was officially replaced by "CE Marking" in the Directive 93/68/EEC in 1993. "CE Marking" is now used in all EU official documents.

− The CE marking shall be affixed only by the manufacturer or his authorised representative.

−The CE marking shall be affixed only to products to which its affixing is provided for by specific Community harmonisation legislation, and shall not be affixed to any other product.
By affixing or having affixed the CE marking, the manufacturer indicates that he takes responsibility for the conformity of the product with all applicable requirements set out in the relevant Community harmonisation legislation providing for its affixing.
The CE marking shall be the only marking which attests the conformity of the product with the applicable requirements of the relevant Community harmonisation legislation providing for its affixing.
The affixing to a product of markings, signs or inscriptions which are likely to mislead third parties regarding the meaning or form of the CE marking shall be prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the product provided that the visibility, legibility and meaning of the CE marking is not thereby impaired.
Member States shall ensure the correct implementation of the regime governing the CE marking and take appropriate action in the event of improper use of the marking. Member States shall also provide for penalties for infringements, which may include criminal sanctions for serious infringements. Those penalties shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and constitute an effective deterrent against improper use.
Personalized training at your location.
An in-depth analysis of your company security procedures.
Preparation and Filing of your Executive Summary.
A Customized C-TPAT Compliance Manual that addresses your company’s specific needs.

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a ground-breaking alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations. We work in partnership to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable workers across the globe who make or grow consumer goods - everything from tea to T-shirts, from flowers to footballs.

− Ethical trade means that retailers, brands and their suppliers take responsibility for improving the working conditions of the people who make the products they sell. Most of these workers are employed by supplier companies around the world, many of them based in poor countries where laws designed to protect workers’ rights are inadequate or not enforced.

−Companies with a commitment to ethical trade adopt a code of labour practice that they expect all their suppliers to work towards. Such codes address issues like wages, hours of work, health and safety and the right to join free trade unions.

Why is ETI needed?

‘Doing’ ethical trade is much harder than it sounds. Modern supply chains are vast, complex and span the globe. Labour issues are themselves challenging. For example, what exactly is a living wage'? What should a company do if it finds children working in a supplier's worksite? Evicting children from the workplace can, paradoxically, make their lives worse.

Our Vision

To provide a networking platform for the global leather industry Seamless communication among tanners, manufacturers, brands and consumers Efficient, faster development and marketing of fashion designs each season. Industry wired with the latest in information technology. Complete Information Management Services for Tanneries, Shoes, Garments, Goods Manufacturers, Consumers and other stakeholders of the industry.

Our Mission

To deliver customer-driven, cost effective quality IT solutions through a team of experienced and motivated professionals, ensuring total satisfaction and long term value to the customer. To generate value, comparable to the best in software industry for all stakeholders. To be a socially responsible corporate citizen..

If you work in Leather industry, you know the hassles of tracking numerous sample shipments, phone calls with customers, status of hundreds of orders continuously. Add to this travel to cities across continents a few times a year, you have a perfect recipe for stressful business life.

We want to provide a platform, which will enable leather industry to work with modern technologies in this globalized economy. This is achieved by enabling business of leather and leather products design, manufacture and sales to suit the information age.

− Sandals, Shoes, Moccasin’s, Boots (knee and ankle), Stitched down, Blake construction

We provide complete IT solutions ranging from analysis of requirements, design & development of software to day-to-day implementation and usage support covering entire Leather Value Chain.

CMC is a turnkey ERP solution provider. It works primarily with SAP and Microsoft Dynamics suite of products to deliver specific solutions to its clients. The range of services include software license sale, implementation services which includes training and support on the ERP solutions.

CMC works with its partners in SAP and Microsoft ecosystem and outside to complement it’s offering to meet the requirements of its customers comprehensively.

CMC has a rich repertoire of ready to deploy solutions in many domains. These solutions have been first developed and stabilized for our clients and then generalized for industry usage. The solutions have imbibed deep business practices of the industry and hence save enormous time. The return on investment also comes in much quicker.

"Content is in Progress"

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Introduction

Of the 4 M’s of Management viz., Men, Material, Machine & Money (also known as Human Resources) play a very vital role in the success of the Organization in conjunction with the other 3 M’s.

For any Organization going for an Integrated Solution, a functionally rich HR & Payroll Modules would enable the Management in managing its Human Resources efficiently & effectively and also for the Planning of Human Resources. The Human Resource Management Department can concentrate more on the core activities leaving the laborious work to the software.

Apart from the above, it helps the Organization to assess the Employee Performance, enable timely decisions in meeting the Training and Recruitment needs and other Human Resource needs of the Organization w.r.t the Statutory Legislation and other Administrative activities. To make this possible, we have proposed for development of HR & Payroll Functionality specifically catering to the changing Organizations requirement.

ERP for Tannery, Footwear & Textiles Industries

Introduction

Leather ERP offers a world-class and contemporary information infrastructure to a leather business.

We understand Leather business with Tannery, Garments, Footwear, upholstery and exotic leather sectors is extensive export market and has its own challenges. They have very exacting requirements for quality, delivery time lines, accuracy and promptness of information. The members of the industry want to retain their customers and also gain new ones. Supply chain integration and a wider control on the supply chain gives them a lot of strength. The backward and forward integration is the solution. However, the units are not necessarily located under one roof. A tannery requires a different handling than a leather goods unit or a leather garment units or a Footwear unit. The members are in acute need of one solution provider who can not only understands the nuances of each activity but has ready solution for the same.

Leather ERP addresses the unique needs of the industry by giving a full control on the operations of a typical export company from the time they submit a quote and sample to getting a satisfied and happy customer.

While the software is being used for the day to day working, Microsoft Dynamics NAV as a reliable and integrated framework manages the inventory, purchase, sales, customer relationships, collectable control and meets the statutory requirements of the business.

The natural integration of the solution with Microsoft Office which includes Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook (the communication interface) helps the organization in leveraging the information in the integrated solution in multiple ways.

The ease with which add on components like HR & Payroll, multiple level authorizations, subcontracting can be added gives the comfort to the organization that the solution will grow in number of users as well as in functionality to accommodate the growing needs of a growing organization.

Life At Creative Management Consultant

Though we are in the industry for over 7 years now, we still retain the start-up culture we had when we started working in 2010.

At CMC it is not work but a mission. Everyone is aligned to the same goal, on the same page all the time. The obsession with customer, freshness of new technology, new ways and ever changing consulting landscape keeps everyone on their toes. Our communication is clear, leadership intense and mediocrity is scorned. Performance is very difficult to hide.

Though hierarchy exists each contribution is counted, respected and recognized. The wins however are celebrated together.

Good energy permeates across the company and is almost tangible. The mutual trust and respect is the foundation for a fun filled life at CMC.

We have an internal sense of doing things the right way. Our colleagues spend the extra effort to create value that will outlast their own job or time at the company. A new employee joins as a member of a close knit family and is groomed in an intense atmosphere neatly defined through roles and responsibilities. The space to perform and learn is given in ample measure but a watchful eyes ensures that the employee remains on course and becomes productive to the organization as soon as possible.

Being a technology company all of us use the same cutting edge technology in our day-to-day work which we provide to our customers.