OMRON has been implementing CSR procurement* based on fair transactions with suppliers of materials, parts and products, in accordance with the OMRON Group purchasing policies.

In April 2007, OMRON updated its purchasing policies, emphasizing "ecology" (reduction of environmental impact) and "compliance" (observance of laws, regulations and social norms) as key programs. Efforts are underway to share and promote these key programs across the entire supply chain. OMRON will further strengthen CSR procurement to meet the expectations of its customers and society at large.

* CSR procurement refers to efforts to extend a company’s CSR commitment to cover purchasing and procurement processes, while requiring suppliers/business partners to practice CSR. Requirements include legal and regulatory compliance, forbiddance of forced labor and child labor, respect for human rights and diversity, forbiddance of illegal trading, and appropriate management of chemical substances, and observance of regulations related to substances contained in products.

To promote CSR procurement in tandem with its suppliers, OMRON concentrates its efforts on sharing information regarding CSR matters with suppliers, as well as assessment and appropriate management of CSR practices implemented by suppliers.

In 2007, OMRON conducted a questionnaire survey targeting its main suppliers in Japan and China to observe the status of their CSR practices. Questions were based on selected items from the Supply Chain CSR Promotion Guidebook issued by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Association (JEITA). In view of expanding business in China, in 2008 OMRON conducted a simple questionnaire survey for virtually all partners in China, using a supplier survey form. The survey was designed to assess their conformance with CSR-related requirements, which are among eight key requirements OMRON has asked them to follow.

OMRON also conducted CSR monitoring for three suppliers in Greater China in fiscal 2009, and for one supplier in Asia Pacific during fiscal 2010. These monitoring processes used a survey form based on the EICC (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition) Code of Conduct.

OMRON will continue to implement these activities to adopt clearly stipulated CSR procurement standards across the entire supply chain, while strengthening relations with its suppliers. This will allow OMRON to promote CSR procurement involving its supply chain.

• Green Procurement