Expressive Design Group case study

The Expressive Design Group (EDG) has been producing high-end paper products such as greeting cards, stacking boxes, gift bags, and specialized packaging since 1999. When EDG was able to secure large orders from retailing giant Target, it became clear that they would need a reliable and knowledgeable 3rd party auditing partner. Target, like many retail organizations, has put forth a significant effort to ensure that their products are produced and traded according to high ethical and quality standards. All Target suppliers are now subjected to a rigorous evaluation before they are permitted to produce Target merchandise. In order to ensure that their factories would receive a passing grade from Target’s auditors, EDG partnered with InTouch.

Adhering to Target’s Standards

Expressive Design Group needed to evaluate and improve their supplier’s level of compliance with Target’s Standards of Vendor Engagement as soon as possible. EDG’s previously negotiated Target were being delayed until their supplier was approved for production. Senior InTouch compliance specialists met with EDG’s China-based management team right away. During this meeting, InTouch experts laid out a plan that would require a maximum of 30 days to bring EDG’s supplier into compliance with Target’s standards.
 
First, senior InTouch compliance auditors would conduct a full evaluation or pre-audit of EDG’s supplier based on the very same criteria Target auditors are trained to follow. This pre-audit would reveal all issues of non-compliance with Target’s standards, and allow the InTouch team to focus on the most critical issues leading up to the next official Target audit.