Auditing Software To Help Grain Exporters Meet Compliance For FTA

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Import/Export

Australia is one of modern China’s oldest trading partners, having jumped into the opportunity when China opened its first “special economic zone” in 1979. Since then, the trade ties between the two countries have only grown stronger, and Australia is recognised by local consumers as having a “clean and green” food environment with high quality products and brands.

Market feedback in China has shown that consumers are interested in many different products from Australian suppliers, including wheat and barley. However, market access for Australian agribusiness products to the mainland Chinese market remains a significant issue, as it’s generally easier for processed foods and wine to access the market, even under ChAFTA.

In this article, we look at the necessity of auditing for grain exporters, in light of ChAFTA and its opportunities.

Good Auditing Practice Converts A Supply Chain Into A Value Chain

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Import/Export, Risk Management, Supply Chain

There is often some confusion about the difference between the traditional supply chain and what has come to be known as a “value chain”. In reality, the two usually overlap and can even be the same “chain”. The difference lies in the high-level view of the process, but it can be argued in most cases – if not all – that a supply chain that isn’t also a value chain is a sign of poor business practices.

Today we look at creating a value chain for business, and how effective auditing is just as important as ownership for each link in the chain.

Real Time Risk Management Is Not Optional Anymore

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

Businesses in Europe and the US are poised to leave us behind. That may seem a bit blunt and perhaps is a slight overstatement, but the essence of the statement is true, according to new global data released by multinational professional services firm Ernst and Young.
The survey in question looked at businesses around the world and how they are managing their risk. While Australia has historically “been at the forefront of risk management”, we are now merely “on par” with our industrial global counterparts, and that is a concerning trend.
Today we consider how real-time risk management is necessary, in order to compete in global business.

Transparent Audit Results, Compliance Engagement and Workplace Safety

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Risk Management, Work Health & Safety

Workplace health and safety can be a dull topic for employees, in most cases truth be told, but that doesn’t make it any less important. The challenge for management and compliance officers is to create engagement in this area for everyone involved, so that improving work safety becomes a regular part of a team’s goals.
In this article, we look at how companies can get employees engaged in compliance measures, to create a safer work environment.

Protect Your Business and Your People with Auditing

Audit Management, blog, Compliance Management, Risk Management, Work Health & Safety

Auditing has always been an important part of business success, but the recent and ongoing surge in regulations is making it a necessity that is more easily recognised. When auditing is internal and strictly used for company integrity, there can be more of a propensity for slacking. But when outside pressures are brought to bear, which carry the possibility of very steep fines and penalties, there is all the more reason to make sure that you’re compliant.

In this article we look at how companies can improve business and protect employees by auditing for work health and safety.

In Compliance, Big Salaries Come With Big Risks and Responsibilities

blog, Compliance Management, Compliance Monitoring Software, Operational Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management

Compliance has become a huge industry, partly out of wanting to simply do good business, but mostly out of the necessity of complying with ever-increasing rules and regulations from governments and other regulatory agencies.
In response to the new demand, companies are now paying hefty salaries to compliance officers. As with all things, however, great rewards come only from great risks and responsibilities.
In this article we explain why Compliance Officers are earning higher salaries and why they are personally at risk for non-compliance.

Risk Management Doesn’t Mean Risk Aversion

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

There is a disconnect in today’s businesses that is causing significant losses in market value. That disconnect is shown in two ways. First, many companies equate risk management with risk aversion. That is, instead of actively monitoring and measuring the risk controls they put in place, they are simply setting the controls in place for maximum risk avoidance and then letting them ride.

Saying Goodbye to SSL and TSL

blog, Compliance Monitoring Software, Data Security & Privacy Compliance, Risk Management

Winston Churchill once said “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”. Some might argue that we’ve taken that idea to the extreme and decided to be a society under constant change, in which case we should listen to Mr. Churchill’s further thought, that “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”.
In the case of security and compliance, that constant progress is definitely a good thing. The more secure customer and company data can be kept, the better. Keeping products safe and in good shape along supply lines is also good.

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.