SupplyShift: Revolutionizing the Sustainable Supply Chain

Green businesses are under increasing pressure these days to demonstrate that the supply chain they manage for the production and distribution of goods is just as sustainable and dependable as the products and services they sell.

Even companies that didn’t start out with an eye on sustainability are now taking steps to demonstrate that they support a reduced carbon footprint in all facets of their industry.

SupplyShift manages sustainability in supply chains

Created by Ecoshift Development, SupplyShift is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses track and manage supplier information. It is specifically designed for companies with multiple suppliers that want on-the-spot information about the sustainable track record of their providers.
According to a press release the company released this week, “SupplyShift is unique in that it encourages competition and information sharing to drive sustainability improvement.”

Buyers are able to review supplier history and analyze its sustainability and risk profiles before accepting a contract. The system also works well for suppliers, as the dashboard allows them to compare their services with those of their peers.

“Buyers gain access to more sustainable suppliers through the cloud-based sharing of information," says Ecoshift, “and suppliers get access to information about how to improve.” It’s a win-win system that gives suppliers the tools to evaluate their services, while making it easier for buyers to connect with companies that fit their needs and expectations.

SupplyShift presents at Disrupt 2013

SupplyShift is already off to a good start. This month it went up against more than 200 competitors for a coveted spot on the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup 2013 (NY) list and was shortlisted as one of six finalists for the Disrupt Cup.  The winning entry of the Startup Battlefield competition (which includes a live six-minute presentation and a grueling set of questions by the judges) earns the new startup a $50,000 check and a thumbs up vote from some of the leading entrepreneurs in the country.

Although SupplyShift didn't win the cup (the winner was Enigma, which has already garnered a fairly successful track record providing data research services to users), it will be well positioned with these week’s accomplishments.

Companies need a dependable method to evaluate suppliers, both for sustainability and risk considerations. As one judge noted yesterday during SupplyShift’s evaluation, this need is even greater now, given the tragic death of hundreds of workers in Bangladesh this month. SupplyShift's platform will work well not only to enhance sustainability in the marketplace, but will ensure better transparency in buyer-supplier relationships.

Images courtesy of Ecoshift Development.