Global non-profit selects NetSuite OneWorld to manage complex international supply chain

Global non-profit selects NetSuite OneWorld to manage complex international supply chain

Fairtrade International, the international non-profit organisation that tackles poverty and injustice through trade, is implementing NetSuite OneWorld, a cloud-based system to deliver real-time global business management to enterprises with multinational and multi-subsidiary operations.

Fairtrade is rolling out the business management systems from NetSuite to manage and drive growth throughout its enormous network that encompasses over 6,500 distinct organisations globally, connecting producers, exporters, farmers, processors, labelling initiatives and finance partners.

Keeping pace with global growth

Fairtrade’s legacy systems and processes hampered rapid global growth. Prior to NetSuite, it relied on a cumbersome and complex set of legacy and paper-based processes to manage thousands of international relationships across farmers, workers and brands, while manual spreadsheet based human resource processes reduced employee productivity. With NetSuite OneWorld, Fairtrade will develop the capability to run its complex global business operations efficiently, drive strong relationships across its global network, ensure alignment of supply with demand, and ensure transparency to drive grants revenue.

NetSuite's analytics functionality will improve the transparency and accuracy of Fairtrade's reporting -- a vital tool in acquiring and maintaining grants from private and public charities and foundations. NetSuite OneWorld's comprehensive, integrated enterprise solution will make it possible for Fairtrade to accurately tally and report the supply of product to member branding organisations and track compliance with its standards throughout the sourcing and retailing process.

Supply chain matching advantage

The OneWorld package will also provide Fairtrade with faster and more accurate matching of global supply with product demand, making it easier for the organisation to pair demand for its certified products with guaranteed supply from southern hemisphere growers and workers delivering through the Fairtrade system.

Based in Bonn, Germany, Fairtrade International is works to secure fairer trade terms so that farmers and workers in developing countries can invest in a better future for themselves and their communities. Its 25 member global organisation helps producers in developing countries arrange better trading conditions and promote sustainability. With nearly 3,000 licensees around the world selling Fairtrade products in over 70 countries, global sales of Fairtrade products soared by 27% in 2010 to an estimated retail value of £4.36 billion. Brands bearing the Fairtrade mark include: Ben and Jerry’s, Starbucks, Cadbury/Kraft Foods, Sainsbury’s and more.