Maximize your product value by strengthening supply chain integrity

As the sourcing of raw materials, parts and components as well as the manufacturing of parts, components and finished products become more and more global, the supply chain of a product grows increasingly long and complex.  Effective supply chain management can help a manufacturer maximize added value and reduce total costs throughout the process from product research and development to market access.

A key to successful supply chain management is to have a knowledgeable and trustworthy partner who can work closely with you across the entire process.

Over the years, UL has evolved from providing safety testing and certification services to being a full service provider covering the spectrum from product concept to market access.  At the product design level, our Hazard Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) program helps manufacturers identify early possible hazards related to a product.  The UL Component Recognition Program conducts periodic inspection and testing and retesting of raw materials and components.  The UL Follow-Up Services (FUS) team will regularly inspect the manufacturing facilities to ensure continual compliance.

To further strengthen the support to our customers, UL lately introduced the Proactive Customer Engagement^sm (PaCE) program which is a redesigned certification service in which UL and the customer collaboratively build a new certification process which is integrated into the customer's product development process, delivering value at points that customer determines.  This is an innovative way to integrate certification requirements into product development, so as to minimize the possibilities of having to re-design a product at the last minute before market launch.

Once your components or products are certified and ready to go to market, UL's service does not stop there.  UL understands the importance of branding and endeavour to work closely with authorities and our customers to protect their brand value and also safeguard public interest. 

Counterfeit products have no quality control.  They not only undermine consumer confidence but also compromise public safety such as in the case of a sub-standard power cable that can burn out in 15 seconds. 

As part of our efforts to foster supply chain integrity, UL's Anti-Counterfeiting Operations takes a proactive role in combating counterfeiting by adopting a three pronged approach, covering education, enforcement and relationships (or building partnerships) with industry associations. 

The UL Mark on a product is a sign of confidence and reliability and UL devotes substantial resources to stamping out the unlawful use of the UL Mark.  Our close work with law enforcement authorities have led to major successes in seizing counterfeit goods.

UL's range of services throughout the supply chain was lately showcased in the IPC APEX EXPO^TM in Las Vegas in April 2011.  For full UL's programs held at the IPC APEX EXPO^TM and the related presentation materials, visit our web page.