423: Flipping Product Compliance From Cost Center to Profit Engine, with Assent

Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!” [07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses. “You’re seeing a flurry of activity in the U.S. alone, and each state has it’s own twist to the regulations… Companies are having to prepare for a federal reporting requirement, but they’re also having to keep a close eye on each state level.” “For a lot of people, this isn’t their full-time job. They probably have a more traditional supply chain responsibility, and someone came along with a hat and said: “Wear this too!” So selecting a good partner in that journey is very important; having regulatory experts in your back pocket to help keep an eye on those timelines is huge… It’s becoming extremely burdensome and complicated to keep up with.” [12.02] The other key drivers for organizations thinking about eliminating PFAS, alongside changing regulation, and how they complicate things for organizations that find themselves struggling with multiple priorities. Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!” [07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses. “You’re seeing a flurry of activity in the U.S. alone, and each state has it’s own twist to the regulations… Companies are having to prepare for a federal reporting requirement, but they’re also having to keep a close eye on each state level.” “For a lot of people, this isn’t their full-time job. They probably have a more traditional supply chain responsibility, and someone came along with a hat and said: “Wear this too!” So selecting a good partner in that journey is very important; having regulatory experts in your back pocket to help keep an eye on those timelines is huge… It’s becoming extremely burdensome and complicated to keep up with.” [12.02] The other key drivers for organizations thinking about eliminating PFAS, alongside changing regulation, and how they complicate things for organizations that find themselves struggling with multiple priorities. “You’re always going to have a regulatory driver that gets everyone into action but, with PFAS, the number one concern from a risk standpoint is part obsolescence. Most folks are craving data to identify where they have PFAS in their supply chain but, a lot of times, they may forget they need to be looking inside the four walls of their own manufacturing facility as well.” [15.47] How organizations can cut through the complexity, start to identify real, tangible risks, and get an understanding of where to start when it comes to reducing that risk effectively. “Every company is going to have a different risk profile and risk appetite, but it starts with data... without data you’re making blind choices.” [18.45] How organizations can use a product compliance program as a profit opportunity and competitive advantage. “Once you get to a state where you have high-quality data, you’re now in a position to make some competitive choices, you’re starting to showcase the level of supply chain partner you are... And, when it’s no longer about price, you can get that competitive advantage from product compliance and sustainability efforts; showing you’re proactive, you’re ready to support their organization and goals as well.” [20.50] The importance of suppliers in your sustainability and compliance efforts; and how organizations should be treating suppliers, and nurturing partnerships, in order to get the best results. “It’s collaborative in spirit and it’s forward-thinking.” [23.23] How a range of factors, from technology and flexibility to setting clear expectations and working with a sense of fairness, can help organizations create transparent, collaborative win-win relationships for all stakeholders. “Don’t be the parent that says: ‘Because I said so!’” [30.53] How, with budgets top of mind, organizations can motivate suppliers, without demanding more whilst paying less. “Are you pushing down demands, or are you having a collaborative conversation with your suppliers? Because the more you push down demands, the more risk you have of getting questionable data back. They’re not responding to what you really need, they’re just scrambling to respond to your perceived sense of urgency. Supplier relationships are pivotal to getting high-quality data.” [34.57] A case study showing how Assent worked with a customer’s chemical compliance team to provide improved data, allowing them to uncover hidden risks and work collaboratively across their business to improve product design intelligence, and ultimately leverage their improved sustainability and compliance to win business. [38.06] Assent’s upcoming Evolve Conference: what you can expect and how to find out more – PLUS a unique LTSC discount.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Assent’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Assent and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more about compliance, listen to 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance or read What your freight broker isn’t telling you about quality and compliance.