In response to World Health Organization recommendations, Philips is preparing an approach aimed at protecting our people, and our business, from the negative effects of any potential spread of avian influenza ("bird flu").
As part of this approach, we will work with suppliers to reduce the risk of disruption to Philips' supply chain. To this end, your Philips business representative might contact you to discuss what preventive measures and contingency plans you have in place.
General Approach
Philips aim is to protect our people, and our business, from the negative effects of any potential spread of avian influenza. The fundamental need is for open, constructive communication: we expect suppliers to inform us if their organization is directly affected by avian influenza, and we will keep our suppliers informed of any relevant developments within Philips.
Because of the diversity of our business, we will implement a business-specific approach to reduce the risk of disruption to Philips' supply chain. Activities can include:
- Requesting that suppliers take precautions to protect their staff, and the Philips supply chain (including, for example, staff education on pandemic fundamentals)
- Requesting that suppliers share information regarding preventative measures and contingency plans
- Requesting that suppliers create preventative measures and contingency plans (if not already in place)
- Analyzing risk areas, and creating or increasing stock levels at suppliers to safeguard against shortages resulting from production stoppages
- Researching possible alternative geographic routes for inbound and outbound logistics
- Arranging a single point of contact for avian influenza communications with suppliers
Further information
General information about avian influenza can be found at the following websites:
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