The Achilles Global Energy Network meets a wide range of energy industry requirements. This ranges from the buyer specific criteria of major energy brands to energy industry specific guidance and standards such as IOGP-423. As part of that, the Network also includes a range of Global Energy audit options, but which option is right for you?
Through our collaboration with leading energy companies such as EDF, Equinor, Exxon Mobile, INEOS, Pemex, and Total, Achilles has established an agreed set of criteria and requirements for suppliers. These are designed to help raise health and safety, cyber security, financial and sustainability standards across the industry.
To further support major buyer requirements, Achilles also provides the tools to enable suppliers to meet industry guidelines (such as IOGP-423) and standards as well as national legislation such as Apenhetsloven, Lieferkettengesetz and EU CSDDD.
Achilles continuously reviews industry requirements such as IOGP 423 Guidelines, buyer requirements, and national and international standards. This is to ensure we can maintain a carefully crafted set of questions and criteria that reduce the qualification burden for suppliers, whilst at the same time maximising commercial opportunities.
One area where this is perhaps most evident is when it comes to the Achilles highly regarded Audit programme. Here we explain the different types of audit options, when and where they are applied and the benefits to both buyers and suppliers.
Types of Audit
Achilles offers two types of audit; Desktop Audit and On-site Audit as follows:
A Desktop Audit involves a review of the management systems. The auditor looks for documentation that can demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements. Delivered by qualified IRCA Lead Auditors, Achilles Desktop Audit protocols are aligned to international legislation, reporting frameworks and standards and evaluate a company’s health, safety, environment and quality processes.
An On-site Audit goes further than a Desktop Audit. Achilles. On-Site Audits are conducted at the company’s address. They incorporate management system evaluation and stakeholder interviews. This includes interviews with the workforce and are delivered by certified auditors stationed worldwide.
When is an Audit required?
The requirement for an Audit depends on a company’s business scope/services and risk profile. In collaboration with operator companies, Achilles has created a risk matrix and product code structure. These two elements form the basis for a potential audit.
Global Energy suppliers who do not choose critical product codes as part of their product range and services when completing the MyAchilles registration process, will not require an Audit.
If you select product codes in the MyAchilles platform that are classified as critical by the Global Energy buying community and have a European country of trading selected, then in line with IOGP-423 requirements, your subscription will be upgraded to “GOLD”. This will automatically include a Desktop Audit to ensure you meet both IOGP and buyer criteria.
Which product codes are classified as “critical”?
The MyAchilles’ product codes and risk matrix identified as critical by the buyer community and therefore requiring, at a minimum, a Desktop Audit as part of the supplier verification process, are as follows:
- Code series 3.04 (Exploration and Production Drilling Services)
- Some codes in series 3.05 (Construction / Modification / Repair / Maintenance / Refurbishment services) – 3.05.01, 3.05.02, 3.05.07, 3.05.08, 3.05.09, 3.05.10, 3.05.13, 3.05.14, 3.05.16, 3.05.18, 3.05.20, 3.05.30, 3.05.31
- Code series 3.06 (Installation Services/Marine Contracting), except 3.06.04
- Code series 3.15 (Decommissioning and Abandonment Services), except 3.15.01, 3.15.08, 3.15.99
- Code series 4.05 (Integrated Services)
When to choose an On-site Global Energy Audit?
At any point, you also have the opportunity to upgrade to an Achilles On-site Audit. This helps to more strongly demonstrate your credentials. If you choose an On-site Audit then you will not need a Desktop Audit.
Achilles On-site Audits go significantly further than Desktop Audits. They are designed to provide invaluable supplier and client benefits.
For suppliers, an On-site Audit provides you with an independent assessment of your business risk. It also provides recommendations for enhancing performance, reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving controls. Finally it promotes a way to elevate your business and demonstrate your credentials to existing and potential clients both within and beyond the Achilles platform.
Buying organisations recognise the value of an independent audit. They also benefit from the extra level of assurance that an Audit provides. An independent Achilles audit provides confidence that a supplier meets and even goes beyond purchasing requirements and standards across a wide range of criteria. This criteria includes health, safety, environment, quality and ethical sourcing. It also helps make the purchasing decision easier.
Bringing it all together
In summary, Achilles Global Energy provides businesses with a full range of independent Verification and Audit services. This enables support in better purchasing decisions, meeting industry standards and supports continuous improvement. Which audit option is right for you very much depends on the type of energy-related products and services you wish to offer via the MyAchilles platform. It also depends on the level of assurance you wish to provide to your customers and potential customers.
The question for your business is how important is it for you to showcase your qualifications compared to your competitors and maximise new business opportunities?