The International Society of Automation (ISA) has released a new position paper exploring how industrial automation technologies and practices can help organizations strengthen ethical sourcing across global supply chains.

The paper, “Automation and Ethical Sourcing,” outlines practical actions decision makers can take to help companies and industries realize the benefits of automation when it comes to ethical sourcing.

Recommendations include:

• Supporting the development and adoption of industry standards
• Expanding education and training pathways aligned to automation careers
• Strengthening professional skills through certification and certificate programs

The paper also emphasizes how automation can enable and scale ethical sourcing efforts and describes how blockchain technology can support traceability and transparency.

“Ethical sourcing has become a key factor for organizations seeking to earn and keep trust,” said Claire Fallon, ISA CEO. “ISA’s new position paper asserts how important automation is to improving supply chain visibility and reducing risk to people and the environment. Automation helps decision makers move from good intentions to measurable action.”