IABM Sets the Standard Peter White - Director General, IABM

Does your supplier subscribe to the IABM Business Standard?

In today’s business environment customers are increasingly entering into ‘partnerships’ with their suppliers. We have seen a shift to a focus on core competencies with outsourcing of non-core processes to specialist companies. Our members are becoming increasingly involved within the business processes of their customers thus putting the emphasis on a trusted partnership rather than the traditional arms length supply contract.

Consequently it has become even more important for the customer to choose wisely. When the technical capabilities of products and services have been quantified and assessed and the costs appraised and compared, how can a customer choose from their shortlist of potential supply partners?

One way is the IABM Business Standard. Launched back at the beginning of 2009 the Business Standard is being established as one important criterion to be considered when end users make their buying decision. For many years the industry has adhered to robust technical standards developed and managed by SMPTE, EBU and other organisations. However, as our industry changes and the individual demands of customers heighten, there became a growing need for assurances surrounding the way in which suppliers conduct their business relationships.

In a truly global sector, it is often impossible for customers to be familiar with the many and varied suppliers available. And even when they are dealing with a well-known name, it is not always clear how they operate and manage their customer relationships. The IABM Business Standard helps address the question, “How can you identify a good supplier?” It sets out criteria to ensure that suppliers who are members of the IABM, are a reliable and responsible business partner.

For suppliers, the IABM Business Standard provides a differentiator to non-member businesses in the broadcast media supply community. For a supplier to be a member of IABM they must embrace the Business Standard as part of their business culture. By displaying the Business Standard logo, members are making a statement about their commitment and attitude to adopting good business practice.

Now we have established this best practice benchmark we will be actively marketing it to the broadcasters and other relevant industry sectors. Customers and prospects of our members will receive the message from the IABM and will be encouraged to look for the IABM Business Standard logo when making their buying decisions. They will be advised that they can trade with an IABM member with confidence, re-assured with the knowledge that such a supplier subscribes to a legitimate code of business conduct.

14 The Criteria

www.theiabm.org/businessstandard +44 (0)118 914 8620

• Company Standard - Members should demonstrate integrity and professionalism in their operations, management and governance.

• Customer Standard - Members should deliver high standards of customer care and service.

• People Standard - Members should respect their staff and adopt policies which reflect good practice in human resource management.

• Product and Service Standard - Members should produce products and services which perform to their published specification or contracted standard and are consistent with marketing materials, quotations or tenders associated with them.

• Environmental Standard - Members should recognise their corporate obligation to minimise their environmental footprint.

• Ethical Standard - Members should behave in an ethical manner and demonstrate integrity in their commercial activities.

• Competition Standard - Members should treat their competitors with courtesy and respect.

• Community Standard - Members should participate in their industry community in a positive and constructive manner.

IABM members are committed to the growth of our industry and they value a combined role in ensuring that growth. In addition, where members are considered to be in breach of the criteria set out in the standard, the IABM has developed a complaints procedure to aid resolution.

Here’s the view of one of our members, Jan Eveleens, CEO of Axon: “The IABM Business Standard is an excellent initiative, fully subscribed by Axon. In fact the criteria that are defined by the standard are very close to the core and DNA of the Axon company, and we believe the standard fully reflects how a well-run corporation should operate in the current business environment. But even more important: our customers benefit. They get a better service and have a more reliable and committed business partner. A difference that will be noticed quickly and thus helps to build strong customer loyalty.”

The IABM Business Standard is designed to foster best practice and high standards of business performance, just as ISO standards demonstrate quality and SMPTE/EBU standards demonstrate technical compliance. Throughout the coming year we will be promoting the IABM Standard heavily, encouraging customers to look for the IABM Business Standard mark when planning their next project – this logo really does mean business!

THE IABM