Bringing Global Experience to Local Supply Chains: Achilles

Q: What gaps do you see in supplier validation practices, and how does Achilles address these challenges effectively?

A: Supply chain due diligence is becoming a critical concern for mining companies in Mexico. Several gaps are evident in supplier validation practices, including:

• Quality of Validation: The accuracy of the information is often compromised.

• Scope of Assessment: Many companies are not assessing their entire supply chain, leaving potential risks unaddressed.

• Risk Coverage: The set of risks being evaluated is often incomplete, missing key areas that could impact business resilience.

• Frequency of Assessment: Risk assessments are not conducted frequently enough to keep up with changing conditions.

Achilles addresses these challenges by tailoring solutions to each company's unique needs. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we start by asking what specific issues and risks are most important to the organization. From there, we build a customized program.

For lower-risk suppliers, we begin with a quick, no-touch risk screening using publicly available data and our proprietary algorithms, delivering results in less than a week. For higher-risk suppliers, we provide deeper levels of assessment, including in-depth data and document validation, up to on-site audits. This is particularly valuable in high-risk industries like mining, where companies often lack the resources to support such extensive validation efforts.

Achilles acts as an extension of risk management and procurement functions, providing local resources to review documents and audit suppliers. As subject matter experts, we continuously bring best practices and innovative ideas to our clients, helping them make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide proactive information, alerting clients to potential issues before they become problems. This allows procurement teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than chasing down and validating supplier information, ultimately enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across the supply chain.

Q: What are the primary needs of Mexico’s mining sector when it comes to enhancing supply chain transparency, ESG compliance, and risk management?

A: When talking to Mexican mining companies, it is clear that there is a strong desire for a more streamlined approach to managing supply chain risks, improving transparency, and simplifying reporting. There is now significant overlap in mining standards and industry requirements, which creates unnecessary burdens for both the supply chain and reporting companies.

Information is often scattered across different systems, sometimes even at the level of individual mines, and it is inconsistent in terms of what is collected, the formats used, and even the language the data is held in. This makes reporting season incredibly time-consuming and makes it tough to compare projects, spot issues, and decide on the best actions to take.

By adopting a more unified approach, we can boost transparency and risk management, making it easier to stay compliant and operate more efficiently.

Q: What sets Achilles apart in the mining and energy sectors, and how will the company shape these industries in Mexico?

A: Achilles has been a trusted name in the mining and energy sectors for over three decades, and we are excited to bring our expertise to Mexico. We have been the go-to partner for major players in energy and mining since our founding. Our long-standing relationships and deep industry knowledge make us a reliable choice for managing complex supply chains. Furthermore, our platform is a one-stop shop for all our client’s supply chain needs. It streamlines processes and boosts efficiency, making operations smoother and more effective. We also assess suppliers and risks worldwide, ensuring that every link in our clients’ supply chain is strong and reliable. We meticulously validate data and documents and conduct on-site audits.

Within seven days, our platform provides predictive scores that offer valuable insights. This helps companies make proactive decisions and stay ahead of the game. Similarly, our platform can map out a company’s entire supply chain, including indirect suppliers. This gives them a clear view and better control over their operations. We work with suppliers to help them meet compliance standards and continuously improve. This builds a robust and reliable supply base for your business.

Our system keeps a constant eye on companies’ suppliers and alerts them to any changes in real time. This means they can respond quickly to any issues that arise. We collaborate closely with our clients to tailor our solutions to their specific needs. Our platform integrates seamlessly with their existing systems, to share information where it is most needed across their business.

With our platform, companies can confidently meet all global supply chain reporting and disclosure obligations. The platform is designed to be easy to use, with unlimited user licenses. This translates to significant savings on administrative and licensing costs. We offer flexible pricing models to suit different financial needs, including supplier-funded, client-funded, or a blend of both.

We are passionate about continuing to work in close collaboration with clients to make a positive impact on the mining and energy sectors in Mexico.  By mapping out supply chains and providing real-time monitoring, we aim to bring greater transparency and efficiency to Mexican companies. Our continuous supplier assessments and improvement programs will help companies meet regulatory requirements and adopt sustainable practices.

Furthermore, with predictive analytics and customizable solutions, we want to continue to enable Mexican industries to innovate and optimize their supply chains, fueling economic growth. Our platform will continue to help Mexican companies integrate seamlessly with global supply chains, expanding their reach and strengthening their market position.

Q: How does Achilles help companies navigate geopolitical shifts and potential tariffs on Mexican products?

A: Geopolitical shifts and potential tariffs can significantly impact mining supply chains. Achilles is helping companies stay ahead of these challenges by building resilience and diversifying their supply. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw firsthand how crucial supply chain diversity and resilience are in avoiding disruptions. Geopolitical factors like tariffs can drive up prices, making it essential for businesses to explore alternative suppliers or sources closer to home.

Achilles goes beyond just supporting risk management; we act as a dynamic marketplace where our clients can discover new providers of commodities and services. 

Q: Looking ahead to 2025, what strategic milestones would define success for Achilles in its mission to support a safer, more sustainable mining supply chain in Mexico?

A: In 2025, Achilles will work to support a safer, more sustainable mining supply chain in Mexico. By providing deeper insights into supply chains, we will continue to help companies in the country make more informed decisions. This increased visibility will enable them to proactively mitigate risks, ensuring safer operations and compliance with sustainability goals.

We expect to grow our network of verified suppliers, which will offer more options for Mexican companies seeking to diversify their supply chains. This expansion will support local economic growth and promote sustainable practices among suppliers. With offices in 22 countries worldwide, our global presence will also offer more opportunities for Mexican businesses that want to reach new customers.

Our innovative AI tools will help companies navigate geopolitical challenges and optimize their supply chains. These solutions will enhance safety and sustainability by identifying potential risks and inefficiencies increasingly early on.

Q: What are Achilles’ growth expectations for 2025, and how do you plan to scale operations to meet the evolving demands of the mining sector?

A: In 2025, our focus will be on continuing to deliver value to all our clients in the mining sector, particularly as their needs evolve. We plan to scale our operations by leveraging technology and innovation. This includes continuing to enhance our platform with advanced analytics and AI to provide deeper insights into supply chains. These tools will help our clients make more informed decisions and stay ahead of potential disruptions.

We are also committed to strengthening our local presence in key regions, including Mexico. Our team in Mexico City is already working closely with local mining companies to understand their challenges and provide tailored solutions.

Ultimately, our goal is to support the mining sector's growth by offering scalable, flexible solutions that adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with our clients.

Achilles is an international consulting group that specializes in supply chain design and management through certification and auditing systems, with additional involvement in cybersecurity services, sustainability advisory, HSE management, and financial risk analysis.