Protect and Serve
It also made Gill Studios, which was accredited in January 2013, realize the process wouldn't be as easy as first anticipated. As a U.S. manufacturer, Gill Studios imports very little, but Lage identified working with its supply chain as the most difficult obstacle on the road to QCA accreditation.
"When you start inserting other suppliers of ours in the mix, they don't necessarily have the same commitment or understand why [they must comply to the regulations], and sometimes are challenged by some of the investments that are required on their end to provide the products that we're asking for," Lage remarked. "At the same time, you find yourself aligning with vendors who have the same mindset."
Amanda L. Cole is the editor-in-chief of NonProfit PRO. She was formerly editor-in-chief of special projects for NonProfit PRO's sister publication, Promo Marketing. Contact her at acole@napco.com.