As we move through 2025, the demand for integrating on-site access control with supplier management systems is no longer a niche request—it’s a business imperative. At Time & People, we’re at the forefront of this trend, connecting our global customers’ MRI OnLocation Visitor Contractor platforms with their large-scale supplier systems like Avetta, Coupa, Vault, and Epicor. This crucial link ensures that only compliant, pre-vetted supplier personnel can access a facility, but how this connection is built can vary dramatically in complexity and speed.
For businesses looking to enhance security and streamline supplier entry, there are two common integration paths.
Option 1: The Fast and Effective “Traffic Light” System
This is the most popular and pragmatic approach for a reason. Instead of syncing every single data point, this method correlates all the detailed compliance information within your master supplier system to a single, intuitive status: Green, Amber, Red, or Grey.
- Green: The supplier is fully compliant and approved for site access.
- Amber: An issue exists (e.g., a document is nearing expiry), but the supplier is still permitted on-site while it’s being resolved.
- Red: A critical issue has been flagged (e.g., insurance has lapsed). The supplier is blocked from signing in at any location nationally until the red flag is cleared.
- Grey: The supplier is in the system but has not yet completed the onboarding process.
This style of integration is uncomplicated, can be implemented quickly, and delivers immediate value. It provides the essential visibility needed to enforce compliance at every entry point without a lengthy and expensive development cycle.
Option 2: The Deep and Detailed Integration
The second method involves a comprehensive, granular integration where every single piece of compliance data from the supplier system is mapped back to MRIOnLocation. This creates unique workflows for every possible transaction and status change. While incredibly powerful, an integration of this depth is a major undertaking. It can take many months to scope and build and comes at a significantly higher cost due to its complexity.
Choosing Your Path
For most organisations, the Traffic Light system provides the perfect balance of control, visibility, and cost-effectiveness. It closes the compliance gap and hardens security without the operational strain of a deep-level build. non-compliant suppliers can no longer sign in on site without triggering a workflow notification.
If you want to improve your supplier management processes and remove the risk of non-compliant contractors entering your sites, it’s time to explore integration. Book a call with our team, and we will assist you with your initial discussion to determine the best path for your business.
1300 800 077
