Cisco has one of the electronics industry's largest and most complex supply chains. To increase efficiency and flexibility in delivering products and services to customers, we work with a variety of manufacturers sourcing components and services worldwide. We also have a supply chain providing a diverse range of products and services for our own internal use and operation, such as catering, facilities management, distribution logistics, and professional services. Our supply chain management functions and practices address the challenges of the complex system that interconnects Cisco and our suppliers.

We select suppliers whose standards align with our values, especially regarding business integrity. We provide each of our suppliers with a copy of the Cisco Supplier Code of Conduct.

The Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC) provides a framework for our suppliers' standards for labor, health and safety, environmental, management systems, and ethics practices. We incorporate it into all our product manufacturing contracts, and our suppliers agree to comply before they begin working with us.

We also believe that supplier diversity is good for our business, giving us access to worldwide innovation and exposure to a range of different cultures and business techniques. All these capabilities in turn provide economic value to our customers.