SMART’s assessments are normally similar to or more detailed than typical social and environmental audits. SMART staff are highly experienced and work hard to make sure assessments capture practical observational data at the same time as they cause minimum disruption to factory operations.

SMART's energy assessment program uses the AZ/NZ 3598.2 energy audit methodology. SMART’s chemical management assessment has been developed based on GIZ PSES tools and methods and includes focus areas such teaching on as Higg FEM 3.0 criteria, ZDHC MRSL and wastewater guidelines and teaching and assessment tools based on other international best practices, such as ISO 14001, SA 8000, and ILO SCORE.

SMART's assessments can definitely help factories pass audits and improve environmental management practices (often saving energy, materials and money), but SMART takes a collaborative assessment, training and capacity building approach. SMART does not certify factories.