11 May 2023
APG|SGA, the market leader in digital and analogue outdoor advertising, underwent an audit by the independent audit firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) regarding the correct delivery and reporting of digital campaigns, and was successfully verified. This audit spanned a period of three months and underlines APG|SGA’s commitment to ensuring full transparency and accountability for advertisers regarding the delivery of digital out-of-home campaigns. Accordingly, the SWA (Swiss Association of Advertising Clients) has also responded positively to this important step taken by APG|SGA.
APG|SGA has been independently audited by PwC across various areas relating to its digital out-of-home processes and has been successfully verified. This also includes programmatic campaigns, which APG|SGA manages via VIOOH, the global market leader in SSPs. PwC carried out its work in accordance with the International Standard on Related Services (ISRS) 4400 (Revised) ‘Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements’. The key areas examined are set out below:
Broadcasting and processes
The airings of the advertising campaigns on APG|SGA’s digital advertising platforms correspond to the duration agreed with the clients. Furthermore, the campaign details – such as the number of airings, prices, products and campaign names – were checked and found to be correct. It has also been confirmed that no additional costs will be charged to clients for longer durations than agreed, and that clients will receive appropriate compensation in the event of under-delivery.
Hardware
It has been confirmed that the procedures for upkeep and maintenance are documented and strictly adhered to. Should any booked broadcasts prove impossible due to technical faults, customers will not be charged for them.
Content review
PwC’s audit has shown that every piece of advertising material is checked for technical compliance and content prior to broadcast, ensuring that it is always played correctly and that the advertising restrictions applicable to each screen are taken into account.
“We are very proud of the PwC report on our digital out-of-home campaigns,” says Markus Ehrle, CEO of APG|SGA. “The report demonstrates our commitment to our clients, ensuring that at APG|SGA they receive the highest standards of transparency and security in the delivery of our services.”
“We very much welcome this move by APG|SGA. With this certificate, advertisers can be confident that digital out-of-home campaigns are carried out with the utmost care and transparency, and that the agreed DOOH adverts are actually delivered,” says Roland Ehrler, Director of the SWA (Swiss Association of Advertising Clients).
Further details on PwC’s methodology and audit procedures can be found here be taken into account.