It is frequently stated that your business is only as good as your suppliers. This is certainly true in the case of product manufacturers. Having a good quality management system that meets ISO9001 means nothing if your key component suppliers have poor or inconsistent product quality. You will find that in most cases, they also have a 3rd party accredited quality management system. So the question: is why can't they deliver consistent, good quality product?
It is important that your organisation undertakes a risk profile for all your major suppliers. All high risk suppliers should be actively managed either via the purchasing and/or quality departments. Aqure recommends that the formation of a supplier quality engineering section where applicable would allow better focus on key suppliers. In our experience, the risk areas with suppliers lie in the following categories:
Your organisation designs the component and your supplier manufactures it
Your supplier has financial difficulties and this has not been picked up by your purchasing department
Your supplier does not fully understand the requirements of your customers and are not properly resourced to meet those requirements.
Some of the specific services we offer in this area include:
Formal second party audits of suppliers in accordance with requirements of ISO9001
Establishing appropriate supplier management plans for high risk suppliers
