A previous Quality Q & A newsletter article featured tips for audit preparation. In the reprinted content below, Pro QC’s Supplier Development Manager discusses how each party can expedite the process. Preparation for a factory audit can be broken down by responsibilities of the client, supplier (factory) and third party (Pro QC). Communication and documentation are key actions that increase the likelihood objectives are met. The Client: Inform the supplier to let them know an audit will be scheduled and provide additional contact details as available. Consider the length of time requested by the supplier, in addition to any initial hesitations noted. Evaluate the expectations of the audit and relevant necessary components that should be incorporated into an on-site checklist or other evaluation tool. It is not considered appropriate to surprise a supplier with a visit to perform an audit. The Supplier: Inform related internal people about the scope, agenda and contents of the upcoming audit. Complete and submit the Supplier Profile and Booking form that will be supplied to you by the Pro QC Project Coordinator. Pro QC International (3PQ): We work with the client to understand their expectations and the product and specific standard(s) involved. We select a suitable audit checklist or develop a customized one if necessary. We select the auditor best suited to the requirements noted and provide him/her with necessary training and recommendations to follow. We provide an audit notification letter along with an agenda of the audit, the booking form fro scheduling and the Supplier Profile form to the supplier to inform them of the audit activities so that they can inform and prepare their internal attendees.
