As a follow-up to an article we posted in March, we wanted to go into more specifics regarding on-site supplier verification. As noted, it’s not always cost-effective to do a comprehensive ISO-based or general QMS audit for each supplier you’re considering working with. But, there are basic questions looming that you need to make the right decisions… One option for supplier verification is a basic on-site check. What you find out: Factory information Type of ownership, address & contact information Production Capacity (Annual Basis) Category, total capacity, units shipped & % capacity Export Markets U.S., EU, South America, etc. & % volume Key Clients (Past Year) Name, product description & % volume Key Personnel Title, name, history & contact information Number of Employees Management, general office, production, quality, etc. List of Major Equipment (Machines) Description, model, quantity & condition List of Major Gages (Equipment) Description, accuracy, quantity & condition List of Sub-Contractors Name, process & location Photos assist in the process of evaluation as well. How do you evaluate your potential suppliers? One of our older blog posts that may be of interest is the use of a grid analysis for supplier selection. The categories listed above would help in deciding important variables and respective weights. Contact us for more information, or to schedule an on-site supplier verification. With local expertise and an unbiased assessment, supplier selection is less risky and cost-saving in the long-run!
