{"id":1286,"date":"2015-03-18T16:48:32","date_gmt":"2015-03-18T16:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/proqc.com\/blog\/?p=1286"},"modified":"2022-06-29T07:03:17","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T07:03:17","slug":"five-ways-to-ensure-quality-manufacturers-sourcing-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/proqc.com\/blog\/five-ways-to-ensure-quality-manufacturers-sourcing-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Ways to Ensure Quality Manufacturing – Sourcing Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you’re sourcing abroad, or from a manufacturer down the street, similar issues with product quality, shipment delays, cost and safety concerns, etc. still apply. \u00a0To mitigate the quality risks and cost involved in sourcing,\u00a0we recommend five actions that have been proven\u00a0successful throughout the three decades of experience we have working with clients and suppliers around the world.<\/p>\n

1 – Audit Potential & Existing Suppliers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To help ensure that potential or existing suppliers deliver high-quality products, operate efficiently, and support continuous improvement, process surveys and factory audits are performed.<\/p>\n

From supplier capability and qualification to process control and quality system audits, there are a wide range of options. More specific audits incorporate standards such as the ISO series, IATF 16949 specifications for the automotive industry, social accountability, sustainability, C-TPAT for security, AS 9100 for aerospace and many others. Requirements for audits do vary based on a number of factors. Two commonly performed general system audits include:<\/p>\n

Supplier Capability & Qualification \u2013 Auditors survey potential suppliers and provide feedback regarding general operations, quality systems, qualifications and capabilities. This critical information aids in determining if the supplier is a viable source and potential partner.<\/p>\n

Supplier Process Control & Quality System \u2013 Auditors evaluate all manufacturing process control systems for existing or new suppliers. Audits cover several areas, including evaluations of management, quality control methods, non-conforming materials, production, corrective action and inspection and test equipment.<\/p>\n

In general, there are four questions considered to be critical to the audit process:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Are controls defined?<\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0Are controls applied?<\/li>\n
  3. Do controls really work?<\/li>\n
  4. Will controls last?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Many organizations incorporate a supplier rating system to monitor performance. \u00a0Examples include no rating, quality rating only, quality & delivery rating (graphic method), quality & delivery method (cost index method) and a comprehensive method.<\/p>\n

    Being mindful of communication with suppliers is impactful as well and should not be discounted. \u00a0More information: Three Ways to Improve Communications With Suppliers<\/a><\/p>\n

    Additional articles we have written regarding various audits include:<\/p>\n