Introduction:

Auditing your supplier relationships is an important part of ensuring quality and compliance. In this article, we will show you how to perform a supplier qualification audit.

 Define the Audits Goals and Objectives

The goal of an audit is to determine the quality and compliance of a supplier. The objectives of an audit should be to:

1. Determine whether the supplier is meeting agreed-upon quality and compliance requirements;

2. Identify any areas in which the supplier may need improvement; and

3. Recommend corrective action if needed.

Review Supplier Records

When reviewing supplier records, it is important to look for any indications of quality or compliance issues. This could include any incidents or warnings that have been issued by the supplier, any safety concerns that have been raised, or any violations of company policies.

It is also important to review the supplier's history in order to gauge how reliable they are. Suppliers with a track record of quality and compliance issues may be more likely to encounter similar problems in the future. Conversely, suppliers with a clean record may be more reliable and efficient overall.

Interview Suppliers and their Employees

Suppliers are interviewed to ensure quality and compliance. Employees are also interviewed to ensure they understand the supplier’s quality and compliance program. Supplier interviews should be conducted in person or by telephone. Supplier quality and compliance programs should be documented, including supplier performance goals, process controls, and corrective actions.

Analyze Supplier Documents

Supplier documents are a critical component of quality and compliance management. Supplier documents should be carefully reviewed to identify any deficiencies in quality or compliance. Deficiencies may include missing documentation, incorrect information, or inadequate procedures. Supplier documents can also be used to identify potential supplier conflicts of interest.

Once deficiencies have been identified, appropriate corrective action should be taken. Supplier compliance documentation should be updated as necessary to ensure continued high levels of quality and compliance.

Issue a Report and Make Recommendations:

When auditing suppliers for quality and compliance, it is important to issue a report and make recommendations. This will help the supplier improve their quality and compliance processes. A report should include detailed information about the findings of the audit, as well as recommendations for improvement.

Conclusion:

An effective supplier qualification audit can help you identify potential problems with your suppliers and take necessary steps to ensure their success.