Quality Supplier Self Surveys

Purchasing and Quality share responsibility for the qualification and monitoring of suppliers. Suppliers' quality capabilities are evaluated through the use of Quality Supplier Self Surveys and where necessary, on-site audits, before orders for supply of materials and services are placed. The effectiveness of the suppliers' quality system shall be reviewed at intervals consistent with the complexity of the items supplied and the suppliers' performance. Quality and delivery performance of all suppliers is continuously monitored via a supplier performance rating system and a monthly supplier performance report is distributed to all concerned functions. Suppliers with inadequate performance are asked to implement corrective actions and submit a written response.

Quality Supplier Self Surveys control of processes: In Quality Supplier Self Surveys suppliers must have a quality system capable of controlling the quality of parts being processed which should include:

• Inspection instructions for each operation performed which identify characteristics being controlled
• Type of gage or equipment used to check parts
• Frequency of inspection with quality authorization prior to movement to the next operation.
• Documentation on Key Processes and Key Functional Characteristics.

Quality Supplier Self Surveys Control of In-Process Material: The supplier must have sufficient provision in his system to be able to track material in any form, non-conforming or acceptable. The supplier must provide for sufficient identification so as to not confuse non-conforming material with acceptable material. This may include a segregation area for material for that is suspected of being defective or non-conforming. It is recommended that a tagging system be developed that would not only make it difficult for the mixing of non-conforming material with acceptable material but also be helpful in the maintenance of the integrity of the lot control code that may apply. The Quality Supplier Self Surveys suppliers must also maintain records, as discussed, in the on-going part acceptance section later in this specification. The supplier will also be required to maintain lot control by assuring the company that lot tickets are carried through each operation with the parts being processed.

Quality Supplier Self Surveys final inspection: The supplier must have a quality assurance system that defines final inspection to be performed on all parts prior to shipment. The inspection instructions should include characteristics to be checked, method of check, and frequency of check. The final inspection instructions system must contain a tagging system prior to shipment. All containers should be identified with shipping labels that show part number, quantity, date inspected, lot/date code, and supplier identification.

Quality Supplier Self Surveys certification: Certification giving complete chemical, physical, or special test requirement per blueprint drawings and specifications must be forwarded to the receiving plant’s quality department as noted in the purchase order. The frequency will be also being as required in the purchase order. A supplier must maintain records for a minimum of five years or as directed by the providing company. The records must be available upon request.