Initial Supplier Audits In Person or Not?

[jameslaz]

We are starting up a new PMA division and I have a question about initial supplier audits for setting up an approved supplier list. My question is does an initial supplier audit need to be done in person or will a self audit suffice? I firmly believe in person audits are best but starting out some of our suppliers are out of state and the cost would be restrictive. I can’t find anything that states how an initial audit should be handled or what the requirements are.

Thanks for any help,
James

[Marc]

I would just let them do a supplier questionnaire or something similar, unless it's something that you feel is very critical and believe that an on-site review is necessary.

[ignatiuswong]

Originally Posted by Marc

I would just let them do a supplier questionnaire or something similar, unless it's something that you feel is very critical and believe that an on-site review is necessary.

Yes, i'm agreed with Marc, also if you can asked to the supplier if they had 3rd party audit by others customer, you can look of it and you can used it for reference,

[BadgerMan]

I am not aware of any hard requirement for an on-site evaluation although it may be a good idea depending on the nature of the product to be procured. You can define the process to be used in your own internal procedures as long as they meet minimum requirements of AS9100 (if applicable), your customers, and any applicable regulatory authorities.

Regarding FAA requirements, you can review section 6 of FAA order 8100.7 entitled “Supplier Control”. Note specifically question 602, Statement of Condition (a) (2).

602. Are initial and periodic evaluations of suppliers made as necessary and corrective actions taken to correct deficiencies found in the suppliers system?

a. Procedures provide for—

(2) The methods for determining the extent of the evaluations dependent, as a minimum, on the type, complexity, method of control, and importance of products or services procured, and the extent of the on-site evaluation, process reviews, document reviews, or independent product evaluations.

[ralphsulser]

I would take into consideration the supplier's historical performance. Sometimes an on site audit save a lot of $ and misunderstanding if you are there to see what is being done to meet your requirements.