Supplier's Quality Competency - Testing the knowledge/competency of their personnel

[paslodequality]

We are going to start reviewing our suppliers to make sure they know what we want and need in the products that they supply us. I was wondering if anyone had any good ways to test the knowledge/competency of their quality personnel. We are trying to build our relationships with our suppliers and at the same time learn and/or teach the best methods for measurements to ensure quality product is received when it hits our doors.

Thanks for any ideas!

[Sergio Muniz - 2011]

Hi paslodequality,

I would suggest to first have a "Supplier Workshops" (conf call / WebEx) before you start going into your supplier facilities.
Prepare different topics, going from Product Quality, Process assessments, business relationships, costs, etc... and start building that strong (and needed) bond before you go in and start demanding something from them that they might not even be aware of....

[paslodequality]

Thanks Sergio! I agree with your suggestions, it just seems/seemed that face time would be a good thing...not in an intimidating manner...more to know that we care and want to help in any way that would make it easier for them to ensure us getting quality product.

[Phil Fields]

In Reply to Parent Post by paslodequality

We are going to start reviewing our suppliers to make sure they know what we want and need in the products that they supply us. I was wondering if anyone had any good ways to test the knowledge/competency of their quality personnel. We are trying to build our relationships with our suppliers and at the same time learn and/or teach the best methods for measurements to ensure quality product is received when it hits our doors.

Thanks for any ideas!

Maybe I do not totally understand you concern, but your post leaves me with several questions:
• Has something prompted your company to do this?
o What has driven you to this project
• Do you track supplier performance?
o Do your supplier(s) provide acceptable or unacceptable quality
• Does your company issue SCARs (supplier corrective action request) to your suppliers?
o Judging from your supplier(s) SCAR responses, are you able to judge their quality knowledge/competence

Thank you,

Phil

[paslodequality]

In Reply to Parent Post by Phil Fields

Maybe I do not totally understand you concern, but your post leaves me with several questions:
• Has something prompted your company to do this?
o What has driven you to this project
• Do you track supplier performance?
o Do your supplier(s) provide acceptable or unacceptable quality
• Does your company issue SCARs (supplier corrective action request) to your suppliers?
o Judging from your supplier(s) SCAR responses, are you able to judge their quality knowledge/competence

Thank you,

Phil

Our quality department has turned into a rework department due to the need to keep minimal on hand inventory (we cannot send parts back if they can be reworked in house). This has driven our want to improve our suppliers and ensure they are aware of our needs.

We do issue SCARs and review responses, but I don't know that a SCAR response will help knowledge of our overall needs from our suppliers.

I have broke down our suppliers by how much money we spend on their product, what parts they make, and how much scrap is returned. I am trying to improve our system, while improving relations with suppliers and cutting scrap cost which costs us efficiencies.

[Phil Fields]

In Reply to Parent Post by paslodequality

Our quality department has turned into a rework department due to the need to keep minimal on hand inventory (we cannot send parts back if they can be reworked in house). This has driven our want to improve our suppliers and ensure they are aware of our needs.

We do issue SCARs and review responses, but I don't know that a SCAR response will help knowledge of our overall needs from our suppliers.

I have broke down our suppliers by how much money we spend on their product, what parts they make, and how much scrap is returned. I am trying to improve our system, while improving relations with suppliers and cutting scrap cost which costs us efficiencies.

It appears that you have a larger issue than knowing your suppliers quality departments competence. You will need to prioritize your suppliers (highest contributor to poor quality to lowest), and set-up one-on-one meetings (either at your facility or at the suppliers facility) to review the suppliers poor quality and the effects it has on your company.

[paslodequality]

In Reply to Parent Post by Phil Fields

It appears that you have a larger issue than knowing your suppliers quality departments competence. You will need to prioritize your suppliers (highest contributor to poor quality to lowest), and set-up one-on-one meetings (either at your facility or at the suppliers facility) to review the suppliers poor quality and the effects it has on your company.

Agreed! 100%

[Sergio Muniz - 2011]

I also agree with Phil...

Also, referring back to Phil's first comment, don't forget about tracking their performance and measuring problem re-occurrence.
One thing that helped me a few months ago was implementing Ford's "IPM" (In Process Metrics). This is a mandatory tool/system/process that Ford requires for all of their "trouble" suppliers

Hope it helps...it's a bit confusing the first time you start using it, but then you'll gradually get the hang of it.