Transportation - Outsourcing or support service?

[QSE]

Why does the new standard refer to transportation as a form of a support service versus an outsourced processes? Some may say that transportation is not a process, but they are planning and scheduling loads, determining how to best ship, etc., What are your thoughts?

Dear QSE,

Why not refer to transportation as you like in your QAS? you are free in this respect.
And if you are writing standard you just have to hang labels at different concepts. But reality is complicated. For many organizations it might be right and easier to refer to transportation as an outsourced process. Others prefer to refer to it as a support service.

By the way - what is the difference between the two?

Anton

[db]

Remember, that all processes (including outsourced as per 4.1). The transportation processes may be either internal or external. Examples of internal transportation processes include material handling and forklift operations. These too, need to be controlled.

[QSE]

My concern is that if our company considers transportation as a support service, where is the requirement in the standard to ensure control over these support services. It is not stated, but we are to assume that any service that supports your operation must have some type of control extended in order to preserve the integrity of the product. Thus meaning, in transportation, is there a requirement to track or account for damaged loads that will affect customer satisfaction and perception. I'm sure its implied in the standard, but i'm just surprised that it's listed as a support service and not an ouutsourced process. Thx

[db]

There are two places in 4.1, the standard says:
"Where the organization chooses to outsource any process that affects product conformity with requirements, the organization shall ensure control over such processes. Control of such processes shall be identified within the quality management system.”
Okay, this covers all outsourced processes (including transportation). Not only must you control them, you must also identify the control

On the transportation side (either internal, or external):
Clause 6.3 requires your transportation services to be determined, provided and maintained to achieve product conformity.
Clause 7.5.5 states we must preserve the conformity of product during handling packaging and storage.

Once again, these clauses apply to if you move the stuff yourself in the plant, or if you use a common carrier to move the stuff to you customer.