"FAI" Requirements/Process for New Supplier Materials

[danielledanielle]

Hi there, I am the quality manager at a small company that builds power tools such as saws. I came into this position 2 years ago and have been working to completely overhaul the quality systems that were (or were not, in most cases) in place. The company is not currently ISO, NADCAP, AS9100 or anything like that (that's why FAI is in quotes in the title) and as such I am coming up with these requirements and processes on my own.

A recent situation that has caused some headache is the process or lack of process around what we do when we begin sourcing new materials/parts from a new supplier. I understand that we are not bound by anything that requires us to do full-blown FAI's but I would like some insight or advice on what someone with experience would suggest. I want to ensure that these parts meet the fit, form, and function as well look good and last!

Who owns the FAI process? Quality, engineering, ??? Who should have the final sign off on new materials? What is quality's role vs. engineering's role when it comes to sourcing and testing new materials?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[John C. Abnet]

Hi there, I am the quality manager at a small company that builds power tools such as saws. I came into this position 2 years ago and have been working to completely overhaul the quality systems that were (or were not, in most cases) in place. The company is not currently ISO, NADCAP, AS9100 or anything like that (that's why FAI is in quotes in the title) and as such I am coming up with these requirements and processes on my own.

A recent situation that has caused some headache is the process or lack of process around what we do when we begin sourcing new materials/parts from a new supplier. I understand that we are not bound by anything that requires us to do full-blown FAI's but I would like some insight or advice on what someone with experience would suggest. I want to ensure that these parts meet the fit, form, and function as well look good and last!

Who owns the FAI process? Quality, engineering, ??? Who should have the final sign off on new materials? What is quality's role vs. engineering's role when it comes to sourcing and testing new materials?

Thanks so much in advance!

Good day @danielledanielle ;
It's really up to your organization. In regard to "WHO owns". Well, that is a foundational question that should be addressed by your organization's leadership. That should be addressed strategically in regard to what positions your organization has/wishes to have, and what the role of each of those positions is. What you describe is COMMONLY assigned to the "quality department" (but that's a whole other conversation ).

In regard to "final sign off", my "WHO" answer is the same as above.
Depending on the size and structure of your organization, I would certainly council a multi-disciplinary team. i.e. "who" in your organization has a vested interest? Depending on whether your organization does product design, then..
- Engineering would likely want included. ...
- Quality (since they'll likely be the "whipping person" if something goes wrong). ...
- Purchasing should have a basic understanding of the QCDM related to the supplier/product. ...
- Manufacturing (assuming your organization will incorporate the purchase product) would certainly want (I would think/hope) to be involved....
- Safety team? (I would recommend considering in order to ensure your associates aren't exposed to any harm.)

In regard to WHAT, well, the teams I just mentioned should have some input. The supplier should be aware/communicate what areas are of their highest risk (challenge), and of course past experience (i.e. lessons learned from previous/similar jobs,...INCLUDING past customer complaints.

Be selfish. Do what's best for your organization and its customers (oh...and get leadership to...uh, LEAD by determining the WHO for you

Hope this helps.
Be well.

 

[danielledanielle]

Good day @danielledanielle ;
It's really up to your organization. In regard to "WHO owns". Well, that is a foundational question that should be addressed by your organization's leadership. That should be addressed strategically in regard to what positions your organization has/wishes to have, and what the role of each of those positions is. What you describe is COMMONLY assigned to the "quality department" (but that's a whole other conversation ).

In regard to "final sign off", my "WHO" answer is the same as above.
Depending on the size and structure of your organization, I would certainly council a multi-disciplinary team. i.e. "who" in your organization has a vested interest? Depending on whether your organization does product design, then..
- Engineering would likely want included. ...
- Quality (since they'll likely be the "whipping person" if something goes wrong). ...
- Purchasing should have a basic understanding of the QCDM related to the supplier/product. ...
- Manufacturing (assuming your organization will incorporate the purchase product) would certainly want (I would think/hope) to be involved....
- Safety team? (I would recommend considering in order to ensure your associates aren't exposed to any harm.)

In regard to WHAT, well, the teams I just mentioned should have some input. The supplier should be aware/communicate what areas are of their highest risk (challenge), and of course past experience (i.e. lessons learned from previous/similar jobs,...INCLUDING past customer complaints.

Be selfish. Do what's best for your organization and its customers (oh...and get leadership to...uh, LEAD by determining the WHO for you

Hope this helps.
Be well.

Thank you, John! Very helpful insight.

 

[John C. Abnet]

Thank you, John! Very helpful insight.

You are very welcome Danielle !

Be well.