IATF 16949 8.4.1.2 Supplier selection process

[Jimmy]

I have a question regarding the supplier selection process clause 8.4.1.2.

The clause states that the process shall include relevant quality and delivery performance. How can this be achieved if you have yet to buy from the supplier ? You can ask the supplier in question to provide their own data but, in many cases, they are unwilling to provide this. Would a trial period be acceptable, during which you monitor and assess the supplier's quality and delivery performance ?

Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Emmyd]

I would say that you would need to define a trial period in which you would keep up with all the relevant factors needed to make an evaluation. Then after the trial period, that supplier would fall under your normal defined supplier evaluations.

 

[Jimmy]

Thanks for your advice, Emmyd. Is this your approach (if you are involved in the supplier selection process), and is it accepted by your auditor ? Thank you

 

[Emmyd]

Hi, Jimmy - this approach has been accepted by our auditors for several years. One other thing to consider is if your supplier is a customer directed one or not. You would just have to tell your auditor and that would remove a lot of the questions.

 

[Jimmy]

Thanks for the advice, Emmyd. I'll go ahead with what you have suggested.