We subcontract the distribution of our products - Writing Scope

[Ka Pilo]

No.
It still comes back to a question of responsibility and 'the contract' (whether written or implicit) between you and your customer.

Ok

You used the term 'subcontract', which leads me to think that the distribution forms part of your system, but is a service that you choose to outsource to a third party. (It would help if you provided rather more information than you have BTW, because we're having to guess at what you mean).

Actually my most recent question was a different one. All in all I have raised 2 different questions/scenarios. 1. The distribution is held outside the premises yet still under the supervision of the company. 2. The outsourced distribution is beyond our control.

In that case, treat the 3rd party as a supplier which they are, and just ensure you meet the requirements of the Purchasing clause. Their system is their responsibility - yours is yours. But you do have a responsibility to take care in selecting suppliers and to monitor how they perform. (And naturally, do something about it if performance isn't acceptable.)

In short, we need to provide records/documents, proofs and justifications how we verify the performance of our subcontractor in terms of food safety matters / conformance of the final product.

 

[JaneB]

Actually my most recent question was a different one.... 2. The outsourced distribution is beyond our control.

Perhaps it's a language issue, but this question is confusing in its wording.

By definition, 'outsourcing' something means "we could do this but we choose not to do it and we choose to have someone else do it for us". How then, is it 'beyond your control'? It isn't.

After all, you control it by deciding who to use as a supplier. B y deciding what criteria are important for the supplier (oursourcer/call it what you will) and looking for one who meets those criteria. By building in contract terms or similar. By monitoring their performance. And by removing your business to someone else if their performance isn't satisfactory. And so forth. That fits the definition of 'control' to me.

OK, you don't directly control their internal systems. But you sure as hell need to control as much as you possibly can. Why? Simple: to make sure that get what you want from them in order to maintain the high quality of your goods and ensure that whatever they do does not negatively affect same. That's all the whole thing is about.

 

[somashekar]

Re: Writing scope.....

Our processes include –
Receiving, inspection, sorting, labeling, washing, packing, and dispatching of fresh fruits and vegetables
while distribution is being carried out by a subcontractor.

<< "Packaging and distribution of fresh fruits and vegitables" >>
This can be your simple scope. Discuss it with your CB.