The supplier assessment is an integral part of ISO certification, but how does it work in day-to-day practice?
A ‘supplier’ is understood to mean all parties that have a direct or indirect influence on the performance of the product or service. Think of suppliers of goods, but also suppliers of support services such as transport, IT, consultants, subcontractors or freelancers (depending on the degree of influence).
PDCA cycle: Plan – Do – Check – Act
To start the process, you determine the method of assessment: which system suits the organisation best? The PDCA cycle must be central to this. PDCA stands for: plan, do, check, act. It would be a shame if the entire process is set up and implemented, but then nothing happens with the results.
Consider the system in a risk-driven way. Is it logical that the supplier of a car’s trim should be assessed as often and as heavily as the supplier of the engines? No, it is likely that the latter will be assessed more often and more heavily. This may also depend on the size of the deliveries.
Suppliers are assessed on the basis of valid and reliable information; people’s memories are often not included in this. It is fine to do a qualitative assessment as well. Good cooperation is often a matter of feelings and there should be room for this.
Discuss points for improvement with suppliers. Make agreements (SMART) for the future and the intended improvement. Include these agreements for evaluation in the next assessment and the circle is complete. Good luck!
