Objectives And Activities:
The overall objective is to create a relationship with the supplier that assures the product will meet fitness-for-use needs with a minimum of incoming inspection or corrective action.
The primary activities necessary are:
1. Define product and program quality requirement.
2. Evaluate alternative suppliers.
3. Select suppliers.
4. Conduct joint quality planning.
5. Cooperate with the supplier during the execution of the contract.
6. Obtain proof of conformance to requirements.
7. Certify qualified suppliers.
8. Conduct quality improvement programs as required.
9. Create and utilize supplier quality ratings.
*The degree that these activities are needed depends on the type of product being purchased, from the simple commodity item to the complex technological marvel.
With respect to planning for quality, the spectrum of purchases can be divided into three categories:
1. Standard materials and hardware, e.g., fasteners, valves, resistors, simple chemicals, and supplies. For these kinds of purchases, industry specifications have usually been prepared.
2. Minor components and materials, e.g., gears, bearings, diodes, and relays. Specifications may be unique to each supplier or maybe industry wide, or they may be prepared by the buyer.
3. Major components, e.g., electronic assemblies, special purpose chemicals, and mechanical or electromechanical assemblies. Such purchases require a complete supplier relations program.
Often it is assumed that supplier relations activities are primarily aimed at external suppliers. However, in reality, many companies report that their most difficult quality problems rest with the suppliers who are ‘sister divisions’ in the same corporation.
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