ISO 9001, Quality Management, Quality Management System, SHEQ, SHEQ Software

Unlocking Supply Chain Success with ISO 9001 Supplier Management

Supplier Management

INTRODUCTION TO SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT 

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ISO 9001:2015 ( SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT) CLAUSE 8.4 CONTROL OF EXTERNAL PROVIDERS PROCESSES, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 

Supplier Management in ISO 9001 has always been an area of concern.  However, with the 2015 version, Clause 8.4 is a necessity.   

Deming believed that your suppliers aren’t rivals or problems to be solved – in fact, he said that we should “ask our suppliers to come and help us solve our problems”. 

CLAUSE 8.4.1 – PURCHASING (SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT)

The list of your suppliers could be in a spreadsheet, with your accounts department or in Mango if you use it.   

Examine your important suppliers against a set of benchmarks.  For example: 

  • Technology – is the supplier up to date with the latest technology 

  • Quality – does the supplier have a QMS 

  • Responsiveness – does the supplier understand your requirements 

  • Delivery – is the supplier able to deliver on time 

  • Cost – is the supplier cost-effective 

  • Environmental impact – how does the supplier affect the environment and society 

As you appoint suppliers, you will need to keep an eye on their adherence to the company’s needs.  It may take some time to achieve this, but it will be worth it.  As you engage with your suppliers regarding any problems or needs, you will develop a relationship that is great for both parties.   

CLAUSE 8.4.2 – SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT

Firstly, determine the control of your supplier’s processes.  For instance, at Safety Risk Management, we have consultants who design and implement SHEQ systems.  Through our procedures and training, we give them the tools so that they are competent.   

Secondly, you must decide on the controls for your suppliers.  These could be in the form of purchase orders, agreements or contracts.  Additionally, you could also implement controls on the products and services themselves i.e., conformance certificate, test report or a test by an external provider.   

Thirdly, don’t have the mindset of “one size fits all” for your suppliers.  Regarding the suppliers that are most likely to put your company at risk, implement stricter controls.  Also, ensure that your suppliers adhere to all local, provincial and governmental rules and regulations. 

Lastly, examine the products and services from the supplier.  For example, receipt of goods process.  On receiving the product, check it against the following criteria: 

  • Is the order correct 

  • Is the price correct 

  • Is the delivery date correct 

  • Is there any damage to the product 

  • Is it the correct quality 

CLAUSE 8.4.3 – COMMUNICATION WITH SUPPLIERS 

Communication is generally done with purchase orders; however, it can also be with agreements or contracts.  Other methods that companies use are inspections, test plans, work instructions, work procedures and predictions.  ISO 9001: 2015 does not dictate that you document these methods, but it would be a good idea to start doing so by using Mango Compliance Software. 

USE SHEQ SOFTWARE 

At SRM, we use Mango to monitor and maintain our suppliers.  In addition, Mango makes it so simple as opposed to using a hard copy system.  Not only does SRM use Mango Compliance Software, but many of our clients as well – www.mangolive.com  Mango makes it easier to get ISO 9001:2015 certification. 

IN SUMMARY 

It is important to take the following into consideration when designing and implementing Clause 8.4. 

  1. What service or product do you require? 

  1. How will you approve: 

  1. Product or service before delivery; 

  1. Methods, processes and equipment the supplier uses; 

  1. Acceptance of the product or service? 

  1. The competency of the supplier’s employees 

  1. Interaction with suppliers 

  1. Control and monitor of production before delivery 

  1. Verification and validation of supplier’s facility 

These criteria will form the basis to ensure a long and prosperous relationship between both parties, which will be advantageous.   

SRM is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified. Contact our consultants today. Let us know if we can help you with the development and implementation of your Quality Management System. 

Associated Blogs:

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Design is intelligence made visible