There are no two ways about it: supplier quality is critical to business.
An organization's money and reputation can quickly swirl down the drain if its supplier forces it into a precarious position. When your supply chain is disrupted, it translates to lost profits for you and uneasiness in your customer base.
Many brands turn to a quality control service to help ensure that their suppliers perform to standard. Supplier audits allow brands to focus on their own customers and internal processes while qualified professionals ensure that suppliers are legitimate and productive.
Supplier audits are necessary at every stage of a business partnership. For example:
A quality audit can help purchasers assess four critical supplier risks:
Poor Legal Standing of the Supplier’s Operation
Some supplier factories are legally compromised; when this is the case, you run the risk of grappling with unexpected factory shutdowns or government confiscations. Factory audits help verify factories' legal standings. Auditors check business and export licenses, certificates, etc.
Financial Risks, Potential Scams, Etc. Attached to Unverified Suppliers
Overseas production is frequently associated with some increased risk of scams. Some of the most common scams involve money transfers and deposits. A professional quality audit will involve a review of financial records and bank details
Production and/or Shipping Delays Caused by Lack of Organization:
If a shipment delay on your supplier's end compromises your own reputation, that can spell big trouble; adequate quality audits evaluate factory organization to ensure timely production and shipping. ISO9001 standards are used to create audit checklists and ensure compliance
Quality Issues Stemming From Limited Factory QC Checks
When factories do not perform adequate QC checks, product problems usually bleed down to suppliers and end-users. Auditors look for established, internal QC processes when they evaluate a factory; independent QC teams and sampling plans are usually good signs
At Asia Quality Focus, we leverage more than a decade's worth of experience to help global customers achieve quality control. Contact us today to find out more about our platform and services.