1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
Dismiss Notice
You must be a registered member in order to post messages and view/download attached files in this forum.
Click here to register.

Supplier audits

Discussion in 'IATF 16949:2016 - Automotive Quality Systems' started by Jack1234, Jan 7, 2025.

  1. Jack1234

    Jack1234 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2024
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    2
    We are currently planning our next 3 year audit schedule including supplier audits . We used spend as a blunt tool to monitor our top 10 suppliers and plan what suppliers we audit . 2 of the top 10 are form our sister company who are local .
    Looking for some InSite in regards to this , should I pick another supplier or monitor our sister company. They are IATF accredited and dont think I will get much value from the audit .
     
    Jack1234, Jan 7, 2025
    #1
  2. John C. Abnet

    John C. Abnet Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2017
    Messages:
    756
    Likes Received:
    527
    Trophy Points:
    92
    Location:
    Upper Midwest- USA
    Welcome to the site.
    1- It's ok to make an audit schedule, but remember...the requirements are that audits consider risk. Specifically,
    - recent changes
    - past audit (performance) results
    - Importance of the process.

    If an audit schedule is built three years out and then no adjustments/ad hocs are made to address the three (or more) identified risk considerations, then your audits are not meeting your organization's need, nor are they conformant to the standard's requirements.


    In other words...your audits should be 'scheduled" to achieve a purpose...not simply to check the box. Audit what keeps your leadership awake at night.

    2- Supplier audits should be ...
    - done selfishly. In other words...audit suppliers that need your time and input.
    - cooperative and relationship building. Your organization does well when your suppliers do well. Don't audit to 'beat them up' (although some is sometimes warranted). Audit to build relationships and HELP them to get better in the areas they are weak.

    Hope this helps.

    Be well.
     
    John C. Abnet, Jan 7, 2025
    #2
  3. Andy Nichols

    Andy Nichols Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2015
    Messages:
    5,330
    Likes Received:
    2,655
    Trophy Points:
    112
    Location:
    In the "Rust Belt"
    Why? It’s not actually required! If you want to get support from management, stop trying to “predict” the timing of internal - or supplier - audits. Yes, I know, it’s what a lot of orgs do, but they are not your yardstick of success.
    Do as @John C. Abnet says and focus on what is “risky”. Management will tell you. It’s not up to you to decide. I ride motorcycles, I understand “risk”, and by thinking things through I can figure out what is a bigger risk and what is a lower risk, etc. No one can tell me, exactly, only offer suggestions on what category. New things. Things affecting (some) customers etc.
    As far as suppliers and auditing them, what are you bothering for? It’s costly. To you. What criteria are you using? Did you set up an agreement to audit them? Do you expect them to be certified AND you want to audit them? Are you a competent auditor?
    Unless you have these bases covered, you may end up with egg on your face…
     
    Andy Nichols, Jan 8, 2025
    #3
    John C. Abnet likes this.