PROCEDURE
1.0
Responsibility
1.1
Purchasing and Quality share responsibility for the qualification and
monitoring of suppliers.
2.0
Qualification and Rating of Suppliers
2.1
Suppliers' quality capabilities are evaluated through the use of
Supplier Self-Surveys and where necessary, on-site audits, before
orders for supply of materials and services are placed. The
effectiveness of the suppliers' quality system shall be reviewed at
intervals consistent with the complexity of the items supplied and the
suppliers' performance.
2.2
Quality and delivery performance of all suppliers is continuously
monitored via a supplier performance rating system and a monthly
supplier performance report is distributed to all concerned functions.
Suppliers with inadequate performance are asked to implement corrective
actions and submit a written response. Suppliers that demonstrate
inadequate performance and show no sign of improvement are removed from
the Approved Supplier List and discontinued from use.
3.0
Approved Supplier List
3.1
The Quality Manager maintains an Approved Supplier List which includes
all suppliers whose supplies/processes affect the quality of the
products/services, and who have been surveyed/audited and have
demonstrated by performance, their ability to meet the specified
quality requirements. Orders may only be placed with suppliers that are
on the list. Emergency purchases from suppliers that are not on the
list are allowed with written permission from the Purchasing Manager
and the Quality Manager. An updated Approved Supplier List is printed
and distributed monthly.
3.2
A file, which includes all qualification documentation and performance
records, is maintained on each supplier.
4.0
Purchasing Data
4.1
All purchasing documents are prepared by Purchasing. The documents
clearly describe ordered products/services. They include precise
identification of the products/services, reference applicable standards
and other relevant technical data, and state quality and compliance
requirements. All purchasing documents are reviewed and approved by the
Purchasing Manager prior to release.
6.0
Settlement of Quality Disputes
6.1
The Quality Manager and Purchasing have the responsibility and
authority to settle all disputes with suppliers regarding the quality
of their material/products/services or matters such as inspection and
testing methods. Open communication channels with all approved
suppliers will be maintained to provide for the quick resolution of
quality disputes. In the event the Quality Manager and Purchasing
cannot resolve a dispute, he or she will request the assistance of the
Laboratory Director. Disputes involving the rejection of
material/products
from a supplier shall be documented.
Order Quality Manual