You're facing a last-minute switch in component suppliers. How can you ensure quality control remains intact?

Use following steps 1. Perform supplier assessment to evaluate the new supplier’s capabilities to comply with specifications, QMS & track record. Look for certifications (e.g. ISO 9001) 2. Establish quality agreement with the new supplier to define quality expectations, inspection criteria & acceptance/rejection criteria 3. Conduct on-site quality audit to verify the supplier’s processes, facilities, and adherence to quality standards with focus on incoming inspection and process controls 4. Continuously monitor the supplier’s performance. Track metrics like defect rates, delivery times & responsiveness 5. Identify potential risks of switch (e.g. production delays, non-conforming parts), develop mitigation plans & inform to stakeholders

To ensure quality control remains intact when facing a last-minute switch in component suppliers, immediately verify the new supplier's certifications and compliance with industry standards. Conduct a thorough review of their quality control processes and test records, and request samples for inspection. Additionally, implement extra quality checks on the first shipment, and consider on-site audits or third-party inspections to validate the supplier's capabilities. Finally, update your quality control documentation and communicate the changes to your team, ensuring everyone is aware of the new supplier and the measures in place to maintain quality standards.

Evaluate the new supplier’s quality standards, certifications, and production processes. Request samples and perform rigorous testing to verify the components meet your requirements. Communicate your quality expectations clearly and establish a process for ongoing quality checks. By carefully auditing the new supplier, you can maintain the quality of your components despite the sudden change.

In the Department of Defense (DOD), a system of testing and continuous monitoring called Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) was established to ensure all manufacturing sources as well as sources of supply are thoroughly vetted for compliance with specifications, qualifications and traceability. Those qualified sources are placed on lists managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for ensured quality, compatibility and pedigree suitable for government use. This program has significantly reduced the flow of counterfeit and substandard parts from entering the DOD supply system. Acquiring parts outside of the DLA managed lists introduces considerable risks and is not authorized without additional testing and qualifications.

In unserem Werk haben wir für ein neues System eine FCA (Frequency Converter Assembly) entwickelt. Der Lieferant hat es perfekt unterstützt. In allen Phasen der Entwicklung (vor PDR [Preliminary Design Review] und CDR [Critical Design Review]...) wurden Ergebnisse und Messungen per E-Mail und Telefonkonferenzen ausgetauscht und diskutiert. So konnten wir auch alle Zeitprobleme w?hrend der Fertigung und der Qualifikationstests (einschlie?lich Nacharbeiten) bew?ltigen. Die offene, technische Kommunikation schuf die Grundlage für den Erfolg des Projekts.