Supplier management
Plain-language summary
How the supplier manages its own sub-suppliers so that purchased material and services do not become the weak link in the chain.
What the clause is really asking
The intent is to control the risk that the supplier's quality is undermined by what flows in from below — late, non-conforming, or unmanaged sub-suppliers. The customer wants to see that the supplier selects, develops, monitors, and (where needed) re-qualifies its own sources, and protects production with effective incoming control. Quality cannot stop at the supplier's own gate.
What auditors look for
The auditor examines how sub-suppliers are selected and approved, how their performance is monitored (scorecards, delivery and PPM data), and how problems are escalated and developed. They check incoming inspection or equivalent safeguards, handling of customer-directed sources, and whether sub-tier requirements (including special characteristics and sub-tier audits) are flowed down. They sample a few critical purchased parts and follow the control back up the chain.
Typical evidence
Approved supplier list and selection criteria; supplier scorecards/performance data; incoming inspection records; sub-supplier agreements and flowed-down requirements; supplier development/escalation records; handling of directed-buy parts.
How to comply — recommendations
Run a real supplier-management loop: approve sources on capability, monitor them on objective data, and act on the poor performers with development or escalation. Flow your customer's requirements — including special characteristics — down to the sub-tier and verify they are met. Protect your line with risk-based incoming controls and keep records that show the loop is closed. Treat your sub-suppliers the way you would want your customer to treat you.
Common nonconformities
Approved supplier list not maintained or sources used outside it; no objective monitoring of sub-supplier performance; incoming control weak or skipped for risky parts; requirements/special characteristics not flowed down; poor performers tolerated with no development or escalation.
Related clauses
IATF 16949 8.4 (control of externally provided processes/products), 8.4.2.3 (supplier development); ISO 9001 8.4
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.