Supplier quality improvement : a case study of the harness and connector assembly plant

Abstract

Supplier quality improvement is a key part of continuous improvement plans to achieve customer satisfaction. It is important to understand and exceed the requirements and expectations of all customers. High performance of suppliers who supply the good material quality will create the quality to the finished goods product. And also, it reduces the production barriers in quality of material. Supplier quality improvement relates to process and production quality assurance. It identifies and prioritises critical materials that impact the quality of the product and also, evaluates the suppliers' quality systems under supplier periodic evaluation. Besides, a supplier survey is the systematic customer review of a supplier's business and capability. A survey team consists of a customer's buyer, product engineer and quality engineer. Quality system checklist will be used to evaluate suppliers' manufacturing and its capability then the team will assess the supplier whether they can be the approved suppliers. Incoming inspection data and production feed back on the material quality problem will be reflected to the suppliers in term of supplier periodic evaluation. The quality of material will be measured then feed back to the suppliers for further improvement. Relationship between the customer and supplier is very important that it must work towards an environment of continuous improvement based upon proactive decision making.