In this course the learner will acquire how to identify and handle supplier nonconformances and to understand key components for building a supplier partnership program. Participants will gain insight into the differences between short-term (interim/remedial) action and long-term (corrective/preventive) action. Participants will learn how to implement key supplier metrics for monitoring and improvement. Participants will learn how to develop, implement and maintain effective supplier nonconformance and supplier partnership programs in their organization.
Course Outline:
How to Identify Supplier Problems (Module 1):
Upon completion of this section you should be able:
- To discuss typical supplier problems that occur in various industries (software, services,
- healthcare, manufacturing)
- To understand what criteria is used to determine if a supplier problem exists
- To understand what methods are used to determine the severity of supplier problems
How to Separate the Vital Few from the Trivial Many (Module 2)
- To discuss the definition of a Nonconformance Report (NCR) and its use as a short-term action (i.e. remedial or interim action)
- To discuss the definition of a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) and its use as a longterm action (i.e. corrective)
- To understand when a NCR is used vs. a SCAR depending on the severity of the supplier problem
- To understand what to do with trivial issues
- To understand what to do with important issues (cost, production, risk)
Understanding & Implementing a NCR Process (Module 3)
- To understand the sections of a NCR form
- To understand when & who decides if a NCR is elevated to a SCAR
- To understand the resources involved in NCRs (i.e. MRB members)
- To understand who communicates the nonconformance to the supplier
- To understand who communicates to appropriate personnel in the organization the supplier problem and how quickly (in the event of quarantine, stop shipments, recall, etc.)
- To understand how critical timing and communication are when dealing with a potentially large and expensive supplier nonconformance problem
Understanding and Implementing a SCAR Process (Module 4)
- To understand the sections of a SCAR form
- To understand how to conduct root-cause analysis
- To understand how to identify effective corrective actions based on the root-cause
- To understand the resources involved in SCARs (i.e. functional personnel)
- To understand who gives the supplier the SCAR & in what timeframe
- To understand where SCARs are kept (electronically vs. manually) and who monitors them for response, action implementation, and follow-up
Establishing, Measuring & Reporting Supplier Metrics (Module 5)
- To understand the typical time that is allotted for SCAR responses
- To understand who reviews the supplier’s responses on the SCAR and determines if they are acceptable
- To understand what actions are taken if the supplier actions are unacceptable
- To understand why follow-up is a critical step in an effective supplier nonconformance process
- To understand key supplier nonconformance metrics and how they are measured
- To understand who is responsible for maintaining the supplier nonconformance log & communicating supplier metrics to management
Implementing an Effective Supplier Partnership Program (Module 6)
- To understand the key components of an effective supplier partnership program
- To understand key personnel involved in an effective supplier partnership program
- To understand how an effective partnership program is essential for an effective supplier management program
- To understand the key tips & traps for supplier partnership programs
