8.4 Control of Externally Provided Processes, Products and Services
8.4.1 General
AGE is responsible for the conformity of all purchased products including products from sources defined by the customer.
8.4.2 Type & Extent of Control
All incoming purchased product shipments shall be inspected on receipt. AGE will make prior arrangements for, and an AGE representative shall perform source inspection when required of a product at the supplier location prior to acceptance.
A (QSF-8.4.2) Non-Conforming Material Report shall be completed for any parts that:
- Are not in conformance with the purchase order
- Appear to have sustained damage in shipment
- Do not include all required certifications and documentation
Where specified in the contract, the customer or their representative is afforded the right to verify at source or upon receipt that a purchased product conforms to specified requirements.
The company shall not use the customer verification of the sub-contracted product as evidence of effective control of quality by the sub-contractor. Verification by the customer shall not absolve the company’s responsibility to provide an acceptable product, nor shall it preclude subsequent rejection by the customer.
8.4.3 Information for External Providers
Information provided to suppliers and subcontractors will be clear and unambiguous and will include the latest available documentation when required for fabrication of custom parts.
Supplier Selection and Evaluation
AGE evaluates and selects suppliers based on their ability to supply products and services in accordance with the organization’s requirements. Criteria for selection, evaluation and re-evaluation are established.
Subcontractors or suppliers shall be selected by AGE on the basis of their ability to meet our needs including:
- Quality
- Delivery capabilities
- Service
- Price
AGE may choose to conduct an on-site survey of the supplier or may request completion of the supplier survey by a qualified supplier representative.
The Supplier Quality Assurance Questionnaire (QSF-8.4.1) is one tool to assess the effectiveness of the supplier’s quality system. AGE will also use other methods including:
- Tracking of on-time delivery performance
- Rejection history of non-conforming material
Approved Vendor List
All information provided by suppliers will be reviewed by relevant AGE management and a determination will be made as to whether approval will be granted, or which improvements need to be made prior to becoming an approved supplier.
Supplier surveys and supplier performance documentation will be maintained on file and updated periodically. The frequency of supplier audits is dependent upon the supplier’s ability to meet contractual or purchase order requirements.
Where non-conformance continues to be identified with no evidence of corrective action, AGE will recommend disapproving the supplier for future business.
Purchase Order Requirements
All purchased materials and services required for the manufacture of products will be the subject of written purchase orders, which will clearly describe all requirements.
Reference Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| QSF-8.4.1 | Supplier Quality Assurance Questionnaire |
| QSF-8.4.2 | Non-Conforming Material Report |
These activities are further defined in the documents Purchasing and Receiving.