Supplier Agreements: The Good, The Bad, and The Quality
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, the link between product quality and supplier agreements is more critical than ever.
Custom product development can be complex, and regarding suppliers, we can uncover hidden challenges. These come up when suppliers are not aligned with the quality standards necessary for our products to be successful.
Join us as we discuss various types of supplier agreements commonly encountered in new product launches. They are important, but do they have what you need to ensure quality?
Tune in to learn how to transform your supplier partnerships into an invaluable asset in your quest for quality excellence.
One of the most significant lessons revolves around the misalignment of expectations. When designing a custom component, particularly one with specific quality characteristics, the necessity for a precise definition of quality is paramount.
We share a practical scenario where the intricacies of supplier hierarchies became apparent. The initial supplier may promise to deliver a specific product, but through multiple layers of vendors, quality assurance can diminish if not adequately monitored. The takeaway is clear: working collaboratively with suppliers, understanding who is responsible for key quality metrics, and establishing a robust quality plan are essential to mitigate risks.
Throughout our episode, we uncovered the necessity of placing quality at the forefront of supplier agreements and maintaining open lines of communication. Quality plans that outline specific standards are invaluable. They foster discussions about how a supplier will meet expected deliverables and how the evaluating company's quality assurance team will monitor this. Furthermore, this proactive approach to supplier relations can enhance trust and collaboration, leading to a more successful product development process.
Ultimately, the dynamics of supplier agreements extend well beyond product availability and cost negotiations. They delve deep into the realm of quality and involve collaborative strategies that involve the suppliers as partners in achieving excellence.
Refine your own practices and strengthen your supplier relationships to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Other podcast episodes you may like:
Supply Chain Management during Design, with Kevin Bailey (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)