Supplier Qualification & Approval Auditing

Service summary

A pre-engagement assessment of a prospective supplier’s ability to fulfil defined purchasing requirements. The review examines relevant capability, resources and controls before a new supply relationship or significant scope extension is approved.

Findings help decision-makers distinguish demonstrated capability from unsupported assurances. The assessment supports an informed qualification decision without guaranteeing future capacity, delivery performance or uninterrupted conformity.

Key objectives

• Examine capability against qualification criteria
• Assess resources for the proposed scope
• Identify unresolved onboarding risks
• Support evidence-based approval decisions

Methodology

Qualification criteria are agreed before reviewing capability evidence and observing relevant operations; conclusions are limited to the proposed supply scope.

• Define proposed products, volumes, services and qualification requirements.
• Review supplier credentials, resources, equipment and comparable delivery experience.
• Identify critical capability claims requiring supporting evidence.
• Observe relevant facilities and interview responsible process owners.
• Sample qualification, trial, competency and quality-control records.
• Compare demonstrated capability with mandatory and conditional acceptance criteria.
• Report qualification gaps and evidence for the buyer’s approval decision.

Key outcomes

References: [G04]

• Qualification assessment report
• Capability evidence summary
• Outstanding approval conditions
• Clear scope and assessment limitations