Supplier evaluation

Explanation

You set the criteria beforehand, for example product quality, delivery reliability, safety and environmental performance, certificates and compliance with agreements. At selection you assess new suppliers, for example with a questionnaire or references. Afterwards you follow their performance during the cooperation.

You record the results, often as a score or category, and keep them in a list of approved suppliers. If a supplier performs below standard, a conversation, an improvement plan or, in the extreme, ending the cooperation follows. You repeat the evaluation at a fixed moment.

A supplier audit is a separate, deeper check on site, while the evaluation gives the overall picture. For subcontractors, safety often plays a role too, such as a VCA certificate and the competence of personnel. Which requirements apply depends on your sector and your clients.

Example from practice