Approval evaluation process
Our evaluation of a new supplier is based on five different steps:
First contact
Introduction and presentation of the involved actors.
Investigation of suppliers capabilities
when we invest in a new cooperation, we always look for a certain type of supplier, according to our needed capabilities. At this stage we investigate, through capability list and if needed through factory visits, that the factory can or has good potential to fulfill our need.
Price level
to avoid any discussions later in the process we find it needed to take the discussion about possible price levels as early as possible in the process. The total prices are a key aspect for a long term benefit for all involved parties. We use different RFQs in order to check the prices for the certain production we aim to use the supplier for.
Audit
The audit is only performed if the 3 first steps in the process have been found satisfying for both us as the factory. The audit is performed by our own auditors at place in the factory. Our audit is divided in 10 sections which all shall be reviewed together with relevant persons in factory. The audit is then summarized in a report and deviations are distributed to both supplier as well as PCB Connect internal. Audit will not be approved until the reported deviations have been corrected/fulfilled. The sections are:
- Quality management
- Environmental and Ethical management
- Sub supplier management
- Material handling and storage
- Handling of claims
- Maintenance / Calibration
- Traceability in production
- Handling of nonconforming products
- Order handling and CAM preparation
- Packing and labeling
Test order
after the audit has been approved, we focus on placing a test order to the factory so we can check so all routines and requirements function as planned before we place a real order from customer. At this stage we also distribute our own instructions concerning the supply. When we receive delivery we evaluate the test with regards to our instructions, order confirmation, and PCB specifications.
Approved vendor list or supplier database
after each step has been finished, we decide if the supplier shall be approved or seen as a potential supplier. Approved suppliers are registered in our AVL (Approved vendor list) available for each PCB Connect employee. A potential supplier is kept in our database for future possibilities.