A supplier audit is a structured examination of a supplier’s controls, records and operating practices against stated requirements. It may cover quality, social compliance, security, environment or a specific process.
How Supplier Audit works in a sourcing process
Define the audit standard, site, scope and evidence before the visit or remote review. Findings should distinguish isolated observations from systemic failures.
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | Define the audit standard, site, scope and evidence before the visit or remote review. Findings should distinguish isolated observations from systemic failures. |
| Evidence | Keep the plan, auditor competence, evidence, findings, supplier response, corrective actions, verification and closure approval. |
| Watch point | An audit is a point-in-time test. It does not replace ongoing performance monitoring or product inspection. |
What buyers should verify
Keep the plan, auditor competence, evidence, findings, supplier response, corrective actions, verification and closure approval.
An audit is a point-in-time test. It does not replace ongoing performance monitoring or product inspection.
