Supplier capability is a supplier's demonstrated ability to meet defined technical, quality, service and operational requirements. It concerns what the supplier can reliably do, not only what it claims or has done once.
Which areas should be assessed?
- Technical skills and equipment
- Quality systems and testing
- Production or service processes
- Engineering and change control
- Compliance and certifications
- People, systems and continuity
Capability vs. capacity
Capability asks whether the supplier can meet the requirement. Capacity asks how much it can deliver and when. A supplier can be capable but lack available capacity.
How is capability verified?
Review evidence such as similar work, audits, samples, test results, certifications, staffing and process records. Validate critical claims through trials or reference checks.
Why do category-specific criteria matter?
A general company profile does not prove capability for a particular product, material, country or volume. Assess against the actual specification and risks.
How should gaps be handled?
Record the gap, impact, corrective plan, owner and validation evidence. Do not classify a planned future capability as currently approved.
