The right supplier.
A confident
production release.
Two focused audits for two critical decisions. Evaluate supplier capability before nomination. Verify product and process readiness before serial production.
Built around the supplier quality lifecycle.Two gates.
One supplier journey.
An established supplier can still need a release audit for a new product. These are different decisions, supported by different evidence.
Find the fit.
Requirements, shortlist
and initial capability.
Develop & validate.
Risk assessment · Quality planning
Process validation · PPAP / ISIR
Run with control.
Released product.
Agreed controls.
PPAP and ISIR support the decision where applicable. Audits do not replace customer-specific approval requirements.
Supplier Evaluation
Audit
Understand the systems, resources and operational capability behind a proposed supplier relationship.
or reconsider the fit.
Quality management
Ownership, requirements and operating discipline.
Development & feasibility
Capability to develop and deliver the proposed business.
Resources & competence
People, equipment, maintenance and capacity.
Supply chain & traceability
Sub-supplier control and material identification.
Improvement & continuity
Problem solving, HSE and continuity of supply.
Product & Process
Release Audit
Check one specific product and the process that makes it. Confirm the documented readiness matches the production reality.
or resolve the remaining gaps.
Product approval
PPAP / ISIR and status of approval records.
Process & risk controls
Process flow, risk analysis and control plans.
Equipment & capacity
Tooling, readiness and the required production rate.
Measurement & capability
Suitable measurement systems and capability evidence.
Conformity & logistics
Critical characteristics, packaging and traceability.
A finding needs
a next step.
Bring the response back to the original evidence. Use controlled supplier access for action ownership, supporting evidence and self-assessment.
- Make the responsible person visible.
- Review the response and supporting evidence.
- Keep verification with the finding it closes.
Calibration control
Capability is one decision.
Release is another.
A supplier evaluation does not release an individual part or manufacturing process.
| Decision criteria | Supplier Evaluation Audit | Product & Process Release Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The supplier’s capability | A specific product and manufacturing process |
| Timing | Before nomination / qualification | End of ramp-up, before serial release |
| Evidence | Systems, resources and operational practice | Approval records, controls and conformity |
| Outcome | Supplier qualification decision | Product and process release decision |
Clear for management.
Complete for the record.
One assessment. Two useful views. Share the conclusion with decision-makers and keep the full question-by-question record behind it.
AUDIT REPORTQuality. In perspective.
Illustrative ISO 9001 audit · Example organization
Good questions.
Clear answers.
Everything you need to take the next step.
Which supplier audit should I choose?
Use Supplier Evaluation to assess whether a supplier can meet the requirements of the proposed business. Use Product & Process Release to assess a specific product and manufacturing process before serial release.
Does an approved supplier need another audit for a new product?
It may. Approval of the supplier’s capability does not automatically demonstrate readiness of every new product, production line or process. Base the scope on the product and supply risk.
How does the release audit relate to PPAP or ISIR?
PPAP and ISIR documentation can support the assessment. The release audit also checks how documented arrangements are implemented in practice. Customer-specific approvals still apply.
Can suppliers provide their own evidence?
Controlled supplier access supports responses, evidence submission and self-assessment. Auditors retain responsibility for reviewing the evidence and verifying closure.
Make the next supplier decision
with the evidence in view.
Evaluate capability. Verify readiness. Keep follow-up connected.
In your browser. Evidence in context. You in control.