Question

Using the information on process management, explain how some of the tools described (e.g., flowcharts, histograms, etc.) can be used to determine whether supplier quality is at the desired levels. Why would it be important for an organization to have a standard way of looking at (and evaluating) supplier quality relative to process management?

Answer 1

A fixed process is usually developed and freezed using which we can create a flow chart of what should be the next steps in a big process and hence that flowchart can ensure supplier quality, any deviation from the normal flow would indicate that controlling techniques have to be applied to bring the process back to normal. Also, in case of histograms any deviation in the form of taller bars would indicate that process has deviated from the desired quality standard which can then be rectified.

It is very essential to have a standard way of looking at quality, a set of principles can be defined and can be freezed upon the agreement of both the parties, that should act a benchmark so that the supplier also knows very clearly what is he being expected of i.e. what should be done to ensure quality standard, also objectivity is maintained and there are no conflicts. Standard way ensures that a supplier is being judged upon a benchmarked process which ensures lesser conflicts and better clarity.