We should all be winners
There is often a strained atmosphere around audits. However, this should not be the case. A good audit is a cooperation with the common goal of improving the process. Earlier this year, some of our supplier quality development engineers (SQDE) followed an audit training at a training company called “Symbol”. In this article, Paul Soetens, Manager of our SQDE team, explains how auditing can become a win-win situation for all parts.
A fit supply chain
The automotive industry has faced significant turmoil for some years now, and also the years to come OEMs will face numerous challenges. The emission levels should be further lowered and trends as autonomous driving and mobility as a service is becoming a reality now. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. It is now more important than ever to have a “fit” supply chain that is able to adapt well to all of these challenges, so that both quality and reliability of the chain is maintained. This is the reason that auditing has become so important.
Benefits of good auditing
A good audit should be seen as a win-win situation where both parties profits from improving the process. An audit is not some big stick to wield with regards to suppliers. Whether it is concerning a standard audit – in which a change or problem is tested – or audits that are intended to support and stimulate supplier development, there is always something to be gained. Fewer complaints in the supply chain, higher efficiency, a better collaboration with suppliers, being able to respond quicker to problems in the supply chain, being able to respond better to aberration in the automotive industry: the benefits are easy to enumerate.
Increase competences
It all starts with the auditors and therefore we find it important to continuously improve the auditing competences of our employees. This is important, because audits often have a “strange atmosphere” around them. During a good audit, there is interaction between the auditor and the supplier. There is a common objective, namely: improving processes. However, many suppliers are not eager to be tested for their performance. It is important to show the supplier that he is supporting him in a mutually beneficial way. If you do it right, it will benefit both parties. This all starts with good preparation. An auditor must have great knowledge of the context of the supplier’s area, should bear in mind cultural differences and have the right information interpreted in the right way with regard to the audit. Furthermore, an audit should always be followed up with strong feedback to the management of the supplier, to ensure that there will be sufficient focus on these topics within the organization.
“Strong and confident”
A number of our SQDE team members have recently completed the first audits after ended training. Soetens: ” I have noticed that knowledge of the standards has improved. I also note that they are not losing sight of the win-win situation at any point and that they continue to do that. This is what I think is most important, because it provides competent auditing and better cooperation with the supplier. Or, as one of my colleagues who followed the training told me: ‘I have now learned how to convince suppliers that it is also important for them to enforce the rules. That makes me stronger and more confident. I now also know how I can keep a professional structure during an audit, so that audits run more smoothly. ‘ That’s simply great to hear. ”
New supplier manual
All suppliers recently received a global supplier manual based on the latest versions for IATF 16949.
Each supplier is requested to study the new manual and provide feedback to MTEE once studied. Furthermore, the suppliers are responsible to distribute the document within their organization also including Tier-N suppliers. On July 1st, the new manual will be installed officially and be followed up by audits later on. Our well-trained SQDE team members will make sure that these audits become win-win situations, which everyone can look forward to.
