4.1 Governance and Operating Model
Supplier Quality Management (SQM) is not "Procurement with a caliper." While Procurement focuses on cost and delivery (Commercial), Supplier Quality focuses on risk and capability (Technical). The mission of the SQM function is to extend the factory's quality firewall beyond our own four walls, ensuring that external partners operate with the same rigor as our internal lines. This chapter defines the boundaries, authority, and operational rhythm of the Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE).
Mission and Boundaries
The SQE is the technical conscience of the supply chain. The role is governed by a strict separation of powers to prevent conflicts of interest between "getting the part cheap" and "getting the part right."
- The SQE Mission: To guarantee that no defective material enters the manufacturing stream and that supplier processes are statistically capable of meeting specifications.
- What SQE Owns (The "Red" Zone):
- Technical Qualification: Veto power over new suppliers based on audit results.
- Material Disposition: The absolute authority to Block or Quarantine suspect material, regardless of production urgency.
- Corrective Action: Ownership of the SCAR (Supplier Corrective Action Request) cycle.
- What SQE Does NOT Own (The "Green" Zone):
- Commercial Terms: Pricing, payment terms, and contracts (Procurement).
- Selection: We validate capability; Procurement selects the partner from the qualified list.
- Expediting: Chasing late parts is a Buyer function, not a Quality function.
The Supplier Quality RACI Matrix
To ensure decision-making velocity, authority is clearly mapped. Ambiguity in a "Line Down" situation is unacceptable.
Decision / Activity | SQE (Quality) | Procurement (Buyer) | Engineering (R&D) | Operations (Prod) |
New Supplier Qualification | Accountable (A) | Consulted (C) | Informed (I) | Informed (I) |
Block / Quarantine Stock | Accountable (A) | Informed (I) | Informed (I) | Informed (I) |
Issue SCAR | Responsible (R) | Informed (I) | Consulted (C) | Informed (I) |
Approve Deviations | Consulted (C) | Informed (I) | Accountable (A) | Informed (I) |
Close CAPA/SCAR | Accountable (A) | Informed (I) | Consulted (C) | Informed (I) |
Stop Ship (At Supplier) | Accountable (A) | Consulted (C) | Consulted (C) | Informed (I) |
Negotiate Recovery Cost | Informed (I) | Accountable (A) | Informed (I) | Informed (I) |
- Key Distinction: The SQE can stop the line (Technical Block); the Buyer negotiates the financial consequence (Commercial recovery).
The Operating Process Map
The lifecycle of Supplier Quality is a closed-loop system, not a linear series of events.
- Qualification (Pre-PO):
- Trigger: Procurement nominates a potential source.
- Action: SQE performs a Risk Assessment and On-Site Audit (VDA 6.3 / ISO 9001).
- Gate: Pass/Fail. A failed audit places the supplier on "Do Not Use" status in the ERP.
- Incoming Control (Active):
- Trigger: Material arrival at Dock.
- Action: IQC (Incoming Quality Control) inspects per the Sampling Plan defined by the SQE.
- Output: Pass to Stock OR Reject to MRB.
- Escapes & Reaction (Reactive):
- Trigger: Defect found on the line or in the field.
- Action: SQE initiates Containment (24h) and issues a SCAR.
- Resolution & Monitoring (Sustaining):
- Trigger: SCAR Response.
- Action: SQE verifies the "Permanent Corrective Action" (PCA).
- Metric: Supplier Scorecard update (Quality Component).
- Re-Validation (Loop):
- Trigger: Major process change or annual schedule.
- Action: Surveillance Audit to ensure the "Golden Process" has not degraded.
Interface with Internal Stakeholders
The SQE does not work in a silo. The "Handshake" with internal teams is critical.
- IQC (Incoming Quality Control): The SQE is the "Legislator" (writes the inspection plan); the IQC Inspector is the "Police Officer" (enforces the plan). The SQE must provide clear "Limit Samples" and inspection instructions.
- Production: Operations is the "Customer." If the line stops due to bad parts, the SQE must be on the floor within 15 minutes to assess the fallout.
- Program Management (PM): The SQE provides the "Risk Profile" for NPI. If a supplier is risky, the SQE mandates "Safe Launch" protocols (e.g., 100% source inspection).
Final Checklist
Governance Element | Mandate | Risk of Failure |
Veto Power | SQE can disqualify | Using incapable suppliers for cost |
Stop Authority | SQE can block stock | Contaminating the factory |
SCAR Ownership | SQE Only | Technical root cause ignored |
Commercial Separation | No Pricing Discussions | Quality compromised for price |
Deviation Authority | Engineering Only | Unsafe "use as is" decisions |