When inputs come from elsewhere.
WHY IT MATTERS
Your output cannot be better than your inputs.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ENGAGING
What you require, specifically How it will be verified What happens when it fails
WHY SPECIFICALLY
Unstated requirements are met to the supplier's standard.
WHAT TO PUT IN WRITING
The specification Tolerances, where relevant Delivery expectations What constitutes acceptance
WHAT TO DO ON RECEIPT
Check against the specification.
HOW MUCH CHECKING
Proportionate to the risk and the supplier's history.
WHAT TO DO WITH A RELIABLE SUPPLIER
Reduce checking over time.
WHAT TO DO WITH A NEW ONE
Check thoroughly until they have a record.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every failure, with date and detail.
WHY
It is the evidence for the conversation.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT REPEATED FAILURES
Raise them as a pattern, formally.
WHAT TO ASK FOR
The cause, and what will prevent recurrence.
WHY ASK FOR THE CAUSE
Replacement without explanation means it recurs.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Defect rate by supplier On-time delivery by supplier
WHAT TO DO WITH THAT DATA
Use it at renewal.
WHAT TO AVOID
Single-sourcing anything critical Accepting poor quality because changing is inconvenient
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
An alternative, before you need one.
