Supplier Audit
A supplier audit is a structured review of a supplier's processes, facilities or records to verify it meets agreed quality, compliance and performance standards.
Audits can be desktop reviews of documents and certificates, or on-site visits inspecting production lines, warehouses, quality controls and working conditions. They are used to qualify new suppliers, monitor existing ones and investigate problems. The findings feed corrective-action plans and decisions on whether to continue the relationship.
For higher-risk categories, periodic audits protect quality and reputation, and support responsible-sourcing commitments. A clear checklist keeps audits consistent across suppliers and creates an audit trail that satisfies internal governance and customer requirements.
Key points
- Audits may be desktop (documents) or on-site (facilities and processes).
- They verify quality systems, compliance, capacity and working conditions.
- Findings drive corrective actions and continued-use decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a supplier audit?
- A supplier audit is a structured review of a supplier's processes, facilities or records to confirm it meets agreed quality, compliance and performance standards.
- How often should suppliers be audited?
- It depends on risk and spend. Critical or high-risk suppliers may be audited annually, while low-risk suppliers might only be reviewed at onboarding or when an issue arises.
Related terms
Supplier Qualification
Supplier qualification is the process of assessing whether a potential supplier meets an organisation's requirements before it is allowed to bid or supply.
Read definitionSupplier Risk Management
Supplier risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing and mitigating the risks that suppliers pose to an organisation's operations, finances and reputation.
Read definitionAudit Trail
An audit trail is a complete, time-stamped record of every action in a process, showing who did what and when, so transactions can be traced and verified.
Read definitionExplore related across the knowledge graph
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