A supplier keeps failing — and re-auditing them changes nothing?
Supplier Development — From Findings to Sustainable Systems
Supplier development is structured capability uplift for an underperforming supplier. It is not inspection — it starts from a baseline VDA 6.3 process audit, then drives improvement through PDCA coaching, Core Tools deployment (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) and quality-system work, against a defined graduation bar that proves the gains are sustainable.
Programs run worldwide · milestone-based with a graduation bar · scoped per project.
When you need this
- A supplier’s scorecard is red and re-audits alone change nothing.
- A new nomination needs to be brought up to capability before SOP.
- An IATF 16949 gap at a sub-supplier is putting your own certification at risk.
- Escapes keep recurring because the supplier’s system, not just one part, is weak.
- You want a tier-2/tier-n supplier developed without pulling your own SQEs off the line.
How it works
- 1
Baseline audit
A VDA 6.3 process audit establishes where the supplier really is and which processes drive the risk.
- 2
Plan the uplift
Findings are turned into a prioritized PDCA improvement plan with owners, milestones and a graduation bar agreed with you.
- 3
Coach & deploy
Hands-on coaching deploys the Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) and 8D problem-solving where the gaps are — on the floor, not in a slide deck.
- 4
Re-audit & graduate
A re-audit confirms the gains are real and sustained against the graduation criteria before the supplier is signed off.
Graduation criteria
Competitors stop at the screening. We define — and prove — the criteria that end the engagement, so it has a defensible finish line.
- Re-audit score meets the agreed graduation bar (not just improved on paper).
- Recurring defect categories closed with verified permanent corrective actions.
- Core Tools and control plans in routine use by the supplier’s own team.
- Scorecard trend sustained over an agreed monitoring period.
What we deliver
- Baseline VDA 6.3 Process Audit
- PDCA Improvement Program
- Core Tools Deployment (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
- 8D Problem-Solving Coaching
- Quality-System Implementation (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001)
- Re-audit & Graduation Criteria
Frequently asked questions
Train your team
Talk to an engineer who has solved this before
Tell us what you are facing. We will map a realistic plan — and mobilize fast if the line is at risk.
Discuss Supplier Development