Deep Dive into Supplier Production Capabilities
A Manufacturing Process Audit provides a focused evaluation of how a supplier manufactures your product or component. It examines the production process step by step — from raw-material preparation and equipment setup to process control and operator performance — ensuring consistent conformance to specifications.
This audit identifies whether the supplier’s process is capable, repeatable, and adequately controlled. It goes beyond general QMS conformance by evaluating line-specific issues like equipment calibration, SPC monitoring, work instruction adequacy, and corrective-action responsiveness.
BQCIS auditors leverage deep process and industry experience to perform these on-site evaluations. We measure process robustness using structured audit tools such as VDA 6.3, IATF 16949 guidelines, or your proprietary control plan, delivering insights to enhance reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
Key Process Audit Activities
Key Benefits of Manufacturing Process Audits
Verify Process Capability
Confirms that the supplier’s processes are statistically capable and stable under normal operating conditions.
Identify Production Risks
Highlights weaknesses in control, calibration, or operator skills that may lead to defects or downtime.
Ensure Quality Consistency
Demonstrates that quality assurance is built into the process — not reliant solely on end-of-line inspection.
Drive Process Improvement
Provides actionable findings that support continuous improvement, lean initiatives, and waste reduction.
Success Story
Process Audit Reveals Hidden Control Gap in CNC Operations
A Tier-1 supplier of precision parts reported recurring out-of-tolerance issues despite strong final inspection results.
BQCIS conducted a full Manufacturing Process Audit on the CNC machining cell, reviewing program setup, gauge calibration, and operator SPC usage.
The audit pinpointed inconsistent tool wear compensation settings and missing SPC trend reviews, leading to a corrective-action plan that permanently resolved dimensional drift and improved yield by 12%.