Article: Quality control of supplier defects in a precision industry: a case study approach Journal: International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM) 2025 Vol.45 No.3 pp.355 - 376 Abstract: This research paper analyses the quality performance of a supplier providing components AV3, AV4, and AV5 to the high-precision manufacturing industry. Defect analysis by category reveals common issues across the components, emphasising the need for stringent quality control measures. The defects analysis per period identifies patterns, such as higher rejections in the second quarter of 2020 and 2021, and a higher number of defects in AV5. Specific actions, including the 8D report, quality control reports, quality control plan, and report of improvement actions, have been requested from the supplier. Adherence to VDA 6.3 and IATF 16949 standards is recommended. By implementing these actions, the aim is to mitigate defects, improve component quality, and strengthen the supply chain. Emphasising data analysis and statistical process control enables proactive requests for action to assure the quality of components supplied. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Quality control of supplier defects in a precision industry: a case study approach

Authors: António Rocha; Beatriz Martins; João Cardoso; João Rodrigues; André Tinoco; Ayrton Oliveira

Addresses: 2Ai – Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal

Abstract: This research paper analyses the quality performance of a supplier providing components AV3, AV4, and AV5 to the high-precision manufacturing industry. Defect analysis by category reveals common issues across the components, emphasising the need for stringent quality control measures. The defects analysis per period identifies patterns, such as higher rejections in the second quarter of 2020 and 2021, and a higher number of defects in AV5. Specific actions, including the 8D report, quality control reports, quality control plan, and report of improvement actions, have been requested from the supplier. Adherence to VDA 6.3 and IATF 16949 standards is recommended. By implementing these actions, the aim is to mitigate defects, improve component quality, and strengthen the supply chain. Emphasising data analysis and statistical process control enables proactive requests for action to assure the quality of components supplied.

Keywords: quality control; supplier's quality; statistical process control; SPC; supply chain; compliancy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2025.147822

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2025 Vol.45 No.3, pp.355 - 376

Received: 17 Jul 2023
Accepted: 19 Jul 2023
Published online: 04 Aug 2025 *

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Title: Quality control of supplier defects in a precision industry: a case study approach

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