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Sample ISO 9000 Quality Policy Manual: Sec. 4.6 Purchasing
by Ron Kurtus (updated 17 December 2022)
The following material is section 4.6 of a Quality Policy Manual, used to satisfy the ISO 9001 standard. This material follows the rationale approach to stating company policies and is intended as an example of this approach as well as a sample of a Quality Manual.
For other sections, refer to the Manual Table of Contents
4.6 Purchasing
In our company, we purchase many items from our suppliers for integration into our final product.
Rationale
We believe it is important to only purchase quality parts and supplies for our product. (By quality parts and supplies, we mean those that are delivered on time, at the agreed cost, and to our specification). This is to make sure our product will be delivered on time, at the agreed cost, and to our customer's specification.
We believe that effective purchasing will result in reduced costs by helping eliminate wasted effort and material due to purchasing parts that do not fulfill our specifications and/or are delivered late. It will also ultimately result in increased business due to customer satisfaction from getting expected goods and services.
Policy
Thus, it is the policy of this company to adhere to the ISO 9001 section 4.6 standard for Purchasing, as follows.
4.6.1 General
To make sure we purchase the correct parts and supplies for our product, it is our policy to always check that the purchased goods conform to our specified requirements.
4.6.2 Assessment of Subcontractors
To avoid the possibility of selecting subcontractors that are inexpensive but unable to deliver, it is our policy to always select subcontractors on the basis of their ability to meet subcontract requirements, including our requirements on the quality of their product or service.
To make sure we select subcontractors that are able to delivery the quality product or service we require, it is our policy to always use criteria for the selection of subcontractors that is dependent upon the type of product and—where appropriate—on records of the subcontractor's previously demonstrated capability and performance.
Also, to make sure we select subcontractors that are able to delivery the quality product or service we require, it is our policy to always use criteria for the type and extent of control we exercised on subcontractors. This must be dependent upon the type of product and, where appropriate, on records of subcontractor's previously demonstrated capability and performance.
To make sure we keep track of good suppliers, it is our policy to always establish and maintain records of acceptable subcontractors (see section 4.16).
It is also our policy to ensure that these quality system controls are effective.
Procedures for these policies are listed in Procedure 4.6.2.
4.6.3 Purchasing Data
To make sure information related to purchasing is accurate, it is our policy that all purchasing documents always contain data clearly describing the product ordered, including, where applicable:
- The type, class, style, grade, or other precise identification
- The title or other positive identification and applicable issue of specifications, drawings, process requirements, inspection instructions, and other relevant technical data, including requirements for approval or qualification of product, procedures, process equipment and personnel
- The title, number and issue of the quality system Standard to be applied to the product
To avoid unauthorized purchases, it is our policy to always review and approve purchasing documents for adequacy of specified requirements prior to release.
4.6.4 Verification of Purchased Product
To assure our customer/purchaser that we are using quality parts and supplies, it is our policy to always allow the purchaser or the purchaser's representative the right to verify at source or upon receipt that the purchased product conforms to specified requirements, when this is specified in the contract.
Also, to assure our customer/purchaser that we are using quality parts and supplies, it is our policy that verification by the purchaser does not absolve us of the responsibility to provide acceptable product nor shall it preclude subsequent rejection. It is also our policy that when the purchaser or the purchaser's representative elects to carry out verification at the sub-contractor's plant, such verification will not be used by the us as evidence of effective control of quality by the sub-contractor.
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Sample Quality Manual: 4.6 Purchasing