What is Supplier Qualification Program ?
The Supplier Qualification Program (SQP) is a comprehensive framework developed by Intertek to assess and enhance supplier performance in the context of product quality and safety compliance. Designed to meet the growing demand for increased transparency and reliable benchmarking, SQP provides retailers, brands, and buyers with a structured approach to evaluating their suppliers. This program facilitates an open benchmarking environment, allowing for measurable comparisons over time and the identification of trends that may impact supplier performance.
Intertek’s SQP has established itself as a global benchmark for over a decade, reflecting its robustness and effectiveness in supplier assessment. The program is characterized by its accredited training programs, qualified trainers and auditors, and a risk-based scorecard that ensures a thorough evaluation process. It encompasses various sectors, including Generic Hardlines Manufacturing, Garments, Toys, Footwear, and Trims, addressing the diverse needs of global consumer product brands and retailers.
The SQP focuses on several key areas, including management commitment, risk management systems, quality management, and product control. It also covers process control across different sectors and emphasizes the importance of personnel training and competency. By addressing these critical aspects, the SQP aims to create a standardized approach to supplier qualification that supports continuous improvement and accountability in the supply chain.
Benefits of getting Supplier Qualification Program for Business
Getting a SQP Certification offers several benefits for businesses. Here are some potential advantages:
Enhanced Product Quality
The SQP provides a structured approach to managing and improving product quality and safety. By implementing rigorous standards and a risk-based scorecard, the program helps ensure that suppliers adhere to high-quality benchmarks and comply with safety regulations.
Increased Transparency & Trust
SQP fosters transparency between buyers and suppliers through its open benchmarking environment. This transparency allows buyers to gain insights into their suppliers' performance, build stronger relationships based on trust, and make informed decisions.
Strengthened Corporate Governance
The comprehensive nature of SQP helps streamline the audit process for suppliers by providing a standardized framework for evaluation. This reduces the frequency and variability of audits needed, alleviating audit fatigue for suppliers.
Demonstrable Measurable Outcomes
SQP’s use of a risk-based scorecard and continuous monitoring allows for the measurement of supplier performance over time. This capability helps organizations track improvements, identify trends, and demonstrate concrete outcomes related to quality and safety.
Improved Risk Management
The program’s focus on risk management systems helps identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain. By evaluating suppliers on various risk-related factors, SQP supports the early detection of issues that could affect product quality or safety.
Who can get Supplier Qualification Program (SQP)?
The Supplier Qualification Program (SQP) is a framework developed by Intertek to assess supplier performance in terms of product quality and safety compliance.The following entities or businesses may seek approval from SQP:
Retailers
Brands
Buyers
Manufacturers
Suppliers
Document required for SQP Program
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of SQP Program
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain buyer approval in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Step 1
GAP Assessment
GAP Assessment report as per SQP Program checklist
Step 3
Training
• Training to Top Management.
• Training to Employee's
Step 4
Implementation
• Verification of Documentation as per Checklist
• Internal Audit, Management Review Meeting & N-Closer for Internal Audit
Step 5
Audit Public Verification
• Verification by third party approval by SQP Approval
• Closer of Non-Conformetives
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
The Supplier Qualification Program (SQP) is a framework developed by Intertek to assess and enhance supplier performance, focusing on product quality and safety compliance. It provides a structured approach to evaluating suppliers through benchmarking, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Retailers, brands, buyers, manufacturers, and suppliers can apply for the Supplier Qualification Program (SQP). The program is designed to support a wide range of stakeholders involved in the supply chain.
SQP has been established as a global industry standard for over a decade, reflecting its long-standing effectiveness in supplier assessment and management.
SQP covers various sectors, including Generic Hardlines Manufacturing (such as household and DIY products), Garments, Toys, Footwear, and Trims. It addresses the needs of different consumer product categories.
The SQP evaluation focuses on several key areas, including management commitment, risk management systems, quality management systems, site and facilities management, product control, product testing, process control, and personnel training and competency.
SQP helps with risk management by assessing suppliers based on various risk-related factors and identifying potential issues before they affect product quality or safety. This proactive approach allows for early intervention and improved overall risk management.
To become SQP certified, organizations need to apply to the program, undergo a thorough assessment based on SQP’s criteria, and meet the required standards. This includes evaluations by qualified auditors and possibly completing accredited training programs.
Yes, SQP is recognized internationally and is used by global retailers, brands, and buyers as a standard for evaluating and improving supplier performance.
SQP differentiates itself through its risk-based scorecard, accredited training programs, qualified trainers and auditors, and its emphasis on continuous corrective and preventative action. These features help ensure a thorough and standardized approach to supplier assessment
Yes, SQP helps reduce audit fatigue by providing a standardized framework for evaluation. This allows for more efficient and consistent assessments, minimizing the need for multiple, varied audits for suppliers.