Over the years, I have participated in hundreds of supplier visits. Generally, for new suppliers it was a process for evaluation and determination if the supplier met our requirements and would be considered for future purchase activity. However, we also conducted routine visits where we would confirm that our approved suppliers continued to meet our standards. These visits took place in the US, and in dozens of countries around the world.

A critical responsibility of purchasing and sourcing is to ensure that our firm is doing business with suppliers that are ethical, provide quality goods and services, and can be good partners working with us to better serve our customers. To meet this responsibility requires preparation and a strategy.

1. Select 6 criteria for a supplier visit. 

2. Describe the purpose of your choices.

3. Why is each criteria important.

4. What will each criteria indicate about the supplier.