- 1. Introduction
We strive to achieve a lasting partnership with our suppliers. We expect the following
from our suppliers:
- Fair prices
- Quality
- Adherence to deadlines
- Adherence to quantities
- Flexibility
- Good communication
- Solutions to problems through know-how, creativity and service.
The supplier is completely responsible for the quality of all services and products
supplied as well as their design in accordance with existing requirements. The supplier
guarantees this via controlled processes and corresponding checks and if necessary
provides proof of adherence to technical regulations. When ordering we can refer
to technical regulations which can also contain corresponding quality characteristics.
These include, for example:
- Drawings
- Order instructions
- References to applicable norms
- Specifications and quality guidelines
The supplier must be associated with the exchange service for technical regulations
that are relevant for his products and services. The supplier must also ensure that
he manufactures within relevant technical and legal regulations at all times. Over
and above this, the quality guidelines of F-DIESEL, contain demands that are placed
on the quality management of the supplier.
- 2. Quality Management System
The manufacture of products with consistent high quality requires an effective quality
management program. The following certifications are recommended for the establishment
of a quality management system:
- ISO 9002
- QS 9000
- ISO/TS 16949:2002
The quality management system of the supplier is to be described in a quality manual.
Preferably, the quality management documentation should be adapted to the relevant
standards (see above).
F-DIESEL endeavor to only work with suppliers who have at least ISO 9002 certification.
We expect our suppliers to constantly develop their management system further. We
assume that there is sufficient qualified staff to provide the required services
and products.
- 3. Obligation to Inform
In cases where production methods or testing methods are changed, or if production
is out-sourced or relocated, the supplier is obliged to inform F-DIESEL. Deliveries
may only be carried out after F-DIESEL has been informed and has given its consent
to the specifications.
- 4. Samples
The supplier is to carry out initial sample tests on the basis of ISO9002 or TS
16949 (PPAP). Reasons for initial samples are:
- -new part
- -new supplier
- -altered specifications
- -altered production conditions
- -new production location
- -long break in production (> 3 years)
The samples must be produced under serial production conditions. The test results
are to be itemized in accordance with technical regulations. The test statistics
are to be listed under the same number as in the initial sample test, in correspondence
with the accompanying documents.
Upon request, the supplier is to evidence the preliminary process-capability (minimum
target ppk > 1.67) with the presentation of an initial sample for determined characteristics.
The shipment of the sample is to be clearly designated with "Initial sample". F-DIESEL
will notify as to the results of the initial sample and approve serial production
if satisfactory. Deviations from the specifications are to be clarified with F-DIESEL
prior to sample production.
- 5. Incoming Goods Inspection at F-DIESEL
The supplier is to conduct his tests in such a manner that technical inspections
of incoming goods at F-DIESEL are not necessary.
F-DIESEL will conduct inspections to check for transit or packaging damage as well
as to verify the correctness of the quantity. As a rule, further inspections will
not be carried out.
If however, incoming goods inspections are carried out, then they will be conducted
in accordance with the "skip lot" principle.
The extent of this inspection will be determined in consideration of further processing
and functioning.
If faulty parts are discovered, the supplier will receive a complaint in the form
of a test report, if necessary with samples.
The approval of deliveries by the Incoming Goods Department does not release the
supplier from responsibility for the functioning and reliability of his products
in accordance with technical specifications and general technical rules.
Deficits, which are discovered during processing at F-DIESEL or at the customer,
shall also result in an official complaint.
When complaints are voiced, the supplier is to determine the cause and find a permanent
solution to the problem. The results of the investigation are to be published in
an 8-D-report and reported to F-DIESEL. Deadlines shall be fixed by the Purchasing
Department at F-DIESEL.
If the supplier is not able to correct the fault by the next delivery, then the
Purchasing and Quality Management Departments at F-DIESEL are to be immediately
notified, and all further deliveries are to be suspended until further notice from
F-DIESEL.
Products containing approved deviations are to be delivered separately to F-DIESEL
and the accompanying paperwork must give appropriate notice of such deviations.
- 6. Quality Assurance in Series
- 6.1 Process-Capability
In order to assure reproducibility, the applied processes should be capable (minimum
CPk > 1.33). In the case of insufficient process-capability or special requirements,
100% testing must be carried out.
The supplier is to demonstrate the process-capability using statistical methods.
Upon request, the supplier is to identify deliveries originating from the same mode
of production, using batch numbers.
- 6.2 Certificates
Upon request, the supplier shall provide certificates (e.g. works test certificates)
and enclose these in deliveries. This applies to tests that the supplier or its
suppliers have conducted.
- 6.3 Testing Equipment
The testing equipment must be capable of testing the specified quality characteristics
set forth in the technical documents.
In the case of special testing equipment, it is recommended to consult the customer,
so that identical systems can be used. The supplier is responsible for ensuring
that testing equipment is capable of measuring and evaluating the specified characteristics.
Additionally, this system must guarantee the designation, documentation and testing
cycles of the testing equipment.
- 6.4 Deviation
If deviations have been discovered on a product, the supplier can apply for approval
of such deviations by the Quality Manager of F-DIESEL, by submitting a convincing
report/documents.
If such approval is granted, it will, as a rule, be limited to a specified number
of products or for a limited period of time. All deliveries containing products
with deviation approvals are to be clearly identified as such by corresponding comment
in the accompanying documents.
The cause of the deviation must be determined as soon as possible and corrective
actions must be taken and their effectiveness monitored.
- 6.5 Shipping
The supplier is to choose such packaging material, so as to prevent transit and
corrosion damage from occurring.
Reusable or recyclable packaging is to be used whenever possible.
Special packaging instructions can be found in the order.
Each packaging unit is to be provided with a label which is visible from the outside
and which identifies the material number and the quantity. Additional specifications,
such as batch number, production date or test comments, will be separately requested
in the orders if necessary.
- 7. Documentation
The supplier is to keep records, which can provide evidence all actual quality assurance
measures which were taken from the receipt of an order to the delivery of the respective
finished goods. Such records are to be archived for a period of at least 5 years.
In the case of parts requiring documentation, the supplier is required to provide
such documentation. This is to be done on the basis of VDA " Documentation". Such
records are to be archived for a period of at least 15 years.
The documentation must be designed in such a manner as to allow the proof of the
level of care and diligence if necessary. (Exculpatory evidence).
- 8. Supplier Evaluations
F-DIESEL reserves the right to carry out supplier evaluations on the basis of VDA
and/or other criteria. Evaluations are carried out on the basis of goods received
and possible defects / faults. Criteria are quality, adherence to quantity and adherence
to deadlines. The supplier will be regularly informed as to the results of such
evaluations.
Furthermore, F-DIESEL reserves the right to carry out supplier audits after previous
arrangement with the supplier. The supplier shall provide qualified personnel for
such audits.
- 9. Obligation to Maintain Secrecy and Agreement Concerning Industrial Property Rights
In the course of negotiations and informative dialogues which are conducted with
F-DIESEL for the purpose of achieving cooperation or delivery agreements, the supplier
will receive access to business secrets of F-DIESEL.
The supplier hereby undertakes, where such undertaking shall remain legally valid
and binding for the supplier's legal successor as well, to use all information which
it receives from F-DIESEL, regardless of how it obtains such information, such as
pertaining to equipment and machines and production methods used by F-DIESEL, raw
materials, work-in-progress, manufacturing supplies and finished products, plans,
drawings, know-how and other documents, only within the framework of such aforementioned
agreements, and to not give access to such information to any third parties. The
only exceptions hereto shall be information and documents, which are customarily
issued to customers within the course of offers and orders.
Furthermore, the supplier undertakes to neither utilize such information itself,
regardless of the nature of the information, nor to allow the utilization of such
information by third parties, without the express written consent of F-DIESEL.
The obligations to maintain secrecy and pertaining to the utilization of information
shall also remain effective after the completion of the aforementioned agreements,
or in the case that such agreements not be finalized, unless F-DIESEL gives its
express written consent that such information documents etc. may be made accessible
to certain third parties, public authorities or companies.
The supplier furthermore undertakes to ensure that all persons at its company that
have or could have access to the aforementioned information, regardless of the nature
of such information, shall be subject to the obligations regarding secrecy and utilization.
Finally, the supplier assumes the liability that F-DIESEL shall not infringe upon
the patent or industrial property rights of third parties, domestically or abroad,
by selling, using or installing as components, any of the products delivered by
the supplier. The supplier shall indemnify F-DIESEL for any claims for damages which
F-DIESELmay incur through such activities.