Case study · International
Supplier qualification and FAT in India for an Austrian plant manufacturer
An Austrian plant manufacturer planned to purchase two complex tool systems from specialised Indian manufacturers in the Delhi area. Initial experience with other Asian suppliers had shown quality deficits and schedule slippage. Before the order was placed, the two Indian plants were therefore to be audited systematically and the later factory acceptance was to be supported professionally.
Two-stage mandate: initial audit of both suppliers using the ISO 19011 methodology before the order was placed, followed by support of the factory acceptance tests (FAT) at both plants before the tools were shipped to Austria. Three trips on site in total.
In the initial audit, machine capability, incoming material inspection, qualification of the workers, test equipment and the QM system as actually lived were checked directly on the line, not merely compared against certificates.
Based on the audit reports, the order went to both plants with clearly defined stage gates. At the FATs, the tools were tested against the contractual tolerances, documented with standardised test protocols, and any deviations were resolved on site together with the Indian plant managers.
Result
Both tools were accepted in the first FAT run, without rework or delay. The plant manufacturer was able to carry out the subsequent commissioning in Austria as planned. Both suppliers were admitted to the qualified pool and have since been established as regular suppliers.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is checked in an initial supplier audit in India?
In this mandate: machine capability, incoming material inspection, worker qualification, test equipment and the quality management system as actually practised, directly on the line using the ISO 19011 methodology.
What is a factory acceptance test (FAT)?
The acceptance at the supplier's plant before shipment: the tools were tested against the contractual tolerances, documented with standardised test protocols, and deviations were corrected on site together with the plant managers.
How did the project turn out?
Both tools were accepted in the first FAT run without rework, commissioning in Austria went according to plan, and both suppliers have since been established in regular procurement.
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