TTS GLOBAL
Verify the system behind the factory’s claims.
A supplier presentation shows what a company says it can do. A factory and supplier capability audit examines the operations, people, equipment and records supporting that claim. TTS reviews the areas agreed for your sourcing decision and compares documented information with observations during the visit. It can support supplier shortlisting, first-order planning or review of an existing supplier after capacity or quality concerns. Findings identify capabilities and gaps at the time of the assessment.
What to check in the evidence
Identity and scope
Match the contracting supplier, factory address, observed processes and product range. Identify relevant outsourced operations.
Why it matters
A trading company profile or a certificate for another site does not establish the capability of the visited factory.
Capacity and bottlenecks
Compare machinery, shifts, staffing, relevant production records and current workload with the proposed order.
Why it matters
Nameplate capacity differs from capacity available for your product. Examine the slowest operation and any dependency on subcontractors.
Quality control in practice
Follow incoming quality control (IQC), in-process quality control (IPQC) and final quality control (FQC), including measuring equipment and calibration records.
Why it matters
Check whether records identify the actual material, product, limit and action taken when a result is outside specification.
Traceability and CAPA
Trace selected material or order references through production and review a nonconformity and corrective-action record.
Why it matters
A corrective and preventive action (CAPA) should address the cause and include evidence that the action works, rather than merely closing a form.
An illustrative scenario
A production line exists; is its capacity usable?
Illustrative example: a supplier shows several assembly lines, but a critical coating process is outsourced and no current subcontractor records are available. The report should identify that dependency and the missing evidence. Before placing the order, the buyer can request the subcontracting arrangement, capacity evidence and process controls, or scope an additional assessment of the relevant operation.
Prepare these before the next step
- Supplier identity, exact factory address and the products you plan to source.
- Expected order size, schedule and any important process requirements.
- Your audit checklist, previous findings or specific claims to verify.
Use the assessment to compare suppliers, define conditions before placing an order and prioritise improvements. An audit does not guarantee future product quality; connect important findings with an agreed action plan and subsequent product inspections.
Sources & further reading
- ISO 9001 / quality management system ↗
Useful context for reviewing quality controls and records. A sourcing audit does not issue or renew an ISO 9001 certificate.
- ISO 19011 / audit guidance ↗
Provides an audit framework covering evidence, audit planning and competence. Agree the assessment scope and reporting criteria for this visit.
Confirm product-specific scope and the applicable edition with TTS before making a compliance decision.