Subcontracting Quality
Quality control in subcontracting
The MRP Subcontracting Quality module integrates quality control into the subcontracting workflow. This module allows creating quality checkpoints for subcontracted products, subcontractors performing quality checks, quality inspection when receiving from subcontractors, tracking and reporting quality from subcontractors, and managing quality check access for subcontractors.
Key benefits
Key points
• Quality assurance: Quality control directly at the subcontractor.
• Transparency: Subcontractors record their own inspection results.
• Traceability: Complete inspection history is preserved.
• Risk reduction: Quality problems can be detected earlier.
Installation and configuration
This module is automatically installed when you have both MRP Subcontracting and Quality Control modules.
Steps
1. Go to Quality → Configuration → Quality Control Points.
2. Click Create.
3. Set Product, Operation (Subcontracting Receipt), Control Type, and Responsible.
4. Configure subcontractor permissions so they can update or remove their own quality checks within the allowed scope.
Quality checkpoints
Checks can be placed at three stages: before sending materials, at the subcontractor during production, and when receiving finished products. This makes it easier to compare input, in-process, and output quality in the same subcontracting flow.
Check types
Quality check types
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pass/Fail | Pass or fail | Visual inspection |
| Measure | Measure values | Dimensions, weight |
| Take Picture | Take photo | Product images |
| Instructions | Instructions | Inspection procedure |
Create quality checkpoints
A quality control point defines when and how a quality check is generated for subcontracting receipts. You can scope it by product, operation, and frequency.
Steps
1. Go to Quality → Quality Control Points.
2. Click Create.
3. Fill in Title, Product, Operation (Subcontracting Receipt), and Control Type.
4. Enter Norm and Tolerance for measurement-based checks.
5. Select Responsible and set the frequency such as All Operations, Randomly, or Periodically.
6. Click Save.
| Fields | Trường dữ liệu | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Tên điểm kiểm tra | Descriptive name for the checkpoint. |
| Product | Sản phẩm | Product to which the inspection applies. |
| Operation | Hoạt động | Select Subcontracting Receipt. |
| Control Type | Loại kiểm tra | Pass/Fail, Measure, Picture, or Instructions. |
| Norm | Tiêu chuẩn | Target value for measurement checks. |
| Tolerance | Dung sai | Allowed deviation range. |
Inspection workflow for subcontractors
Subcontractors log into the portal, open the assigned receipt or related document, and see the list of quality checks they need to perform. This allows them to record inspection results before the company confirms the final receipt.
Steps
1. Open the quality check from the portal or assigned receipt.
2. Review instructions, standards, or reference images if available.
3. Perform the check by choosing Pass/Fail, entering measurement values, or uploading pictures.
4. Add notes when deviations or exceptions need clarification.
5. Click Validate to save the result and move on.
Handling inspection results
After the subcontractor completes the checks, internal teams can open Quality Checks and filter by subcontracting, partner, or status. When goods are received, the company should compare the subcontractor-reported results with the internal receipt inspection before accepting or rejecting the goods.
Key points
• Create a Quality Alert when a defect is found and send the issue back to the subcontractor.
• Track corrective actions until the issue is repaired, replaced, or the batch is returned.
• Close the alert only after the resolution is verified and the receipt status is updated.
Quality reporting
Quality Checks reporting helps monitor pass rates, defect volume, average handling time, and performance differences between subcontractors.
Key points
• Filter by Partner to compare quality pass rates, return frequency, and correction time across subcontractors.
• Export reports to Excel or PDF for quality audits or management reviews.
• Track KPIs such as First Pass Yield, Defect Rate, DPMO, and Cost of Quality for critical product groups.
Subcontractor access rights
Subcontractor portal users should only see quality checks tied to their own documents and partner records. They can update results, upload evidence, and in some cases remove their own checks according to the module’s controlled permission model.
Key points
• Subcontractors should not see checks belonging to other vendors or modify quality control points.
• The module can use controlled access mechanisms to allow necessary actions without giving full administrative rights.
• Partner-level isolation helps preserve confidentiality in a multi-subcontractor environment.
Common issues
Key points
• If subcontractors cannot see quality checks, verify the portal user, the partner on the quality check, and the subcontractor assigned on the picking.
• If a quality check cannot be deleted, review its validation status, the user’s rights, and whether the record is already locked.
• If results are out of sync, set clear deadlines and require subcontractors to update checks before delivery so the receiving team can compare the final outcome.
Practical tips
Key points
• Build checklists, templates, and reference images by product group so subcontractors can inspect consistently.
• Train subcontractors on portal usage, evidence capture, and defect note quality to reduce back-and-forth communication.
• Combine periodic subcontractor audits with pass/fail reporting to detect quality decline earlier.
• Use mobile devices or barcode scanning when inspection happens directly on the subcontractor shop floor.