Initial Situation

A leading construction machinery OEM wanted to systematically stabilize supplier performance while maintaining the flexibility to respond to different supplier situations. QMatrix has been supporting the customer for approximately 24 months as part of the QMatrix Supplier Excellence Program. Individual assignments are commissioned via a ticket system and implemented through clearly defined work packages. The supplier situations range from process and technical assessments to critical quality, delivery, and capacity issues requiring direct operational support. 

The objective is to address critical supplier situations quickly, provide targeted expertise, and create a structured basis for sustainable supplier development.

The QMatrix Approach: Supplier Excellence Meets Interim Quality Management

Not every supplier requires the same type or level of support. A new supplier may require an initial assessment and qualification, while an established supplier may need support with acute quality issues, delivery bottlenecks, or capacity constraints. The QMatrix Supplier Excellence Program therefore comprises ten modular work packages that can be implemented individually or combined depending on the supplier situation, risk profile, and development needs. The program covers five key areas:

Analyze → Qualify → Stabilize → Develop → Secure

The scope ranges from initial supplier assessments, VDA 6.3 and VDA 6.8 process audits, and technical supplier revisions to quality stabilization, task force support, supplier development, Run@Rate, and OEE & Capacity Analysis. The selection and implementation of the appropriate measures are supported by the QMatrix 6-Step Approach for Interim Quality Management.

The 6-Step Approach: From Assessment to Operational Implementation

1. Quality Quick Check

The current supplier situation is captured quickly and systematically.

Key questions include:

• What is the current problem?
• What are the risks related to quality, delivery, or capacity?
• What type of support is required?
• Which Supplier Excellence module is best suited to the situation?

Depending on the situation, the next step may involve a VDA process audit, technical supplier revision, containment measures, or task force support.

2. Kick-off & Target Definition

At the start of the assignment, objectives, responsibilities, interfaces, and escalation paths are clearly defined. This creates a transparent framework for targeted performance improvement and effective implementation.

3. Quality Health Check

A structured analysis is used to assess relevant processes, risks, and performance factors. The objective is to establish a reliable basis for selecting the right measures.

4. Measures & Project Setup

Based on the findings, the required measures and project setup are defined. One or several Supplier Excellence modules can be combined depending on the individual situation. This allows the customer to receive a targeted solution rather than a standardized support package.

5. Operational Implementation

QMatrix supports both the analysis and the operational implementation of the agreed measures – including temporary responsibility where required.

The assignments implemented as part of the project included:

• 5 × VDA 6.3 Process Audits
• 1 × VDA 6.8 Process Audit
• 2 × Technical Supplier Revisions
• 1 × Supplier Management Task Force
• 1 × Interim Quality Manager
• 1 × Bottleneck Management

The assignments range from focused assessments and expert interventions to direct operational support and temporary responsibility within the supplier management organization.

6. Stabilization & Handover

The final step focuses on stabilizing the implemented measures, documenting responsibilities, and ensuring a structured handover. The aim is not only to address acute supplier issues, but also to create a sustainable basis for improved supplier performance.

Customer Benefits & Results

The QMatrix Supplier Excellence Program provided the customer with a structured and flexible framework for managing different supplier situations – from supplier assessment and qualification to operational stabilization and supplier development.

By combining ten modular work packages with a consistent 6-Step Approach, the customer gained:

• Greater transparency regarding supplier quality, processes, technical capabilities, and capacity
• Faster access to specialized expertise when critical supplier situations required immediate action
• Targeted support based on the individual risk and performance situation of each supplier
• Operational support and stabilization in quality, delivery, and capacity-related situations
• Flexible scalability through the combination of individual Supplier Excellence modules
• Continuity of support ranging from focused expert assignments to Interim Quality Management
• A consistent framework for supplier performance management across different supplier situations
• A structured basis for sustainable supplier development beyond individual audits and short-term problem solving

The Result: A Scalable Supplier Excellence Model

The approximately 24-month project demonstrates how a modular Supplier Excellence approach can address different requirements across an OEM supplier network. Rather than addressing individual supplier issues through isolated measures, the customer benefits from an integrated framework with clearly defined work packages and access to the right expertise for each supplier situation. The combination of the QMatrix Supplier Excellence Program and the 6-Step Approach enables a continuous process – from identifying supplier risks and implementing targeted interventions to operational stabilization and sustainable supplier development.

Learn more about the QMatrix Supplier Excellence Program