Supplier Auditing
Taught by
Dennis R. Arter

A one-day seminar sponsored by the ASQ Customer-Supplier Division, Supplier Auditing is
designed for management, professional, and technical personnel who want to improve supplier
relations and performance. It is a basic course. No previous knowledge of auditing or quality
systems is required (or even assumed). The instruction applies to any management system (ISO
9001, FDA, military, automotive, etc.). Buyers and purchasing agents will find the information
quite beneficial. Those preparing for the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor exam will enjoy the
review.
 
The seminar begins by exploring how product and service requirements are defined and
accepted. This becomes the basis for subsequent audits. Then, the process of an effective
supplier audit is presented step by step. This seminar emphasizes supplier partnerships and how
auditing benefits both parties.

Topics Covered:

• Supplier quality management and purchasing controls
• Preparing for the audit, including all nine steps
• Conducting the audit, including data gathering and communications
• Reporting the results, by dumping and chunking data
• Relationship between audit and corrective action programs

The seminar is basic in focus and is fun! You will receive a copy of Dennis Arter's book Quality
Audits for Improved Performance (Quality Press), and a set of workshop materials.

About Dennis R. Arter:
Dennis R. Arter is a consultant and author of Quality Audits for Improved Performance. He was
part of the team that developed the Certified Quality Auditor program way back in 1988. He is
an ASQ Fellow and former member of the ASQ Board of Directors. Over 10,000 people have
attended his courses.

Revised August 26, 2009