Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

What is a key benefit of performing a systems audit of a current supplier?

1. Identifying the supplier's potential capability

2. Assuring the supplier's capability

3. Determining whether to do business with the supplier

4. Evaluating continuing conformance to quality standards

The correct answer is: Evaluating continuing conformance to quality standards

Performing a systems audit of a current supplier provides significant benefits, particularly in evaluating continuing conformance to quality standards. This process involves a systematic examination of the supplier’s quality management systems and processes against established criteria and standards. By focusing on continual conformance, a systems audit helps to ensure that the supplier maintains the quality requirements throughout the duration of the business relationship. It allows auditors to identify any deviations from established quality standards, assess the effectiveness of the supplier's quality management systems, and ensure that corrective actions are in place to address any issues. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for sustaining the quality of products or services being supplied and for fostering a culture of continual improvement. In contrast, while identifying potential capability, assuring capability, and determining whether to do business with the supplier are important, these aspects are more relevant during the initial assessments or when considering new suppliers rather than ongoing evaluations of current suppliers. Thus, the emphasis on continuing conformance to quality standards underscores a proactive approach to supplier management and risk mitigation.