Measure Vendor Inspection Pass Rates & Identify Patterns for Smarter Sourcing
The Multi-Vendor QC Challenge
Sourcing from multiple manufacturers is a core strategy for mitigating risk and ensuring supply chain resilience. However, it introduces a significant challenge: consistently tracking and comparing Quality Control (QC) performance across different vendors.
The KAKOBUY Spreadsheet
Building Your Tracking System
A centralized spreadsheet is key. Structure it with the following core data points for every inspection:
| Data Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vendor Name/ID | Primary identifier for grouping and comparison. |
| Product SKU & Description | Links defects to specific items; some products are inherently more complex. |
| Inspection Date & Lot/P.O. Number | Enables tracking of performance over time and per specific order. |
| Total Units Inspected | The sample size basis for all calculations. |
| Units Failed / Defect Types | Critical data! Categorize failures (e.g., "packaging," "workmanship," "function," "measurement"). |
| Final Verdict | Pass, Fail, or Conditional Pass (e.g., Pass after sorting). |
Calculating Metrics that Matter
With raw data collected, calculate these key performance indicators (KPIs) for each inspection and vendor:
1. Inspection Pass Rate (%)
(Number of Passed Inspections / Total Inspections for Vendor) * 100
This is your high-level vendor reliability score.
2. Defect Rate per Unit
Total Defects Found / Total Units Inspected
Offers a more granular view of quality density than a simple pass/fail.
3. Critical Defect Ratio
Critical Defects / Total Defects
Highlights the severity of issues—a vendor with few but major defects poses a high risk.
Identifying Patterns for Better Decisions
This is where your data comes to life. Use pivot tables and charts to analyze:
- Vendor Trends:
- Recurring Defect Analysis:
- Cost of Quality:
- Recurring Defect Analysis:
These patterns enable you to move from reactive firefighting to proactive management.
Transforming Data into Strategy
The KAKOBUY Spreadsheet
Start tracking consistently. The patterns you uncover will directly guide you to more reliable supply chains and better products.