Supplier monitoring & 2nd-party audits (IATF only)
Plain-language summary
Monitor supplier performance on defined indicators — delivered conformity, disruptions including field issues, delivery performance, premium freight — plus customer disruptions caused by suppliers; use second-party audits per your risk-based programme.
What the clause is really asking
Defined monitoring with at least the listed indicators, escalation when performance slips, and a documented second-party audit approach (criteria, scope, frequency driven by risk) whose reports are retained — potentially substituting for certification in defined cases.
What auditors look for
Auditors review your supplier scorecard mechanics (indicators, frequency, actions when red) and the second-party audit programme: risk basis, qualified auditors (7.2.4), reports, closure of findings.
Typical evidence
Supplier scorecards; premium freight tracking; escalation records; 2nd-party audit schedule, reports and finding closure.
How to comply — recommendations
Score monthly on the four IATF indicators, automate from your ERP where possible, and let the score drive consequences: green = skip-lot, red = development or exit. Audit the risky few properly rather than everyone superficially.
Common nonconformities
Scorecards without consequences; premium freight not tracked; second-party audits ad-hoc with no risk rationale or auditor qualification.
Related clauses
Builds on ISO 9001 8.4.2; links IATF 7.2.4
In the book
Chapter 8 — Operation — Where the Product Is Won or Lost treats this clause family in full: what it is really asking, what auditors look for, the evidence that satisfies, how to make it work on a real floor, and where companies stumble. This IATF requirement is covered in the Automotive Edition, in the same six blocks as the ISO clause around it.
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