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All of the technology we take for granted today was made possible through standardization. Without standardization, every part would be unique. Imagine attempting to build anything where such simple parts as bolts, nuts and screws were not standardized! With such inconsistencies, there would be no interchangeable parts. And with no interchangeable parts, there would have been no industrial revolution... no mass production. Standardization provides a solid foundation for each new generation of inventors to build upon the innovations that preceded them. And it allows for the manufacture of complex items on a large scale. Consequently, the advancements that created the modern world were made possible through standardization.
The Mission of SQSA
Standards ![]() SQSA celebrates free market economies through focusing on "Business-to-Business" (B2B) relationships and supplier excellence. Where existing standards accomplish that goal, we applaud them. However, where existing standards are poorly crafted, contain antiquated concepts, or promote mediocrity, we will develop alternative standards... providing businesses with tools to increase their competitive advantage through improving their supply chain.
Key Criterion for
SQSA Standards ![]() Acknowledging that quality is a critical driver for the success of any free-market enterprise, SQSA has established key criterion specifying that each supplier quality standard we develop must: Represent the "Voice of the
Customer"
Development of supplier quality
standards must be driven by those who assign "value" to those
standards. Whether quality, procurement, or supply chain
professionals, this group must consist of those individuals within
a business involved with the qualification, selection, and
monitoring of suppliers. The purpose of each supplier quality
standard is to clearly and accurately communicate the requirements
and expectations of those customers.
Promote consistent interpretation
and application
While many standards are developed
for "generic" application, the use of terms/phrases that promote
ambiguity/subjectivity and/or the inclusion of nebulous/vague
requirements, results in confusion leading to inconsistency in
their interpretation and application; diminishing the value of
that standard.
Be verifiable
Each requirement must be associated
with clear, unambiguous, objective evidence allowing for
verification of implementation. Where the number of subjective or
unverifiable requirements increases, the value of that standard
decreases... until it is of little or no value.
Evolve
The purpose of supplier quality
standards is to define minimum requirements for "controls" to
identify and eliminate, or mitigate, risks to satisfying
customer requirements and any established expectations
(commitments) relating to the provision of products and/or
services. In order for a standard to retain its value, it must
evolve to incorporate new, innovative ideas that have been
tested, proven, and adopted as "best practices" in eliminating
or mitigating these risks. The only time in which a quality
standard should remain static, is when an industry is so mature,
and its risks to satisfying customer requirements so well
managed, that the standard continues to add value through
promoting consistency.
The Goal of SQSA
Standards ![]() The goal of SQSA standards is simple: To improve the level of quality your supply chain provides through reducing the number of defects and late shipments received. As this goal is achieved, your business should experience reductions in the administrative costs associated with the amount of time spent by personnel:
As a result, your business should be able to further reduce costs through:
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