Markets and manufacturing practices continue to evolve, and companies now outsource to an increasing number of global manufacturing and supply partners. As companies have pursued this broadened supply chain strategy, the ability to manage both business and quality risks has become more challenging. Working with external suppliers, companies lack the quality management accountability and capabilities found internally, and therefore are often faced with manual or ad hoc communication constraints that can lead to miscommunication, delays, and, ultimately, product issues in the market.

Due to increased pressure from regulatory bodies holding corporations responsible for supplier quality in documents such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), various ISO standards, and other government and industry regulations, manufacturers must have a complete picture and strengthen oversight of supply chain activities and stay vigilant for any supplier quality issues before they result in an adverse event, or worse, market corrections or recalls.

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