What is a Supply Chain Management Checklist?
A supply chain management checklist is a tool used by organizations involved in supply chains to ensure that every process involved is efficiently managed, successfully operational, and continuously improved. Supply chain managers, directors, and other key stakeholders use this checklist to make sure everything is accounted for so that manufacturing quality and worker safety are maintained.
Importance
A supply chain is a collaboration of multiple entities from different industries involved in processing raw materials into finished products and distributing them to the intended customers. Proper management of each entity in a supply chain is vital to maintain the uninterrupted, sustainable, and cost-effective production of goods and services.
Checklists provide a framework for managing all aspects of the supply chain, from procurement to delivery. They standardize inspection procedures across all operations to ensure consistent quality control checks, supplier audits, and product testing. These checklists also help identify and take proactive measures to potential risks before they escalate.
Digital supply chain checklists, in particular, are optimal for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain. By digitizing paper-based forms, organizations can reduce the amount of time and paper it takes to complete reports while enhancing their accuracy. Moreover, its easier to roll out changes based on regulatory and industry standards in a few taps with this tool.
What to Include in a Supply Chain Management Checklist
While the needs of various businesses managing their supply chain may vary, the basics of a checklist that supply chain managers, directors, and other stakeholders involved must use should include the following sections and details:
- Title Page: This introduction should contain information about where and when the inspection, audit, or check was conducted, the company name, and who prepared or facilitated the inspection.
- Risk Management and Risk Mitigation: This section in your checklist aims to help you ask and address questions about the risks that every entity in the businesss supply chain may face.
- Inventory Management and Supply Chain Management: This section must contain questions you should address to emphasize your organizations efforts in ensuring stability in overall inventory and supply chain management.
- Completion: Reserve the last page of your checklist for any additional remarks and formal sign-off.
How to Perform a Supply Chain Audit Using a Checklist
A supply chain audit is a comprehensive check of all components of a businesss supply chain. Following the steps below when conducting this audit helps ensure that all aspects of the supply chain are functioning properly and catch issues before they become costly problems.
- Provide the basic details about the supply chain inspection.
- Assess the risks associated with the supply chain and every aspect of the overall supply chain management.
- Explain in detail the actions involved in mitigating the identified risks.
- Confirm if your current inventory is at an optimal level based on customer demands.
- Gather all of the relevant information about your suppliers, the suppliers of your suppliers, and any other businesses involved in your supply chain.
- Verify the accuracy of the information that has been gathered. Check the contact information for suppliers, quantities, and dates of shipments, among others.
- Compile a report of the inspection. It should include a detailed description of the findings, along with recommendations for how any issues found can be resolved.
Top 25 Supply Chain Management Templates and Checklists
In every aspect of the supply chain, a lot of processes need to be efficiently accomplished and guidelines to be followed. Having specific checklists and templates dedicated to every stakeholder in the supply chain is crucial to the success of the business.
Browse this collection of checklists and templates to help you and your teams perform your tasks and have a more effective supply chain management system.
Vendors
Vendors are the suppliers of parts and raw materials to be processed and assembled by manufacturers. They need to consistently meet the expected quantity and quality of materials according to the specifications of manufacturers to maintain a good business relationship.
- IATF 16949:2016
- Supplier Audit
- Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
- Vulnerability Assessment Critical Control Points (VACCP)
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Producers
Producers are the ones who process raw materials into finished products. Also called manufacturers, they need to operate in compliance with industry standards on quality and regulations on workplace safety.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- Hazard Assessment Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Risk Assessment
- Layered Process Audit (LPA)
Warehouses
Warehouses store the finished products ready for distribution. They need to maintain the quality of products in storage and keep an organized and uninterrupted movement of goods while ensuring the safety of staff and forklift operators.
Distributors
Distributors transport the products from manufacturers to retailers or international markets with the help of third-party logistics companies or shippers. They need to ensure that the quality of products does not degrade while in transit and that they arrive at the expected date and time.
- Heavy Vehicle Inspection
- Vehicle Inspection
- Vehicle Maintenance Log
- ISO Container Inspection
- Transport and Logistics
Retailers
Retailers make the finished products available for purchase to customers. They need to ensure that there are enough products in stock and that they are displayed in a manner that is attractive to customers and aligned with product branding. They must also maintain the cleanliness of retail outlets and empower staff in promoting a good customer experience to gain repeat customers.
FAQs About Supply Chain Management
The following are some questions that can be included on a checklist when performing a supply chain audit:
- Do you have a written supply chain management policy?
- Do you have a written procedure for receiving goods and materials?
- Are all goods and materials accurately received and documented?
- Is there a process in place to verify the accuracy of received goods and materials?
- Are goods and materials stored in an appropriate facility (e.g., climate-controlled warehouse)?
- Is there a process in place for rotating stock?
- Are goods and materials transported in an appropriate manner?
- Are goods and materials delivered in a timely manner?
- Are there processes in place to prevent or resolve shortages?
- Are there processes in place to investigate and resolve quality issues?
When prioritizing tasks in your supply chain checklist, assess the task’s urgency, impact, and alignment with strategic objectives. For example, activities directly affecting production schedules or customer orders should be handled first before others.
Supply chain management checklists should be reviewed and updated regularly to account for changes in processes, regulations, technology, or market conditions. It’s recommended to look back to them quarterly or whenever significant changes occur.
SafetyCulture Content Team