Quality in the procurement process
Procured materials, assemblies, devices, systems, equipment and services become an integral part of our products or have a direct or indirect influence on their quality.
For this reason, the requirements of the goods, products and services to be procured are to be planned, controlled, reviewed and continuously improved in a systematic manner.
The evaluation criteria for the quality capability of the suppliers are:
- The technical quality of products.
- The logistical quality of deliveries.
- The communicative quality of business partners and
- The commercial quality of contracts.

These targets are the joint responsibility of the procurement organisation and the suppliers and require close cooperation, if this is required due to the type and scope of the orders, based on adequate organisational procedures on the part of both partners. Responsible suppliers strengthen their performance and the confidence of their purchasers by establishing and maintaining a modern and efficient quality assurance system.

Quality requirements of products and services to be procured
The fundamentals of the quality requirement are the requirement documents, provided by the Procurement organisational unit, which clearly define the goods and services to be procured. The technical requirements may relate to standards, rule sets and provisions (DIN, ISO, VDE, UW, etc.) and are a contractual component of the quality requirement to be complied with by the supplier. Requirement documents can also be the supplier's documents in the event of development, planning and execution by the supplier. They must be approved and released by us. The supplier must ensure that planning, production and monitoring is always based on the most recent documents.

Quality assurance systems and measures
Based on the contract, the supplier has assumed obligations and consented to arrangements pursuant to legal provisions. The supplier has significant influence on the quality of the products and services supplied by it and must ensure conforming deliveries. Therefore, it must ensure through adequate and appropriate quality assurance systems and measures that the deliveries and services completely correspond to the requirements profiles defined in the contract.
The supplier's quality assurance system or the measures initiated by it shall have the effect that
- input materials purchased from sub-suppliers are only processed or integrated, if the absolute compliance with the agreed requirements profile has been proven;
- all occurring deviations are quickly identified, adequately analysed and that corrective measures are initiated and their efficiency is ensured;
- the contractual delivery and performance are in compliance with all defined and agreed requirements.

Quality plans, reviews and records
The requiring and procuring functions will define adequate test plans, instructions and procedures upon agreement with the supplier in order to ensure the fulfilment of quality requirements. For this purpose, it is possible to use documented individual checks, with applicable features based on test plans and instructions or sampling inspections, depending on the risk evaluation of the ordering function.
It is possible to agree upon records showing results of the checks performed for proofing purposes in product liability cases. If necessary, certificates of conformity, plant certificates and test certificates (e.g. pursuant to DIN 50049) are to be provided

Delivery requirements
The agreed delivery dates, product and service requirements are to be fulfilled. Supplies packed and ready for delivery must be released provably by the supplier's relevant people in charge (production and or quality representative). The supplier must pack and check the products adequately and avoid transportation damage and impairment of use. Any specific packing instructions agreed must be observed, if applicable. For recording and processing incoming goods, each packing and delivery unit must have an outside label, which indicates content, number of items, order number and packing date. Any required additional data must be coordinated and agreed.

Audits
Through coordinated audits at the supplier, the principal or his representative may keep himself informed about the type, scope and efficiency of the quality assurance system and the measures of the supplier.

Initial sampling and release
Before series deliveries are started, initial samples must be provided in the following cases for evaluation and release purposes:
- For new parts and products, if agreed;
- for changes in quality features, tolerances and feature limits;
- when new or modified raw materials, technologies, tools, machines, systems and production sites are used.

The samples must be representative, and the quality capability of all materials and application features must be reviewed and documented by initial sample reports and measurement sheets. Sample shipments are to be identified visibly and clearly with the note "Sample". An adequate number of samples is to be presented. In order to ensure traceability and to make comparisons in the event of disputes, it is advisable to retain released sample parts or changed samples in an adequate manner. As regards products developed and produced by the supplier, it is possible to agree upon adequate test and release procedures.

Duty to provide information
Deviations and unilateral changes are not permitted without previous written consent

Willingness to cooperate
The procurement organisation of Zwiesel Kristallglas AG is always prepared to discuss possible queries from the supplier and to provide assistance if required.

Incoming goods inspection
Upon goods receipt, general and specific quality checks are carried out based on sampling plans. The test results of the shipment will influence the supplier evaluation. If the supplier can give proof of a documented, quantitative and qualitative outgoing goods inspection, this will influence the supplier evaluation positively.

Supplier evaluation
The supplier evaluation provides information about the performance of the individual suppliers and allows an objective comparison between several suppliers to be made. This evaluation relates to service, communication capability, product quality, price policy, delivery reliability and logistics.

Environment management
Zwiesel Kristallglas AG is committed to avoiding any negative effects of its products on people and the environment to the greatest possible extent. To achieve this target, the supplier must establish and maintain an efficient environment management system. If you have any queries in this connection, please contact our procurement function.

Zwiesel Kristallglas AG
Version of 1.02.2005