Sub-Tier Supplier Management Process Guideline

Overview

CQI-19 provides a common, industry-aligned approach for managing sub-tier suppliers, including Tier 2, Tier 3, and beyond. This second-edition manual helps OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and sub-tier suppliers implement a supplier management process that sets consistent expectations while making better use of limited resources.

Rather than prescribing specific tools, CQI-19 defines the key elements of effective supplier management, including supplier capability assessment, risk management, APQP support, pass-through characteristic control, performance monitoring, escalation, and supplier development. By supporting quality involvement from sourcing and supplier pre-selection through launch and ongoing production monitoring, CQI-19 helps organizations strengthen supplier performance, improve resource effectiveness, and enhance overall supply chain quality.