Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

When an auditor identifies deficiencies in a potential supplier's functions, which should be prioritized in the audit report?

1. Order entry

2. Product test

3. Purchasing

4. Shipping

The correct answer is: Product test

Prioritizing product testing in the audit report is essential because it directly impacts the quality and safety of the products being delivered. If deficiencies are found in the supplier's product testing processes, it could indicate issues with compliance to standards or regulations, potentially leading to defective products reaching customers. This has implications not only for the quality of the goods but also for customer satisfaction and the company's reputation. While the other functions, such as order entry, purchasing, and shipping, are important components of the supply chain, their deficiencies might not immediately affect the quality of the final product as directly as issues with product testing would. For instance, problems in order entry might impact data accuracy, purchasing deficiencies may relate to material sourcing, and shipping difficulties can affect delivery timelines. However, if the quality assurance process (like product testing) fails, the end product may not meet specifications, leading to serious consequences. Therefore, focusing on product testing helps ensure that the core quality standards are maintained right from the supplier's end.