Manufacturing operations often require the use of suppliers and subcontractors for
materials, piece parts, manufacturing, test, and finish operations. Semiconductor
suppliers are using semiconductor fabrication, package assembly, test, and finish
subcontractors. Users of semiconductor products are relying on PCB (Printed Circuit
Board) fabrication subcontractors and PCB assembly subcontractors for these
operations as well as reliance on distributors of electronic components for inventory
management and stock room functions. With the increasing reliance on second or third
parties to assist in the manufacture of goods, there exists a need to measure and rate
suppliers based on consistent criteria that can be measured. There is also a need for
suppliers to be measured uniformly by their customer base so that suppliers who market
to a broad base of customers can understand the data presented and translate that
understanding into meaningful preventive or corrective actions. This document
provides a vehicle to accomplish the task of measuring suppliers in a consistent
manner.