Globalisation and the quest for ever more cost effective means of supply
have greatly increased the complexity of the supply chain which can
often reduce both the knowledge and understanding of the exposure to
risk. The 2009 credit crunch and financial crisis significantly raised the
level of risk of failure of key suppliers. Within the context of globalisation,
outsourcing and complex supply chains, there is an increasing emphasis
on controls around product quality assurance and security of supply. It
is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that their suppliers
provide products that are fit for purpose throughout the product lifecycle,
from design and development through to supply to the end-user.