# Evaluating a Supplier's SCAR Response

| Element | Accept when | Reject when |
|---------|-------------|-------------|
| Containment | Stock at the supplier, in transit, at our site and at our customer checked; results given; clean point defined | "Sorted our stock" only |
| Occurrence cause | Process-level cause, verified (reproduced, switched on/off, data) | "Operator error", "human mistake", symptom restated |
| Escape cause | Explains why the supplier's controls did not detect it | Missing |
| Actions | Each cause has an action; at least one error-proofing, process or design change | Retraining, reminders, 100% inspection as the permanent fix |
| Verification | Evidence the action works (trial, capability, test) | Plan only |
| Effectiveness | Measure, period and target (e.g. 0 defects in 10 lots) | "Will monitor" |
| Systemic | PFMEA, control plan and work instructions updated; read-across to similar parts and lines | No document changes |
| Timeliness | Each step within its due date, or an agreed extension | Silent delays |

## Responding to the supplier

- **Reject** with specific reasons per element and a new due date; do not rewrite their root cause for them.
- **Accept with comments** when medium items remain (e.g. effectiveness plan to confirm); keep the SCAR open
  until effectiveness is shown.
- **Close** only after effectiveness evidence (lots received without recurrence) and verify on the next audit.

## Escalation

Late or repeatedly rejected responses move the supplier up the escalation ladder: executive meeting, controlled
shipping, new-business hold (see supplier-quality-scorecard-builder). Record SCAR response time and acceptance on
the supplier scorecard (responsiveness).