A formal request asking a supplier to investigate and resolve a quality issue that impacted delivered goods.
SCARs create accountability when supplier performance falls short, outlining expectations for root cause analysis and prevention.
They are a core tool within supplier quality management programmes that drive long-term improvement.
What to include in a SCAR
The document should describe the issue, affected orders, immediate containment, and deadline for response.
It also specifies documentation expectations such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, or 8D reports.
Supplier follow-through
Suppliers submit investigation results, corrective actions, and verification evidence.
Maintaining an audit trail of communications keeps everyone aligned.
Key takeaways
- SCARs formalise expectations for supplier issue resolution.
- They require disciplined follow-up to confirm fixes are effective.