What are supplier observation reports (SORs)?

Supplier Observation Reports (SORs) are critical tools used to document observations made during supplier activities, particularly related to quality and compliance measures. These reports serve to highlight non-mandatory issues that may not directly violate contractual requirements or standards but can still impact the overall performance or quality of the work being performed.

By focusing on non-mandatory issues, SORs enable organizations to proactively address potential problems before they escalate into significant defects or failures. This approach helps maintain an effective quality management system and ensures that suppliers are held accountable for their performance, even in areas that go beyond obligatory compliance. This understanding aligns with the practices emphasized in industry standards where continuous improvement and quality assurance are prioritized.

The other options mischaracterize the purpose of SORs or do not accurately reflect their role in the context of supplier management. Detailed project completion logs, formal requests for supplier training, and reports confirming quality assurance measures do not capture the primary function of SORs as distinctively addressing non-mandatory observations, which is paramount for fostering better supplier relationships and quality control.