Why are site visits important during supplier pre-qualification?

Site visits are crucial during the supplier pre-qualification process because they allow an in-depth evaluation of the potential supplier's location, facilities, and overall competence. By visiting the supplier's site, you can assess various factors such as the condition of their operations, the technology and equipment they employ, and their capacity to meet your requirements.

This hands-on observation provides valuable insights that cannot be gleaned from documents or correspondence alone. You can assess the working environment, see how processes are managed in practice, and evaluate the commitment to quality and safety standards firsthand. Such evaluations play a significant role in determining whether a supplier aligns with your organizational expectations and standards.

While negotiating payment terms, finalizing contract terms, or conducting quality assurance checks are all important processes that may follow or accompany the supplier selection, they do not provide the same immediate and comprehensive insights into the supplier's capabilities as a site visit does. Thus, the focus on competence and location during pre-qualification makes this aspect paramount in the decision-making process.