ISO 9001, Supplier Selection, Evaluation, and Control
At Powell Valves, we maintain an ISO 9001 quality management system with strong emphasis on the continual improvement of quality, engineering, manufacturing, and business related processes. The scope of this quality management system covers all processes directly and indirectly related to the design, manufacture, assembly, and test of our products. Products included in that scope are: stainless steel, carbon steel, special alloy, chrome, iron, and bronze valves.
The quality management system also makes provision for the control of purchased component products, which requires that these suppliers also maintain a well documented quality system. It is the intent of the company to partner with its supply base in order to develop a strong and continuous relationship that is imperative to the quality, success, and future of the company. Procurement of outsourced processes and services that affect product conformity, such as, RT, MT, PT, and calibration of measurement and test equipment, are also controlled in the same manner.
The procurement process is controlled by specific guidelines and procedures established in the company's quality manual, supporting tiers of procedures, and work instructions. The level of control exerted is dependent on the type of product or service, and the impact on the quality of the final products and services provided to our customer. There are procedures detailing criteria to determine the capability of suppliers, which include the selection, evaluation, and re-evaluation of suppliers. Suppliers furnishing vital materials and products are audited on a regular basis to determine the adequacy of their quality system. The suppliers that meet the requirements are listed on the Approved Suppliers List (ASL) with the suppliers' performance being monitored and evaluated for quality and capacity capabilities. The corrective action process shall be used when a supplier fails to meet quality system requirements, or when the conformance of products and/or services is deemed unacceptable. Removal from the ASL may be necessary if the supplier fails to meet the system requirements, or in cases of repetitive non-conformance.
The Powell Valve quality policy is as follows, "We, the Powell employees, are committed to meeting our customers' expectations in the manufacture of quality valves and associated services. We will work as a team in providing error free products and services on time. Our commitment is to continual improvement." That quality policy statement promotes the close relationships between the company, supply chains, and customer expectations of Powell products and services.