Resources
Quality management, explained plainly.
Guides, definitions and answers for quality managers at small and mid-size manufacturers, from the team behind FactoryQA.
ComparisonSupplier quality management software compared (2026)Seven supplier quality management platforms compared from public sources: supplier portals, SCARs, scorecards, certificates, PPAP, pricing and AI.ComparisonFactoryQA vs Intellect QMS: pricing and featuresFactoryQA vs Intellect QMS compared from public sources: published starting prices, supplier portal, SCARs, inspection, SPC, ERP connectors and AI.ComparisonFactoryQA vs ComplianceQuest: features and pricingFactoryQA vs ComplianceQuest compared from public sources: Salesforce platform, pricing, supplier portal, APQP, inspection and ERP connections.ComparisonFactoryQA vs MasterControl for manufacturersFactoryQA vs MasterControl compared from public sources: life sciences vs discrete manufacturing, pricing, supplier quality, PPAP, SPC and AS9102.ComparisonFactoryQA vs ETQ Reliance (now Octave Reliance)FactoryQA vs ETQ Reliance, now Octave Reliance, compared from public sources: pricing, supplier quality, APQP and PPAP, inspection, calibration and AI.ComparisonFactoryQA vs 1factory: pricing and features comparedFactoryQA vs 1factory compared from public sources: published pricing and minimums, supplier portal, SCARs, inspection, maintenance, ERP connections and AI.ComparisonFactoryQA vs QT9 QMS: pricing and features comparedFactoryQA vs QT9 QMS compared from public sources: pricing, free trial, supplier portal, PPAP, APQP, SPC and AS9102, calibration, ERP connections and AI.Supplier qualityCounterfeit parts prevention for manufacturersWhat AS9100D clause 8.1.4 asks for on counterfeit parts, and the sourcing, receiving, quarantine and training controls that keep suspect parts out.Supplier qualityControlling outsourced special processesHow to control outsourced special processes such as heat treat, plating, welding and NDT: qualified sources, complete orders, evidence and supplier audits.Supplier qualitySupplier PPAP: how to request, review and approveWhen to request a supplier PPAP, how to choose the submission level, what to check in each element, and the most common reasons PPAPs get rejected.Supplier qualityHow to plan and run supplier auditsHow to choose which suppliers to audit, prepare a risk-weighted checklist, score findings consistently and turn every finding into a tracked corrective action.Supplier qualityWhen to bring in outside help for supplier qualitySigns your supplier quality team is stretched, the work outside specialists handle well, from audits and PPAP to SCARs and training, and what to keep in house.Supplier qualityKeeping supplier certificates and self-assessments currentHow to track supplier ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949 and Nadcap certificates before they expire, and how annual self-assessments flag supplier risk early.Supplier qualitySupplier scorecards: what to measure and how to weight itHow to build a supplier scorecard: what to measure, how to weight quality, delivery and responsiveness, and how to turn scores into buying decisions.Supplier qualityHow to write a SCAR suppliers actually answerWhat a supplier corrective action request should contain, how to judge the root cause and corrective action you get back, and how to stop chasing late SCARs.Supplier qualitySupplier qualification checklistWhat to check before a supplier joins your approved supplier list: scope, risk, certificates, self-assessment, audit, first article and the decision.Supplier qualityHow to build a supplier quality programThe six pieces of a supplier quality program, from requirements and qualification to SCARs and development, and the order to build them in.GuideHow to choose an eQMS: 12 questions to askTwelve questions to ask before you buy an eQMS, covering manufacturing fit, adoption, ERP integration, data export, AI approvals and the real cost per seat.GuideAS9100 software checklistThe AS9100D clauses that create the most records, from calibration and training to FAI, NCRs and internal audit, and what QMS software should do for each.GuideHow to move your QMS off spreadsheetsSigns your quality system has outgrown spreadsheets, and a five-step plan to move documents, NCRs, calibration and training without losing records.GuideQMS software for job shops: what to look forWhat a high-mix, low-volume job shop should look for in QMS software: drawing-based inspection, fast NCRs, calibration, supplier portal, ERP and price.GlossaryQuality Management Glossary: 35 Terms ExplainedPlain definitions of 35 quality terms, from NCR, CAPA and 8D to PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC, Cpk and Gage R&R, with links to where each lives in FactoryQA.FAQFactoryQA FAQ: Questions and AnswersAnswers about FactoryQA: what it is, who it is for, pricing and plans, how the AI works, importing your records, ERP connectors and certification services.