This article is part of our CloudSuite Industrial Feature Focus series.

Each post highlights a specific feature within Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI). In this one, we’re focusing on Supplier Management—a capability in CSI’s Quality Control module that helps manufacturers evaluate and improve supplier performance.

Here’s what we’re focusing on today:

• Feature: Supplier Management
• Module: Quality Management
• Product: Infor CloudSuite Industrial ERP

Supplier Management Overview

CSI’s Quality module includes integrated tools for managing supplier quality. When receiving parts, you can create incoming inspection plans that are linked to the supplier and item. CSI supports different inspection strategies based on vendor reliability—for example, 100% inspection for new or untrusted vendors, and auto-receive for certified vendors.

The system also supports vendor-specific control plans, allowing manufacturers to define quality checks and acceptance criteria uniquely for each supplier. These plans can be configured based on historical performance, material type, or criticality to production.

CSI also enables creation of supplier scorecards with metrics like delivery performance, quality ratings, and responsiveness. These can be generated automatically and shared with suppliers on a recurring schedule to drive accountability and improvement.

CSI also supports automated creation of Material Review Reports (MRRs) when an inspection fails, enabling traceability and triggering follow-up actions. Features like Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) calculation and First Article Inspection (FAI) support help manufacturers align with compliance standards and supplier quality agreements.

Expert’s Take on Supplier Management

Nick Mendolia, Director of Client Solutions at Visual South, highlights how CSI gives you control over the inspection process at the supplier level:

“With incoming inspection, you can create a different control plan for each supplier. One might require 100% inspection; another might be certified for direct-to-stock.”

This flexibility lets quality teams tailor inspection intensity based on vendor history and part sensitivity. “Gathering that quality data also enables you to create supplier scorecards—and send those out quarterly, or on whatever cadence you need,” he adds.

Nick stresses the importance of setup during implementation. “Understanding the differences between vendors that supply the same part is key. That’s how you get the most from CSI’s control plan flexibility.”

Quality Management Micro Demo

Want to see how quality control works in CloudSuite Industrial? Watch this short micro-demo, part of our 20-video demo series on CSI.

Related CloudSuite Industrial Resources

• Tracking Job Quality
• Non-conformance Tracking
• Customer Requirements & Certifications
• Customer Complaint Reporting (CCR)

Want to explore more about CSI’s quality management capabilities? Let’s talk.

Want to see CloudSuite Industrial in action? Access the full demo gallery below.