Supplier scorecards and audits
How to use supplier scorecards and audits to evaluate and improve the performance of coffee suppliers, ensuring consistency, transparency, and long-term partnerships.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 5 of 12 in Quality Management & Sensory Programs/
Why Supplier Evaluation Matters
- Coffee quality and reliability depend heavily on upstream partners.
- Scorecards provide structured feedback on supplier performance.
- Audits ensure claims (e.g., certifications, traceability) are accurate and upheld.
Supplier Scorecards
- Purpose: Benchmark suppliers across quality, delivery, communication, and sustainability.
- Key Metrics:
- Quality: Cupping scores, defect frequency, consistency across lots.
- Reliability: On-time deliveries, accuracy of shipments, responsiveness.
- Traceability: Lot coding, documentation, certifications.
- Sustainability: Environmental practices, labor standards, certifications (Fairtrade, Organic, RA).
- Communication: Transparency, responsiveness, problem resolution.
- Scoring System: Use weighted scores (e.g., 1–5 scale per category) → total performance index.
Supplier Audits
- Purpose: Verify compliance with quality, safety, and ethical standards.
- Types of Audits:
- On-Site Farm/Facility Audit: Inspection of farming, processing, and storage practices.
- Documentation Audit: Review of certifications, shipping records, food safety compliance.
- Third-Party Audits: Independent verification (e.g., organic, sustainability).
- Audit Checklist:
- Processing hygiene and sanitation.
- Moisture and a-w testing procedures.
- Traceability and record-keeping.
- Worker welfare and safety standards.
Benefits
- Encourages continuous improvement and accountability.
- Identifies high-performing suppliers for stronger partnerships.
- Flags risks early (e.g., storage mold, mislabeled lots).
- Supports marketing claims with verifiable practices.
Practical Implementation
- Conduct scorecard reviews quarterly or annually.
- Rotate audits between major suppliers.
- Share results with suppliers transparently and develop corrective action plans when needed.
Summary
Supplier scorecards and audits provide structured tools to evaluate supplier performance. By combining measurable metrics with on-site or documentation audits, roasters and buyers can ensure consistent quality, maintain transparency, and build long-term, trustworthy relationships in the coffee supply chain.