Published in the 2020 ADK Product Safety and Recall Directory©

In the context of product safety, a manufacturer, distributor, or importer seeks to be united with all members of the supply chain as a team with a common goal. While the manufacturer’s brand is generally most visible to consumers and the general public, an effective product safety plan depends upon all members of the team remaining closely aligned to achieve and maintain product safety. In this article we share some strategies to protect your brand through effective management of component safety through the supply chain, which include: (1) setting expectations at the outset and reaffirming those expectations throughout the relationship; (2) establishing written protocols and procedures for supplier quality in design and manufacturing; (3) conducting routine audits applying risk management theory to address potential issues in the supply chain; and (4) creating a plan for management of problems arising from potential breaches of supply chain agreements.