Summary

Perform activities with the supplier as specified in the supplier agreement.

Description

Refer to the Work Monitoring and Control (WMC) (CMMI-SVC) process area for more information about providing an understanding of the ongoing work so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken when the performance deviates significantly from the plan.


Example Work Products



  1. Supplier progress reports and performance measures
  2. Supplier review materials and reports
  3. Action items tracked to closure
  4. Product and documentation deliveries


Subpractices



1. Monitor supplier progress and performance (e.g., schedule, effort, cost, technical performance) as defined in the supplier agreement.

2. Select, monitor, and analyze processes used by the supplier as defined in the supplier agreement.



Supplier processes that are critical to the success of the work (e.g., due to complexity, due to importance) should be monitored. The selection of processes to monitor should consider the impact of the selection on the supplier.



3. Select and evaluate work products from the supplier as defined in the supplier agreement.

The work products selected for evaluation should include critical products, product components, and work products that provide insight into quality issues as early as possible. In situations of low risk, it may not be necessary to select any work products for evaluation.



4. Conduct reviews with the supplier as specified in the supplier agreement.

Refer to the Work Monitoring and Control (WMC) (CMMI-SVC) process area for more information about conducting milestone reviews and conducting progress reviews.


Reviews cover both formal and informal reviews and include the following steps:
  1. Preparing for the review
  2. Ensuring that relevant stakeholders participate
  3. Conducting the review
  4. Identifying, documenting, and tracking all action items to closure
  5. Preparing and distributing to the relevant stakeholders a summary report of the review



5. Conduct technical reviews with the supplier as defined in the supplier agreement.

 

Technical reviews typically include the following:
  • Evaluating the supplier’s delivery of services against targets in service agreements (e.g., service level agreements, operating level agreements)
  • Providing the supplier with visibility into the needs and desires of the customers and end users as appropriate
  • Reviewing the supplier’s technical activities and verifying that the supplier’s interpretation and implementation of the requirements are consistent with the work group’s interpretation
  • Ensuring that technical commitments are being met and that technical issues are communicated and resolved in a timely manner
  • Obtaining technical information about the supplier’s products
  • Providing appropriate technical information and support to the supplier



6. Conduct management reviews with the supplier as defined in the supplier agreement.

 

Management reviews typically include the following:
  • Reviewing critical dependencies
  • Reviewing work risks involving the supplier
  • Reviewing schedule and budget
  • Reviewing the supplier’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements


Technical and management reviews can be coordinated and held jointly.



7. Use the results of reviews to improve the supplier’s performance and to establish and nurture long-term relationships with preferred suppliers.

Possible sources for improvements to the supplier’s performance or the organization-supplier relationship can come from analyzing the results of technical and management reviews as well as a comprehensive review that ensures alignment of business needs and contractual obligations. A comprehensive review of supplier agreements is held periodically to ensure alignment of business needs and contractual obligations. Improvements identified during these reviews can be recorded and included in an improvement plan.



8. Monitor risks involving the supplier and take corrective action as necessary.

Refer to the Risk Management (RSKM) (CMMI-SVC) process area for more information about identifying and analyzing risks


 

Examples of sources of risks to monitor include the following:
  • Supplier’s ability to continue effective delivery
  • Supplier’s viability
  • Items covered by non-disclosure agreements
  • Contract terms and conditions
  • Availability of alternative suppliers