Why an Approved Vendor List is Critical for ISO 9001 & AS9100 Compliance — and How to Build One That Works
One of the most common nonconformances during ISO 9001 and AS9100 audits is the lack of proper supplier control — often caused by missing, outdated, or incomplete Approved Vendor Lists (AVLs). Without a controlled AVL, organizations expose themselves to risks like inconsistent quality, supplier issues, and audit failures.
What Is an Approved Vendor List (AVL)?
An Approved Vendor List (also called an Approved Supplier List or ASL) is a documented record of suppliers that have been evaluated and approved to provide specific materials, products, or services. It serves as the foundation for supplier control and ensures that purchasing only occurs from qualified sources.
Why ISO 9001 and AS9100 Require Supplier Control
Both ISO 9001 (Section 8.4) and AS9100 (Section 8.4) require organizations to demonstrate control over externally provided processes and suppliers. This includes evaluating, selecting, monitoring, and periodically re-evaluating vendors. The AVL is the documented proof of this process, providing auditors with evidence of due diligence.
- Demonstrates compliance with quality management system standards
- Reduces risk of poor supplier performance or counterfeit parts
- Improves traceability and accountability
- Supports audit readiness and customer confidence
Benefits of an Effective Approved Vendor List
A properly managed AVL delivers operational, financial, and compliance benefits:
- Ensures consistent supplier quality and reliability
- Streamlines purchasing and re-ordering
- Improves communication and supplier relationships
- Reduces audit preparation time and risk of nonconformance
How to Build an Approved Vendor List That Works
Creating an AVL that meets ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards involves more than listing names — it requires a systematic and documented process:
- Define approval criteria: Capability, quality history, certifications, pricing, and lead time.
- Collect and verify supplier data: Include certificates, audit results, and performance metrics.
- Conduct evaluations: Assess suppliers using scorecards or internal audits.
- Assign approval status: Approved, Conditional, or Disqualified.
- Review regularly: Reassess supplier performance annually or after significant issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Approving suppliers without documented evaluations
- Failing to update the list after supplier performance changes
- Not linking the AVL to purchasing or ERP systems
- Keeping AVLs only in spreadsheets with no change control
Digitizing and Automating Supplier Control
Modern organizations are moving beyond spreadsheets. By using Microsoft Access with SQL Server or ERP-integrated databases, companies can automate supplier qualification, approval workflows, and ongoing performance tracking. This ensures real-time visibility and improved compliance across departments.
Conclusion: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
Supplier control isn’t just about ISO or AS compliance — it’s about ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. A well-managed AVL gives your company confidence in its supply chain and resilience in its operations.
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Discover how SimpleManufacturing™ can help you build a smarter, compliant Approved Vendor List system that scales with your business.