Guidelines for effective supplier selection, management and evaluation for a medical devices company

Abstract

The main purpose of this thesis was to point out the best supplier selection, management and evaluation practices for a medical devices company suitable for both European and US markets. At the same time, it was crucial to introduce such important topics as possible problems in relationships between medical devices companies and their suppliers and risk management practices. Another important goal was to create forms for supplier selection and evaluation which can be used by medical devices companies.

For this thesis, mainly literature research and documentary analysis were conducted. Several books, many articles and various regulations were studied. As medical devices industry is a rather closed area it was hard to find a significant amount of information sources with suitable material available. To fulfill the requirements consultancy from professionals was received about both the contents and the format of the text.

As a result of the research, guidelines for the purchasing department of a medical devices company were created. These guidelines provide useful information about a wide scope of topics, such as certification requirements for suppliers, negotiations practices and supplier audits. Also, several tables to support the supplier research and assessment were developed. Common points to be considered are included in those tables.