Method and system for qualifying and controlling supplier test processes

A method and system for quantitatively qualifying and controlling a component supplier's non-destructive test (NDT) processes. In one embodiment, the method quantitatively determines a supplier rating in three separate NDT process control areas: (1) personnel qualification, (2) process audits, and (3) reliability of the inspection technique. Successively higher supplier ratings in these NDT process control areas can be attained by exercising progressively more rigorous NDT practices in the applicable control area, or by increased buyer oversight in the applicable control area. The individual supplier ratings in these separate NDT process control areas can also be combined to produce an overall rating of the suppliers NDT processes referred to as the Inspection Quality Rating (IQR). The sufficiency of a supplier's NDT processes can then be readily determined by referring to either the supplier's IQR or, if greater detail is required, by referring to the supplier's individual ratings in the separate NDT process control areas.