For experienced Purchasing Professionals in a relatively short supplier visit they can determine key information regarding customer service, safety, cost, schedule, risk quality and innovation simply through observation. Certainly some industries require formal audits but in general these do not produce better results than a less formal visit if the Buyer knows what to look for. To further multiply the benefit if the informal audit do them yearly and you will definitely know your suppliers better

1. 7 Supplier Secrets Revealed During a Visit
Secret Revealed What to Look For
Customer Satisfaction How are you received, by whom, What do they serve you as
refreshment or for lunch, Does full staff come to initial part of
meeting an listen to your company overview and concerns
Safety Equipment, Environment, Employee PPE
Cost Efficiency of process, look for signs of high inventory or
discrepant material
Schedule Reliability Factory Organization, In process Inventory, Shipping Area
Quality Visible Updated Metrics, Visible Employee Morale, Canteen and
restroom cleanliness
Risk State of Equipment, Condition of Factory including landscaping,
Check several calibration tags, Talk for 5 minutes with Site
Purchasing Manager
Innovation New product lines or equipment highlighted, Staff titles at
facility, Revision dates to visible procedures