SUPPLY CHAIN | CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Nuclear’s backbone: Assessment
Effective and efficient operation of nuclear power plants relies on a network of key suppliers of products and services. Ongoing assessment of these suppliers is key to ensuring a supplier meets all requirements
By: Joe Lewis Jackson, Founder, Bizhelpportal
IN THE INTRICATE WORLD OF nuclear power, the crux of safe and efficient energy production often pivots on a network of reliable suppliers. Their offerings, from specialised equipment to critical electronic components, lay the foundation for the seamless operation of nuclear plants. To ensure unerring quality and performance, the ongoing assessment of these suppliers is paramount.
Starting on solid ground: Initial vetting Before forging a partnership with a supplier, it’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. This includes investigating their track record, scrutinising their manufacturing processes, and evaluating their financial stability. A period of initial vetting sets the tone for the relationship, and a meticulous approach ensures that relationship is built on solid ground.
Quality assurance protocols Once a supplier has been successfully onboarded within the intricate ecosystem of nuclear power generation, it becomes paramount to institute a comprehensive framework for supplier assessment. At the heart of this framework lies the establishment of meticulously crafted quality assurance protocols. These protocols serve as the bedrock of the entire procurement process, encompassing
a multi-faceted array of requirements ranging from specifying acceptable standards to delineating the precise methodologies and the frequency of rigorous quality checks.
Periodic on-site audits Physical audits are instrumental in obtaining a firsthand view of a supplier’s operations. These audits serve as a vital conduit for gaining an invaluable perspective into the potentially intricate operations of a supplier. On-site audits provide an unparalleled opportunity
to step inside facilities, observe processes in action, engage directly with personnel, and assess the depth of commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Importance of electronic component reliability Across the myriad of machinery and processes within a nuclear plant, the role of electronic components is often understated. Yet, their significance is undeniable. For instance, general-purpose transistors, such as the 2N3904, find applications across a multitude of systems, reinforcing their importance in operations. Their reliability can be the difference between smooth operations and unforeseen hitches.
Above: Continuous assessment is key to ensuring a supplier meets all requirements 22 | November 2023 |
www.neimagazine.com
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