How does supplier quality directly impact overall product quality?

Supplier quality has a direct and critical impact on overall product quality primarily because the materials, components, and services received from suppliers are integral to the final product. If a supplier provides subpar materials or components, this can lead to defects that affect the reliability and functionality of the end product, ultimately compromising its quality. This is particularly important in industries where safety and performance are paramount. A product such as a car or a medical device must meet specific quality standards, and any failure at the supplier level can result not only in financial losses but also in reputational damage and potential safety hazards. Thus, ensuring high-quality inputs from suppliers is essential for producing high-quality outputs, making the relationship between supplier quality and overall product quality fundamental to organizational success.