Supplier Evaluation Checklist (Cold Chain)
A supplier can quote you the best price in the tender and still miss delivery, blow warranty claims or go bankrupt mid-project. This checklist scores every dimension that predicts delivery success.
Score suppliers on capability (30%), financial health (20%), references (20%), HSE & quality (15%) and delivery capacity (15%). Reject anyone under 65/100.
Capability
In-house engineering, factory footprint, refrigerant classes handled, EPC or supply-only, years operating in target country.
Financial health
Audited accounts (last 3 years), leverage, working-capital availability, credit insurance limits, ownership structure.
References
3–5 recent projects of similar scale in a comparable climate. Call at least two reference clients.
HSE & quality
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 or equivalent; incident rates; HACCP / GDP experience if applicable.
Delivery capacity
Current backlog, factory lead time, logistics network, spare parts stocking, service technicians in target region.
Copy this checklist into your project workspace
- 3 years of audited financials
- D&B / credit report reviewed
- ISO 9001 in date
- ISO 14001 or equivalent
- ISO 45001 or local safety cert
- HACCP / GDP where relevant
- OEM authorisations for refrigerant class
- 3+ comparable references
- 2+ reference calls completed
- Factory audit or virtual tour
- Current backlog acceptable
- In-region service technicians
- Spare parts stocked locally
- Insurance certificates provided
- Anti-bribery / compliance policy
- Data protection policy
- Sanctions & PEP screening cleared
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip evaluation for well-known brands?
No. Global OEMs partner with local distributors of varying quality — always evaluate the delivering entity, not just the brand.
What's a red flag in financial health?
Net debt / EBITDA above 4× combined with declining revenue, or negative operating cash flow for 2 consecutive years.