Relationships Module

Vendor qualification as a defined process, not a favor

A seven-stage supplier approval workflow with AI-assisted gap analysis, HACCP classification, and a complete approval record. Know exactly where every supplier stands in the qualification process at any moment.

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Seven-stage approval

From prospect to approved supplier in a traceable workflow

The Vendor Approval Process moves every supplier through seven stages, each with defined inputs, required documents, and an electronic sign-off. Auditors see the full progression, not just the final approval.

Stage 1
Prospect
Supplier added to the system with basic contact and product information. Assigned to a qualification owner. No purchases permitted until the workflow advances.
Stage 2
Self-Assessment
SAQ distributed to supplier via vendor portal. AI gap analysis flags missing certifications, allergen controls, and HACCP plan adequacy before the supplier submission is reviewed.
Stage 3
Document Review
Quality team reviews submitted documents: food safety plan, allergen declaration, certificate of insurance, third-party audit reports. Each document logged with expiry date and review status.
Stage 4
HACCP Classification
Supplier classified by hazard category based on the materials supplied, country of origin, and processing controls. Classification drives the ongoing monitoring requirement for the relationship.
Stage 5
Operations Review
Procurement and operations review capacity, lead time commitments, and pricing terms. No approval proceeds without operations sign-off confirming the supplier fits the sourcing strategy.
Stage 6
Quality Approval
Quality director signs off on the complete package: SAQ, documents, HACCP classification, and operations review. This is the gate that matters. Electronic signature with timestamp and rationale required.
Stage 7
Approved
Supplier marked approved with an effective date and next review date. Purchasing can now create purchase orders. Certificate expiry alerts and re-approval cycles configured automatically.
AI-assisted gap analysis

Find the gaps before your auditor does

When a supplier submits their SAQ, Littoral reads the document set and flags common compliance gaps before your quality team opens the first page. Not a replacement for human review. A first pass that makes human review faster.

The AI checks for missing allergen declarations, expired certificates, HACCP plan adequacy signals, and regulatory language that does not match the supplier's classification. Each flag includes a specific reference to the document and the section that triggered it.

AI gap analysis · SAQ review
Missing allergen declaration
Supplier materials include soy lecithin. No allergen declaration found in the submitted document package.
Organic certificate expiry
NOP certificate expires in 22 days. Re-approval gated on renewal confirmation.
FSMA Preventive Controls confirmed
Food safety plan references 21 CFR Part 117 Subpart C. Hazard analysis present and current.

Your approved supplier list as a living record

See how the Littoral vendor qualification module works for a toll manufacturer with a complex supplier base.

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