Walmart’s Supplier Quality Excellence Program (SQEP) is a phased initiative designed to improve accountability standards for its suppliers, ultimately enhancing the consumer experience. With the intent to establish end-to-end quality within its U.S. distribution network, SQEP outlines Walmart’s standards for PO Accuracy, Barcode, Labeling, Packaging, and Load & Pallet Quality. If not approached accordingly, these compliance regulations can severely impact your bottom-line and reduce your presence at retail.
This program underscores the opportunity for suppliers to find a 3PL partner that can help them navigate and comply with every SQEP requirement. Let’s take a look at the value your 3PL should be providing.
Phase 1 of Walmart’s SQEP highlights the importance of PO Accuracy and ASNs.
PO Accuracy: Through the SQEP Dashboard, suppliers are able to monitor PO inaccuracies, supply chain errors, and more. Items received at a distribution center must match what is on the PO with 100% accuracy. Likewise, items shipped must match the item file labeled in Item 360 (see Item Data Accuracy Below). Additionally, because the receiving process is paused when a defect is found upon unloading, PO Accuracy improves merchandise flow to the store and increases on-shelf availability.
Item Data Accuracy: Suppliers are required to migrate to Item 360, the platform utilized for item setup and maintenance for in-store and online. Here you can edit orders, track submissions and resolve any issues that arise – all from the Item 360 portal. To reduce product returns and ensure compliance, your 3PL partner should support efficient product imaging for your item file and e-commerce listings.
Work with a 3PL to establish an Accuracy Action Plan that addresses the following areas:
The right 3PL partner will help develop these processes alongside your team to ensure product SKUs match the Walmart POs and help maintain adequate accuracy.
Advanced Ship Notice (ASN): ASNs are required for all Domestic Purchase Orders shipped to a Walmart U.S. Distribution and/or Fulfillment Center. ASNs provide visibility of the actual contents of a shipment, enabling automated purchase order maintenance, improved inventory allocation and trailer unloading – enabling increased in-stocks at retail.
Ensure your 3PL provider offers a comprehensive ASN program that helps you manage accuracy, completeness and timeliness of your products throughout the supply chain.
Phase 2 of Walmart’s Supplier Quality Excellence Program covers the accuracy of barcode, labeling and hazmat compliance. This includes the formatting and quantities of labeling and markings. Data is collected in FIXit Inspections and is gathered either by a Quality Inspector on the inbound receiving dock or through automation at the DC.
The following provides a general guidance on how defects are calculated.
While Walmart does not provide a specific label template or format, partner with a 3PL that provides an enhanced set of in-house services to cut overhead costs and reduce turnaround times while achieving compliance.
Phase 3 outlines the accuracy and quality of case packaging, physical pallet (and build) quality, as well as load quality.
The following provides a general guidance on how defects are calculated:
The right 3PL partner will help you eliminate the need to outsource to vendors, reduce unnecessary supply chain waste, and ensure you optimize your resources – ultimately creating a more efficient supply chain.
Information regarding Phase 4 has not yet been released by Walmart. However, it is critical to work with a 3PL provider that offers supply chain visibility, transportation flexibility and timely trucking capacity to ensure your goods arrive on time and in good condition.
Being proactive and complying with Walmart’s SQEP ensures shelves are fully stocked and accounted for – ultimately creating a more efficient supply chain and competitive business advantage. Partner with a 3PL that will help you adapt to every requirement throughout every phase.
Learn how RJW provides a full suite of in-house solutions to drive compliance with Walmart’s SQEP and OTIF requirements.
Learn how RJW provides a full suite of in-house solutions to drive compliance with Walmart’s SQEP and OTIF requirements.
