Client question
“Before we spend additional time on this prospective supplier, can someone locally confirm that the stated facility exists, appears operational and matches the basic facts we have been given?”
Illustrative sample · No client data
What a VFS field verification deliverable can look like.
This sample is fictional and intentionally uses no client-confidential information. It demonstrates the structure, discipline and level of evidence a defined VFS assignment can provide.
✓ Objective-led✓ Checklist-based✓ Evidence separated from inference✓ Limitations disclosed
Sample assignment
Observable operating presence check — illustrative only
Assignment scope
Visit the stated address; document exterior and accessible interior areas; note visible signage and activity; capture photographs; request selected non-sensitive documents if voluntarily provided; record unresolved items.
Checklist structure
Sample observations
1 · Address / location
Status: Observed.
Sample note: A commercial/industrial premises was observed at the provided address. Exterior signage displayed the company name supplied by the client.
2 · Observable activity
Status: Partially observed.
Sample note: Personnel and vehicle movement were observed during the visit. No conclusion is made regarding production capacity, financial health or technical capability.
3 · Facility condition
Status: Observed within access available.
Sample note: Accessible areas appeared in active use. VFS did not perform an engineering, HSE, quality-system or equipment-condition inspection.
4 · Documents
Status: Limited.
Sample note: One business document was shown voluntarily. Authenticity was not legally certified; the item would be flagged for specialist or independent documentary review if material.
Photo evidence
How photos are handled
Photo A · Exterior
Placeholder in this public sample. A live report would include a current image of the visited location when lawful and permitted.
Photo B · Signage / access
Placeholder. Caption would state what is visible, date/time context and any access limitation.
Photo C · Accessible operating area
Placeholder. Caption would distinguish direct observation from any statement made by site personnel.
Decision-grade discipline
Unresolved items stay unresolved.
A VFS report should not fill gaps with assumptions. Example unresolved items might include ownership of the premises, legal standing, sanctions status, financial capacity, technical certifications, production capacity or contractual authority. Those require documentary or specialist review outside the field-observation scope.
What the client can conclude
Whether the observed location and basic operating presence justify deeper commercial, technical, legal or compliance work.
What the client should not conclude
That VFS has certified the supplier as approved, compliant, financially sound, technically qualified or legally cleared.