Suppliers
How we choose the plants we put our name on
Every source is scored on six dimensions before a print moves, and re-scored for as long as the program runs. If you manufacture castings, forgings, stampings, molded parts, sheet metal, trim or harness and want to be evaluated, send your capability list and certifications.
A source we audit — machining cells and in-process bins
01
Price & cost control
Internal cost control
Cost change initiatives to UAT and customers
Cost of quality
Capital investments
02
Quality
PPM
Number of rejections
Severity of rejections
Timeliness of corrective actions
03
Technology & innovation
Technical support
Willingness to work new programs
Proactive new technology
R&D capability
04
Delivery
Delivery performance
Advanced shipping notices and tagging
Transportation and shipping
05
Relationship
End-user relationship to supplier
UAT and partner relationship with supplier
06
Certifications
ISO certification
QS certification
TS 16949, or a dated path to it
What we need to start an evaluation
01
Certifications
ISO, QS or TS 16949 — or a dated plan to reach it.
02
Process list
Equipment, tonnage, part size range and in-house machining.
03
Quality record
PPM history, rejection severity and corrective action turnaround.
04
Capacity
Current utilisation and what a ramp-up would take.