| 01 |
Process and part fit |
Process list covering relevant operations, such as CNC milling, turning, grinding, sheet-metal work, or finishing; examples of comparable parts. |
Compare the supplier’s demonstrated processes and equipment with the part’s geometry, material, volume, and drawing requirements. |
The supplier can explain the proposed process route and identify any design, tooling, or inspection constraints before quoting. |
| 02 |
Drawing and tolerance capability |
A drawing review, proposed inspection plan, and sample measurement report for comparable features. |
Check that the supplier understands GD&T callouts, datums, surface-finish requirements, and specified tolerances. Confirm acceptance limits from the drawing or purchase specification. |
Critical characteristics have defined measurement methods and documented acceptance criteria; no unsupported tolerance claims are used. |
| 03 |
Quality-management system |
Current certificate, certificate scope, site address, issuing body, and relevant quality procedures. |
Verify certificate validity and scope with the issuing or accredited certification body. ISO 9001 covers quality-management-system requirements; sector-specific standards may apply where required. |
The certificate covers the actual manufacturing site and relevant activities, and the supplier can describe its corrective-action and audit processes. |
| 04 |
Industry-specific requirements |
Applicable approvals and records for the intended sector, such as ISO 13485 for medical-device quality systems, IATF 16949 for automotive quality systems, or AS9100 for aviation, space, and defense quality systems. |
Confirm the standard, site, scope, validity, and any customer-specific requirements. Do not treat a general quality certificate as proof of product or regulatory approval. |
Required sector credentials are valid and relevant to the contracted work; regulatory responsibilities are clearly allocated. |
| 05 |
Measurement and inspection resources |
Equipment list, calibration records, inspection procedures, and sample first-article or dimensional inspection reports. |
Review whether measurement equipment is suitable for the specified features and whether calibration records are current and traceable to recognized measurement standards. |
Inspection capability matches the part’s risk and tolerances, with results recorded against drawing characteristics. |
| 06 |
Material and traceability |
Material certificates, supplier lot records, heat or batch identification where applicable, and procedures for maintaining traceability. |
Match material grade and condition to the specification. Check that records connect received material lots to production and shipment documentation. |
Material identity and required documentation can be traced through the production lot without gaps. |
| 07 |
Production capacity and lead time |
Documented production schedule, available machine capacity, expected production and inspection stages, and stated lead-time assumptions. |
Ask the supplier to explain capacity constraints, subcontracted operations, tooling lead time, and how delivery performance is monitored. |
Quoted timing is supported by a realistic process plan and clear assumptions, rather than an unqualified delivery promise. |
| 08 |
Prototype, first article, and process control |
Prototype or pilot plan, first-article inspection report, control plan where appropriate, and procedures for handling process changes. |
Agree on sample quantities, approval criteria, change notification, and production-release requirements before placing a production order. |
The supplier can demonstrate how production is validated and how changes to material, tooling, process, or site are controlled. |
| 09 |
Subcontracting and supply-chain controls |
List of outsourced processes, subcontractor approval controls, and records for special processes when required by the specification. |
Identify who performs each operation and who is responsible for verification, documentation, and nonconformance management. |
Outsourced work is disclosed, controlled, and included in the agreed quality and traceability requirements. |
| 10 |
Commercial, delivery, and risk review |
Itemized quotation, payment and warranty terms, packaging proposal, shipping terms, and a written response to identified project risks. |
Compare quotations on the same revision, material, tolerance, inspection, quantity, packaging, and delivery basis. Confirm shipping responsibilities and applicable import documentation. |
Price and delivery commitments are transparent, comparable, and consistent with the technical and quality requirements. |