Made it through the pre-selection phase, great, but now what? During the Selection phase customer organizations will consider the different bids submitted and perform a number of evaluations. One of these evaluations is of quality requirements. Are you able to meet all of these minimum requirements?

• ISO 9001 compliance to the current edition (AIAG webinar free to members)

• AIAG Core Tools (SPC, FMEA, MSA, APQP, PPAP) implemented (AIAG webinar)

• Determination and documentation of Special Characteristics and PTCs

• The quality function is an integral part of the source selection process

• Supplier financial stability is reviewed before source selection

• Accreditation is required for any commercial laboratories used

• Supplier capacity and operating plan are verified before full production approval

• Supplier metrics include delivery and PPM or an index that includes rejected and/or returned material

• AIAG certification as applicable, e.g. heat treat (CQI-9)

These are minimum requirements so missing any of them will discount you as a potential supplier. Any other quality metrics or certifications you can offer would be a plus. Remember, this is about setting yourself apart from the other suppliers. Be sure to check out our complete list of webinars which are free to members.