Purchasing & Quality / Purchasing guide
Useful traceability connects the supplied part to its agreed specification and relevant production or inspection records. Start by deciding which records the project actually needs. Asking for “full traceability” without defining the scope can produce either excessive paperwork or a certificate that does not answer the questions important to your application.
Catalogue reference image. Confirm the quoted configuration against the agreed drawing.
Define the traceability chain
Identify the part number, revision and batch or serial identification required on the supplied items and their documentation. State which material or process references must be linked to them. Agree the level of detail appropriate to the project rather than assuming that every product category uses the same record system.
Connect records to delivered items
Specify how labels, packing lists and inspection reports will identify the parts. For a mixed shipment, make sure the receiving team can distinguish revisions or batches without relying on appearance. If labels cannot remain on the product, agree another practical identification method.
Agree availability and change control
Clarify which records are delivered with the order and which are retained by the supplier under the agreed arrangement. Define how corrected documents are issued. A traceability system is useful only when the records can be connected to the actual delivered component and its current specification.
Information to include in your enquiry
| Review item | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Identity | Part, revision and required batch or serial reference |
| Links | Specified material and inspection records |
| Receiving | Labels and documents that match the delivered parts |
| Control | Delivery, retention and correction arrangements |
Frequently asked questions
Is a generic company certificate enough?
Not when the requirement is to trace a specific delivered part or batch.
Should every project request every available record?
Define the relevant records and acceptance purpose so the requirement is clear and proportionate.
Discuss your carbon fiber component
Send your drawing revision, intended application, quantity and acceptance requirements to Litian Yunde for a project review.