Part Change Request - Standard (OTS) electronic parts (resistors, capacitors etc.)

[WiXoo]

Hello everybody, I have a question... the company I work for (Tier 1) is producing infotainment systems (IS) to cars. My question is......

For IS we are using a tons of standard electronic parts (resistors, capacitors etc.) We are buying these parts for suppliers. We call these parts standard catalogue parts.

So here is my question, in case that supplier of standard catalogue part change something (dimension etc...), does he have the obligation to announce this change in written? For customized parts (there is no doubt - he must) but for these standard parts?

What is your opinion?

 

[John C. Abnet]

Good day @WiXoo ;
As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, I assume (am quite sure) that your customer's contract/supplier manual/etc...., requires that they are informed of any change to the product they receive. Regardless, consider this...

1- The supplier of a catalogue part makes a change.
2- Your organization installs/sells into commerce, 10,000 of the changed parts (1 per vehicle).
3- You receive a notification (complaint) from your customer that the delivered product is failing prematurely in the market.
4- You investigate your your part supplier and NOW discover that they indeed made a change approx. 10,000 parts ago.

Would your organization not wish that they had notification, traceability, the opportunity to pre-approve that change? When this is revealed to your customer, will they not (rightfully so) be upset that they were not notified of (had an opportunity to pre-approve) this change?

Remember, yes, we must conform to the customer and the standard, BUT first and foremost we must protect the selfish interest of our organization.

Hope this helps.

Be well.

 

[Ninja]

in case that supplier of standard catalogue part change something (dimension etc...), does he have the obligation to announce this change in written? For customized parts (there is no doubt - he must) but for these standard parts?

Consider also whether or not your company has requested such notification and (more importantly) whether or not the vendor of these "catalog parts" has agreed to do so.

You being Tier I does not put a burden on your vendor. Your vendor promising to do something is the only thing that commits them to giving you notice.

Did you (through contract, PO terms, anything...) ask them to give notification?
Did they agree to do so?

 

[Judegu]

I think they should. However you guys should put it on the paper in the contact first.