Supplier production readiness checklist
Use this page after the sample approval decision and before mass production. The goal is to turn “the sample looks acceptable” into a controlled production start with named evidence, quality gates and escalation rules.
1 · Freeze the approved standard
- Approved sample ID, photos, measurements and test notes are saved in one shared reference folder.
- Supplier confirms the mass-production unit must match the approved sample, not earlier quote photos.
- Known deviations are listed with written acceptance limits.
- Buyer and supplier both know who can approve any later change request.
2 · Confirm materials and components
- Critical materials, colors, finishes, labels and accessories are named in the production file.
- Sub-supplier or component substitutions require written approval before use.
- Material arrival dates are compatible with the promised production schedule.
- High-risk parts have incoming inspection or photo evidence before assembly starts.
3 · Lock packaging and labeling
- Inner pack, carton size, gross weight and carton marks are confirmed before printing or bulk purchase.
- Barcode, warning label, manual, language and market-specific marks are checked against the destination.
- Drop-test or carton-strength requirement is documented when damage risk is material.
- Spare parts, accessories and instruction sheets have their own checklist line.
4 · Set production quality gates
- First-article check: supplier sends photos/video of the first finished units before full-speed production.
- In-process check: buyer defines what evidence is needed at 20–50% completion.
- Final inspection: inspection standard, AQL or defect thresholds are agreed before the balance payment.
- Defect escalation path links to a corrective-action owner, due date and recheck method.
Production start decision
| Ready | Sample standard frozen, materials confirmed, packaging locked, schedule realistic and QC gates accepted. |
|---|---|
| Conditional start | Minor open items exist, but each has an owner, deadline and no high-risk impact on safety, compliance or fit. |
| Hold | Unclear substitutions, missing packaging proof, no inspection agreement, unrealistic schedule or unresolved sample deviation. |
Recommended next artifact for this cluster: a shipment document release checklist covering commercial invoice, packing list, certificate files, carton marks and balance-payment evidence.