Make each sourcing decision traceable.

About our guides and examples

Our guides describe RivetBridge working methods. Illustrative scenarios and calculations are labeled and are not customer results. External references identify the specific point they support; a source link does not imply endorsement of RivetBridge.

First-version dates identify when a resource was created, not a claim of public publication. Update dates reflect substantive content changes. The guides support our commercial services; their scope and limitations remain visible alongside the recommendations. For a correction, email hello@rivetbridge.com with the page and the point to review.

1. Establish the baseline

Record the part and revision, material, finish, quantity, delivery assumptions and acceptance criteria. Name the person who owns each unresolved requirement. Do not compare offers against different revisions.

2. Record the evidence

Separate a supplier statement, a reviewed document and an observed check. Record the source, date, scope and limitation. A quotation can establish what was offered; it cannot establish that production will meet the specification. Contradictory records stay open until resolved.

3. Compare the economics

Separate recurring price, tooling and other one-time charges. Confirm currency, quantity and delivery basis. Unknown costs remain missing inputs rather than zero. A quoted subtotal is not a landed-cost estimate.

4. Define the next gate

Each action needs an owner, target date, evidence requested and exit criterion. Close an action only when the assigned reviewer accepts the evidence. Samples, pilots and production release require their own approvals.

KEEP / QUALIFY / STOP

KEEP

Retain the candidate for the current decision based on the reviewed evidence. This is not production approval.

QUALIFY

Request the specific checks needed before the next commitment.

STOP

Do not proceed with the proposed commitment under the current assumptions. Record why and what would allow reconsideration.

When another specialist is needed

Physical process evidence may require an auditor or inspection partner. Product testing needs appropriate test capability. Engineering, legal and regulatory conclusions remain with the responsible specialists. The assignment identifies the need and the approval owner.