material.one infographic

Continuous material improvement through supplier networking

The material.one platform supports manufacturers with continuous material improvement through supply chain collaboration. It enables supplier networking and automation in the modern manufacturing industry, especially for OEMs. With material.one, processes are simplified, accelerated and costs are reduced at the same time. The infographic illustrates the process cycle and the cooperation between the players involved. Below the infographic you will find a description of the individual process steps and the special features and benefits of using material.one for the network.

  • The process begins when the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) defines specific material requirements such as mechanical properties, chemical composition and tolerances. These specifications are based on the needs of the end product and guide the material manufacturer. They also take into account environmental standards and sustainability goals.

  • The material manufacturer takes the material specifications defined by the OEM and develops a material that meets them. This development phase may include research and development, prototyping and numerous tests to ensure that the material meets the requirements. This process may include iterative steps of material modification and further testing until the optimal material is developed.

  • Once the material is developed, it undergoes a rigorous testing process, often by a TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) provider that is not affiliated with the material manufacturer or OEM. This independent assessment ensures that the material meets all requirements and standards. If the test is positive, the material is approved by the OEM and is ready for production.

  • The development process for the components begins with the approved material. This phase includes the design, the creation of technical drawings and 3D models. The aim is to design a component that meets the performance specifications and is also manufacturable and cost-efficient.

  • The developed components are now described in detail, including the exact dimensions, tolerances, material and processing instructions. These descriptions are essential for quality assurance and preparation for component testing.

  • Manufacturing starts with the Tier 1 suppliers, who usually produce the main components or systems for the OEM. They use the approved materials and follow the component description to manufacture the parts.

  • Manufacturing continues along the supply chain, with Tier 2 and other sub-tier suppliers (up to Tier n) contributing specific parts or services required to complete the final product. These tiers may include specialty components, finishing work or assembly steps.

  • Coordination of the entire supply chain is crucial in order to produce the components on time and in the required quality. The network includes all parties involved and must ensure that each step flows seamlessly into the next in order to avoid bottlenecks or quality losses.

  • Once the components have been manufactured and tested, the OEM must officially approve them. This means that they meet the requirements and are suitable for integration into the end product.

  • Finally, the results and data collected throughout the process are analyzed. The goal is to identify areas for potential improvement in order to optimize the material and component development process in the next cycle. This analysis can cover all aspects of the process, from material sourcing to production, and serves to continuously improve efficiency, cost and quality.