Manufacturing Readiness Checklist

01 / DESIGN

Product Definition

Confirm the released technical package represents the intended production product.

Current production drawings are released. Part numbers, revisions, dimensions, tolerances, notes, and specifications are current.

CAD models match the released drawings. Geometry and revision status are consistent across technical files.

Critical characteristics are identified. Important fits, interfaces, seals, dimensions, performance requirements, and acceptance criteria are known.

Design-for-manufacturability review is complete. Geometry, tolerances, material, access, tooling, assembly, and inspection have been reviewed for the production process.

02 / MATERIAL

Materials & Purchased Components

Verify that production inputs are defined, available, and controlled.

Production material is fully specified. Grade, alloy, resin, temper, hardness, condition, color, additives, or other required details are documented.

Material availability has been confirmed. Stock form, supplier source, minimum order, lead time, and certification requirements are understood.

Purchased components are approved. Manufacturer part numbers, approved alternatives, sourcing responsibility, and lead times are defined.

Substitutions require controlled approval. Suppliers understand which materials or components may not be changed without review.

03 / PROCESS

Manufacturing Process

Confirm the intended production route has been defined and tested.

The production process has been selected. Machining, molding, casting, stamping, fabrication, assembly, finishing, and secondary operations are defined.

Required tooling is complete. Molds, dies, fixtures, gauges, workholding, programs, or assembly aids are available and qualified.

Outside processing is identified. Heat treatment, coating, plating, testing, grinding, or other subcontracted operations are controlled.

Pilot production has been reviewed. Production-intent parts have been used to identify process, tooling, assembly, inspection, and packaging issues.

04 / QUALITY

Inspection & Quality

Verify how product conformity will be measured and documented.

Inspection methods are defined. Gauges, CMM routines, test equipment, visual criteria, sampling, and measurement methods are available.

First-article requirements are understood. Initial production approval, reporting, sample quantity, and customer review expectations are known.

Traceability requirements are defined. Material, lot, batch, serial, heat, supplier, or production records are identified where needed.

Nonconformance controls are established. Segregation, notification, disposition, deviation, rework, and corrective-action responsibilities are understood.

05 / SUPPLIER

Supplier Readiness

Confirm that the supplier can support the required quantity and production conditions.

Supplier capability is qualified. Equipment, process, materials, tolerances, part size, secondary operations, and inspection match the project.

Capacity has been confirmed. Machine loading, labor, shifts, tooling, inspection, outside processing, and forecast demand have been reviewed.

Lead-time assumptions are realistic. Material, tooling, queue, production, outside processing, inspection, packaging, and shipping are included.

Supply risks have been identified. Single-source materials, critical equipment, long-lead inputs, outside processors, and contingency concerns are known.

06 / RELEASE

Launch & Delivery

Confirm the operational details needed to release production.

Purchase and forecast requirements are defined. Initial quantity, future releases, annual forecast, minimum quantities, and schedule expectations are understood.

Packaging has been validated. Product protection, labeling, quantity per container, shipping method, handling, and storage are defined.

Change control is established. Material, tooling, process, equipment, supplier, software, location, or inspection changes follow an approval process.

Production responsibilities are documented. Customer and supplier responsibilities for quality, tooling, records, communication, and approvals are clear.

Before release, verify the manufacturing system.