Sourcing brief
Clarify the product, materials, process, volumes, quality requirements and expected delivery. Identify gaps that would prevent a meaningful quotation.
Procurement / Sourcing
Find manufacturers that fit the requirement.
The right shortlist depends on the product, manufacturing process and commercial constraints. EPIC structures the search around those requirements, then examines the information behind each supplier proposal.
What the work involves
A specific brief leads to a useful shortlist.
A broad enquiry produces broad promises. We help make the requirement precise enough for manufacturers to respond meaningfully, and we distinguish what is confirmed from what still needs checking before selection.
Manufacturer identification
Identify potential suppliers and clarify their role, product range, manufacturing capabilities and willingness to take on the project.
RFQ & technical clarification
Coordinate requests for quotation and answer technical questions with your team. Record supplier assumptions and exclusions.
Comparison & next steps
Compare proposals against the same brief and identify which candidates warrant samples, further checks or a supplier assessment.
A defined scope. Tangible outputs.
What you can work with.
Useful when you need a new supply source, want to explore manufacturing options, or have found suppliers but lack a consistent basis for comparing them.
The deliverables below are examples. Your proposal defines the scope, responsibilities and outputs for your project.
- An agreed sourcing brief
- A reasoned supplier shortlist
- A consolidated quotation comparison
- A qualification plan for the shortlisted candidates
Before we begin
Questions worth asking.
Is finding a supplier the same as qualifying one?
No. Sourcing identifies candidates. Qualification examines whether a selected candidate has the capabilities and controls needed for your requirement. The two stages can be included in the same mission.
Can you compare suppliers we have already found?
Yes. We can review an existing shortlist, clarify quotation differences and identify additional technical or qualification questions.
What should we provide first?
Share available drawings, specifications, reference samples, expected quantities and delivery constraints. If the brief is incomplete, the first step is to identify what needs clarification.
Connected expertise
Keep the whole project in view.
Let’s start with your project
Discuss your projectWhat do you need to make happen in China?
A new supplier, a product to develop, a production issue or an order to manage. Tell us where you are and what needs to move forward.