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When an automotive supplier needs a new component, there is often one thing they don’t have: time. Between “We need the part” and “Here is the approved initial sample” there are classically six to nine months. At SGS Schach Global Solutions we regularly manage the complete path from CAD start to an approval-ready component in three months. How that works, and where we save time compared with classic sourcing processes – that’s what we explain in this article.

Why time-to-market is decisive in automotive

OEMs are putting their suppliers under growing time pressure. Model cycles are getting shorter, derivatives are proliferating, and design decisions are often made late. A Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier who can’t deliver loses the contract – and usually the next generation too. Three months from CAD to component is the difference between “We can do this project” and “Too bad, maybe next time.”

The classic sourcing process – and why it takes six months

In the traditional sequence, everything runs serially: engineering creates the CAD model and specification (4–6 weeks), purchasing sends out enquiries and collects quotes (4 weeks), supplier selection, audit and contract negotiation (4 weeks), tool-making (6–8 weeks), sampling and correction loops (4–6 weeks), OEM approval (2–4 weeks).

That’s roughly 24 to 32 weeks. And only if nobody is off sick, no supplier makes trouble and the design isn’t changed again in the meantime.

Our 3-month process – what we do differently

We compress it to 12 weeks by parallelising three things and eliminating classic friction losses at three points.

Weeks 1–4: engineering and supplier enquiry in parallel

While our CATIA V5 engineering sets up the component, the pre-selection of suppliers is already running in the background. We know our China partners and know which manufacturer can produce which geometry economically – we don’t have to wait until the CAD model is final to send out enquiries. As soon as an initial geometry status is available, enquiries go out to two or three pre-qualified manufacturers. Time saved: approx. 3 weeks.

Weeks 4–6: quote, selection and tool release in one go

Classically, supplier selection takes weeks because purchasing and engineering act separately and don’t coordinate. With us, both functions are in one hand – the project manager decides together with the design engineer and releases the tool within 48 hours of receiving the quote. Time saved: approx. 2 weeks.

Weeks 6–10: tool-making in China – closely supervised on site

The tool is built in China. This is where the classic weak point would be: the supplier builds, the customer waits, and problems only surface at sampling. With us, our team is there on site. We see the tool design, check the steel quality, monitor the machining – problems are solved before they turn into delays. Time saved: approx. 2 weeks.

Weeks 10–12: sampling and OEM approval in parallel

As soon as the tool is ready, we run the initial-sample production. While the parts are on their way from the Chinese plant to Germany, preparations for OEM approval are already under way: inspection reports, material certificates, measurements – we submit the documentation in advance so that OEM approval can start on day 1 after the parts arrive. Time saved: approx. 2 weeks.

Where time is really lost – and how we save it

The biggest time-wasters in the classic process are not the individual work steps, but the handovers in between. Email ping-pong between purchasing and engineering, waiting times between supplier and customer, correction loops because specifications were unclear. We eliminate these friction points through one hand for engineering and sourcing (no change of responsibility), our own team in China (in person, on site at the supplier), a pre-qualified supplier list (we don’t start from zero) and parallelised work packages (engineering, purchasing and quality run alongside each other, not one after another).

What you need to provide as the customer

For us to hold the three months, we need three things from you: a clear specification at the start (whatever you don’t define clearly, we have to sharpen up later, which costs time), fast decision paths on your side (when we ask a design question, we need answers in days, not weeks) and a clear point of contact (nothing delays projects more than unclear responsibilities on the customer side).

When it realistically takes longer

An honest classification: three months applies to components of medium complexity with clear requirements. For complete assemblies, safety-critical parts with extensive crash validation, or components with special material approvals, the process can take four to six months. But even then we are typically 30 to 40 % faster than the classic route via separate engineering and sourcing service providers.

Frequently asked questions about production time

Does this also apply to CFRP and carbon components?

Yes. Fibre-composite parts often have even shorter tooling times than metal parts, because the tools are less massive. Three months is very achievable here.

What about prototypes?

Prototypes without a series tool are achievable in four to six weeks – hand lay-up or 3D-printed tools shorten the process considerably.

How fast are you on repeat orders?

If the tool already exists, we’re talking two to four weeks from order – depending on quantity and freight route.

Do you have a specific component project? Send us the specification and quantity – within 24 hours you’ll get an initial timeline and effort estimate. Send your enquiry now →