Lesson 1Lead time, MOQs and flexibility: defining acceptable lead-time, ramp-up profile, minimum order quantities and batch strategiesThis part makes clear what we expect for lead times, minimum order quantities, and flexibility, showing how to set suitable lead times, ramp-up plans, batch sizes, and backup options to balance quick response, cost, and stock risks effectively.
Mapping end-to-end blade supply lead timeDefining acceptable lead-time by product typeSetting MOQs and economic order quantitiesRamp-up and ramp-down volume strategiesFlexibility clauses and surge capacity plansContingency plans for supply disruptionsLesson 2Performance and safety standards: food contact regulations, electrical appliance safety, domestic appliance standards (e.g., NSF, FDA considerations)This part looks at performance and safety rules for blades in food-contact and home appliances, explaining regulations, certification ways, and how to include these needs in specs and supplier checks to ensure safety and compliance.
Food-contact regulatory frameworks overviewNSF, FDA and similar standard requirementsElectrical and domestic appliance safety basicsDefining performance tests for blade safetyDocumentation, declarations and certificationsIntegrating standards into supplier auditsLesson 3Functional requirements: blade geometry, hardness, edge retention, corrosion resistanceThis part explains functional needs for stainless-steel blades, covering shape, hardness, edge holding, rust resistance, and how these become clear specs, test ways, and supplier design checks for reliable performance.
Defining blade geometry and cutting profileSpecifying hardness ranges and gradientsEdge retention tests and performance metricsCorrosion resistance tests and salt-spray useWear, fatigue and lifecycle performance needsTranslating functions into testable specsLesson 4Cost targets and total cost of ownership: unit price vs landed cost, incoterms impact, tariffs and dutiesThis part teaches how to set real cost goals and check total ownership cost, comparing unit price to full landed cost, looking at Incoterms, tariffs, duties, logistics, quality costs, and long-term business effects of sourcing choices.
Building cost breakdowns for blade componentsComparing unit price versus landed costImpact of Incoterms on logistics and riskEstimating tariffs, duties and customs feesQuantifying quality, scrap and rework costsUsing TCO in supplier selection decisionsLesson 5Quality acceptance criteria and inspection plan: incoming inspection, AQL, sample testing, metallurgical checks, hardness testing methodsThis part sets quality acceptance rules and inspection plans for blades, including sampling methods, AQL levels, incoming checks, metal tests, hardness methods, and papers needed to manage supplier quality well.
Defining critical, major and minor defectsSetting sampling plans and AQL levelsIncoming inspection workflows and recordsMetallurgical structure and grain checksHardness testing methods and frequencyControl plans and reaction to nonconformityLesson 6Material specifications: stainless-steel grades (e.g., 304, 420, 440, 316), heat treatment, coatings and passivationThis part sets material specs for stainless-steel blades, comparing common types, heat treatments, coatings, and passivation, and how these affect hardness, rust resistance, making ease, and overall cost in use.
Comparing common stainless-steel blade gradesSpecifying chemical composition tolerancesHeat treatment cycles and hardness targetsCoatings for wear and friction reductionPassivation processes and corrosion controlMaterial certificates and traceability needsLesson 7Dimensional and tolerance requirements: drawing interpretation, GD&T basics relevant to bladesThis part explains how to set size and tolerance needs for blades, focusing on reading drawings, key sizes, GD&T signs for cutting, and how to share and check them with suppliers and inspectors clearly.
Identifying critical blade dimensionsBasics of linear and angular tolerancesGD&T symbols most relevant to bladesRunout, flatness and parallelism controlsDrawing notes and revision control rulesMeasurement methods and gauge selectionLesson 8Volume, packaging and logistics requirements: monthly volumes, buffer stock, packing, palletization and labeling needsThis part shows how to turn demand plans into clear volume, packaging, and logistics needs, covering monthly forecasts, safety stock, packing ways, pallet rules, labeling, and papers for smooth, safe deliveries.
Forecasting monthly and seasonal blade demandDefining buffer stock and safety stock levelsPackaging design to prevent blade damagePalletization patterns and load stability rulesLabeling, barcodes and traceability dataLogistics documentation and delivery conditions
