Give the qualification claim a scope
Ask what has been qualified, by whom, at which site and for which application. An established customer relationship can be commercially meaningful without proving that the supplier meets your specification. A successful sample, an approved process and repeatable serial delivery are different milestones. Engineering and quality teams should define the acceptance requirements.
Apple's 2025 announcement described product-specific magnet manufacturing lines and recycling development with MP Materials. It is an example of why a customer programme should be read in its stated product context, not as universal qualification.
Separate research gates from approval gates
The research gate asks whether a candidate is worth the time required for technical evaluation. Check the relevant operation, product stage, disclosed output and commercial history. The approval gate requires the evidence your organisation demands for the actual part and process. Passing the first gate must not be presented as passing the second.
Record the dependencies between gates. A site change, different feedstock or revised manufacturing process may require review under your qualification procedure. A backup supplier that needs months of validation is a development option, not necessarily a continuity option for an immediate outage.
Illustrative qualification boundary
A manufacturer supplies magnets to an automotive customer and offers a different grade to your industrial motor programme. The existing relationship supports further research, but the grade, geometry and operating conditions still need assessment. Record the customer evidence as relevant experience rather than proof that your part is already approved.
Keep milestones distinct
| Milestone | What to record |
|---|---|
| Sample supplied | Product, date and test scope |
| Process approved | Site, process and customer scope |
| Serial delivery | Accepted output and repeatability period |
Your review checklist
- Name the product and application being qualified.
- Confirm site and process scope.
- Separate samples from sustained delivery.
- Ask what changes require renewed approval.
Investigate with Oreline
Oreline helps your team investigate the facility and commercial evidence before committing qualification resources. Use the structured research to identify promising candidates and prepare precise technical follow-ups, while keeping formal approval in your quality process.
Follow the evidence through the supply chain.
Explore Oreline’s guided investigations. No account required.
Explore the sandbox →Frequently asked questions
Does a named automotive customer establish our qualification?
No. It may demonstrate relevant experience, but your product, process and application requirements must be assessed separately.
Can Oreline approve a magnet supplier?
Oreline supports evidence-led research. Engineering validation, quality approval and supplier acceptance remain your organisation's responsibilities.