Quality is critical for manufacturers because every flaw that makes its way into the hands of the end user reflects poorly on their brand. In a perfect world, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) would handle every phase of manufacturing in-house to ensure each step meets the same high quality standards. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and manufacturers often depend on outside partners to handle certain aspects of the work, such as finishing. This is where OEM supplier certification plays an important role in providing assurance.
OEM certification is an approval that third-party vendors can receive from a manufacturer to provide products or services that meet exacting quality, technical, and process requirements. Vendors must go through a formal qualification process to demonstrate that they use controlled processes, maintain thorough documentation, and validate performance through testing. OEM supplier approval is typically program- or part-specific, meaning suppliers may be approved for certain elements of the work but not necessarily all.
Finishing and coating providers are frequently subject to OEM approval due to the impact their work has on meeting the performance needs, durability standards, corrosion protection requirements, and industrial coating compliance of the finished product. For OEMs, understanding how the certification process works and what to expect from certified finishing partners helps ensure the desired level of supplier quality assurance.
Why OEMs Require Certification From Finishing and Coating Suppliers
One of the most important reasons finishing and coating partners should understand how to obtain OEM certification is the very real risks inconsistent finishing can introduce. These include an increased chance of corrosion, coating delamination, cosmetic defects, and rework. Choosing to work with an OEM-approved supplier helps prevent late-stage quality failures, where issues surface only after assembly or shipment and become far more costly to correct. Instituting an OEM certification program is a crucial method for ensuring predictability and repeatability across high-volume and long-life programs. When working with multiple suppliers, certification also helps reduce variability.
Core Requirements OEMs Should Evaluate When Certifying Finishing Partners
OEMs interested in establishing a certification program for their supply chain may feel overwhelmed by the many factors involved in certifying approved coating suppliers. However, it’s much easier to manage the qualification process by focusing on a few mission-critical categories of OEM performance requirements:
- Quality systems and documentation
- Process control and repeatability for meeting coating and surface treatment standards
- Material and process traceability
- Inspection, testing, and validation methods
- Corrective action and change control
Depending on the manufacturer’s specific needs, some of these audit requirements may be emphasized more strongly than others. However, these points provide a baseline used by most manufacturers when evaluating a vendor’s suitability for coating supplier certification. The simplest answer is that it’s up to the manufacturer to determine whether or not a vendor meets OEM manufacturing standards.
The OEM Certification Process for Industrial Finishing Providers
In most cases, OEMs follow a typical process for industrial finishing certification that closely resembles the following:
- Initial nomination or engagement: The process starts with an inquiry originating with the OEM, a supplier nomination, or a sourcing initiative. Many times, this is tied to a specific program, part, or production need.
- Capability and documentation review: The vendor will be asked to submit documentation detailing their finishing processes, quality systems, material specifications, inspection methods, and traceability controls.
- Process validation or trial production: OEMs may require vendors to provide sample runs, test panels, or trial parts to verify that their processes meet performance and consistency requirements under real conditions.
- OEM audit or assessment: Whether on-site or virtually, the OEM follows up with verification that the vendor’s documented processes align with actual operations.
- Approval, conditional approval, or follow-up actions: Following an internal review, the OEM may choose to approve the vendor, offer conditional approval pending corrective actions, or request additional validation.
Maintaining OEM Certification and Building Long-Term Supplier Value
OEM certification is rarely a one-time process. It calls for ongoing performance monitoring, periodic audits, and process updates to maintain that manufacturing supplier certification. The value this process brings to OEM operations is worth the effort, as certified finishing partners provide consistent performance, communication, capacity planning, and continuous improvement that reduce operational uncertainty. The more these vendors communicate and adapt to an OEM’s needs, the more value they bring.
Rhinehart Finishing is proud to be a finishing supplier trusted by numerous OEMs to meet their expectations and support their long-term programs. To learn more about how our industrial finishing and powder coating services can meet your certifications, reach out and speak with a member of our team today to start a long-term partnership.