Procurement Glossary
Safe Launch: Safe start of series production in procurement
November 19, 2025
Safe Launch is a structured process for the risk-minimized introduction of new products or components into series production. This approach ensures that all critical aspects from supplier qualification to production release are systematically validated. Find out below what Safe Launch involves, which process steps are crucial and how you can successfully minimize risks.
Key Facts
- Structured validation process for new products before the start of series production
- Reduces start-up risks through systematic quality checks
- Includes supplier evaluation, prototype testing and approval processes
- Shortens time-to-market while increasing process reliability
- Integrates cross-functional teams from Procurement, Quality and Development
Contents
What is Safe Launch?
Safe Launch is a systematic approach to minimizing risk during the transition from development to series production of new products or components.
Core elements of the Safe Launch
The Safe Launch process is based on several critical building blocks that ensure a successful market launch:
- Systematic supplier qualification and validation
- Multi-stage prototype and pre-series phases
- Integrated quality assurance and risk assessment
- Cross-functional approval processes
Safe launch vs. traditional series start-up
In contrast to conventional series start-ups, Safe Launch focuses on preventive risk identification and minimization. While traditional approaches often react reactively to problems, Safe Launch establishes proactive control mechanisms in the early project phases.
Importance of Safe Launch in Procurement
For procurement, Safe Launch means a strategic realignment of supplier integration. Procurement assumes a central coordination role between internal stakeholders and external partners in order to identify and manage quality and delivery risks at an early stage.
Process steps and responsibilities
The Safe Launch process is divided into defined phases with clear responsibilities and approval criteria for all functional areas involved.
Supplier qualification and feasibility assessment
The initial phase includes a comprehensive assessment of supplier capabilities and feasibility studies. Technical requirements, capacities and quality systems are validated.
- Conducting feasibility reviews with potential suppliers
- Evaluation of production capacities and quality systems
- Definition of quality and delivery agreements
Prototype and pre-series phase
In this phase, prototypes are developed and tested in order to validate their suitability for series production. Prototypes are procured under near-series conditions.
- Coordination of prototype development with suppliers
- Carrying out validation tests and quality checks
- Optimization of production processes and supply chains
Series release and ramp-up management
The final phase includes the official series release and the management of the production ramp-up. The ramp-up process is continuously monitored and controlled.
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Important KPIs for safe launches
Measuring the success of Safe Launch projects requires specific key figures that reflect both process quality and quality of results.
Time-based performance indicators
Time-to-market and adherence to milestones are key success factors for Safe Launch projects. These KPIs measure the efficiency of the overall process.
- Time-to-market: period from project start to start of series production
- Milestone compliance: percentage of project goals achieved on time
- Lead time of release processes: Duration of the individual validation phases
Quality and risk indicators
Quality indicators evaluate the effectiveness of risk minimization and process stability. These metrics are crucial for the long-term evaluation of Safe Launch's success.
- First-pass yield: proportion of faultless products in the first run
- Supplier rating: Average quality rating of the partners
- Complaint rate: number of quality complaints after start of series production
Cost and efficiency metrics
Profitability indicators evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of Safe Launch investments and their impact on the overall project costs.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
Safe launch projects are associated with various risk factors that can be successfully managed through systematic identification and preventive measures.
Supplier risks and quality problems
Insufficient supplier qualification or quality defects can jeopardize the entire Safe Launch. Rigorous supplier evaluation and continuous monitoring are essential.
- Implementation of multi-stage supplier audits
- Establishment of backup suppliers for critical components
- Continuous quality monitoring using SPC methods
Scheduling and coordination risks
Complex dependencies between different project phases can lead to delays. Effective project management and clear communication structures minimize these risks.
Technical and compliance risks
Technical specification changes or regulatory requirements can affect Safe Launch projects. Early involvement of compliance experts and flexible process design are crucial for the success of the project.
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Practical example
An automotive supplier implements Safe Launch for a new brake component. The project begins with a comprehensive feasibility assessment of three potential suppliers. After selection, a six-month prototype phase with iterative tests and optimizations follows. The series release process includes multi-stage quality audits and production tests under series conditions.
- 30% reduction in start-up time thanks to structured preparation
- Zero defect rate in the first three months of production
- Cost savings of 15% through optimized supplier integration
Trends & developments around safe launches
Digitalization and new technologies are fundamentally changing safe launch processes and enabling more precise risk predictions and more efficient coordination.
AI-supported risk analysis
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing risk identification in Safe Launch through predictive analytics and machine learning. AI systems analyze historical data to identify potential problem areas at an early stage.
- Automated supplier evaluation using AI algorithms
- Predictive quality management for early warning systems
- Intelligent resource planning for ramp-up phases
Digital collaboration platforms
Cloud-based platforms enable seamless collaboration between all project participants. These systems integrate suppliers, internal teams and external partners in a shared digital workspace.
Agile Safe Launch methods
Agile approaches are becoming increasingly important in Safe Launch in order to increase flexibility and reaction speed. Iterative development cycles and continuous feedback significantly accelerate the validation process.
Conclusion
Safe Launch is establishing itself as a strategic success factor for low-risk product launches in modern procurement. The systematic approach significantly reduces start-up risks and simultaneously shortens time-to-market. Companies that consistently implement Safe Launch principles achieve demonstrably higher success rates for product launches and sustainably strengthen their competitive position.
FAQ
What distinguishes Safe Launch from conventional product launches?
Safe Launch focuses on preventative risk identification and systematic validation of all critical process steps. In contrast to reactive approaches, potential problems are identified at an early stage of the project and addressed through structured measures.
What role does Procurement play in the Safe Launch process?
Procurement assumes a central coordination role between internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The main tasks include supplier qualification, contract design, risk management and controlling the entire procurement chain during the start-up process.
How long does a typical Safe Launch process take?
The duration varies between six and 18 months, depending on product complexity and industry. Simple components can be validated in a shorter time, while complex systems or regulated products require longer validation phases.
What are the costs of Safe Launch implementation?
The initial investment in Safe Launch processes typically pays for itself through reduced start-up costs, fewer quality problems and shorter time-to-market. Studies show average ROI values of between 200% and 400% within two years.
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