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Series release: definition & important aspects for buyers
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Series release in a nutshell:
Series release is a formal process for qualifying and releasing a product for series production after successful sampling and quality testing. For purchasing, it is a decisive criterion in supplier qualification and marks the transition from the development phase to the series phase with corresponding contractual obligations.
Example: An automotive supplier goes through a 12-week series approval process for a new electronic component, whereby after 3 sampling rounds with 100 parts each and an initial sample inspection with 0 defects, approval is granted for an annual delivery quantity of 50,000 units.
Contents
Introduction to series release
What is the series release?
The series release is an important step in the production process that represents the official approval to start series production of a product. After prototypes and pre-series have been tested and optimized, the series release confirms that the product meets all quality and performance requirements. This process ensures that no unforeseen problems occur during subsequent mass production and that the products meet the defined specifications.
Core elements of the series release
Importance of series release in purchasing
Series approval plays a crucial role for purchasing, as it forms the basis for successful procurement. It ensures that the procured products are free of defects and meet the requirements. This minimizes risks such as production downtime or complaints and contributes to cost efficiency. In addition, series approval enables Purchasing to establish reliable supplier relationships and ensure the quality of purchased parts in the long term.
Implementation of series release in the company
Series release is a structured process that ensures that a product meets all quality and performance requirements before mass production. Clear testing and approval steps minimize risks and ensure consistent product quality.
Practical example: Release of a new electronic component
Situation: A technology company wants to mass produce a new sensor module.
1. initial sample inspection: The first sensor module produced is tested in detail. All technical specifications, such as dimensions, sensitivity and power consumption, are compared with the specifications.
2. validation of the production processes: The manufacturing processes are checked for stability. Process data is collected to ensure that the production line delivers consistent results.
3. quality documentation: All test results are documented. Test protocols, measurement reports and certificates are collected and archived.
4. supplier coordination: Close exchange with the supplier of the electronic components to ensure that the supplied parts meet the requirements.
5th release meeting: representatives from development, quality assurance and purchasing jointly evaluate the results. After a positive evaluation, series production is released.
Evaluation and strategic findings for series release
✓ Critical success factors
→ Process integration: Close integration of quality assurance, development and purchasing for smooth approval processes
→ Supplier management: early involvement and clear communication of requirements to suppliers
→ Documentation quality: Complete and standardized recording of all test results and release decisions
⚠ Challenges and limitations
→ Time pressure: balance between thorough testing and rapid market launch
→ Commitment of resources: High personnel and cost expenditure during the sampling phase
→ Complexity management: coordination of different stakeholders and parallel approval processes
Future trends and developments:
"The digitalization of series release enables faster and more reliable processes while reducing costs at the same time."
→ Digital approval workflows with automatic documentation
→ AI-supported quality checks and error detection
→ Virtual testing to reduce physical patterns
→ Blockchain-based traceability of approval processes
◆ Strategic implications
→ Competitive advantage: faster time-to-market thanks to optimized approval processes
→ Risk minimization: Systematic quality assurance reduces warranty cases
→ Cost efficiency: avoidance of rework through early error detection
Conclusion on the series release
Series release is an indispensable quality assurance process that ensures the successful transition from development to mass production. Structured inspections, close supplier coordination and complete documentation minimize risks and ensure consistent product quality. The increasing digitalization of the approval process offers new opportunities for more efficient and cost-effective processes, while its strategic importance for companies continues to grow.
