Risk · 7 min read
Avoiding first-order pitfalls
A practical checklist for specifications, company checks, pilot orders and delivery milestones.
Freeze the specification
Version drawings, materials, tolerances, function, packaging and acceptance requirements. Make quotation inclusions, tooling and delivery scope explicit.
Validate through samples and pilots
Retain approved samples and test results. Agree production consistency requirements and use a manageable pilot order before increasing volume.
Connect payments to deliverables
Check contracting and beneficiary details. Independently confirm account changes with a known contact. Agree evidence for sample approval, scheduling, inspection and shipment milestones.
Define exception handling
Document changes, delays, defects, rework and after-sales responsibilities, contacts and response deadlines. Resolve outstanding issues before progressing to the next milestone.
