Fictiv has a documented manufacturing partner (MP) selection process that is a core competency and differentiates Fictiv from its competitors.

Potential MPs can either apply to Fictiv for selection or Fictiv can approach potential MPs to determine if they are interested in becoming part of the network. The onboarding process starts with a basic questionnaire and then increasing rigor is applied through commercial and quality audits and the production of a complex, tight tolerance test piece. On successful completion of the test piece, the MP is conditionally qualified, although their output is scrutinized as they are ramped-up. All MP performance is tracked and reported on a weekly scorecard. The scorecard positions the MP at a ‘level’ which determines how much work they get offered as an incentive. Other controls ensure that work is offered to the most suitable MPs.

Fictiv’s quality assessment includes a review of how MPs utilize control plans, including the appropriate use of SPC and other statistical controls. Additionally, Fictiv assesses how MPs deal with planned and unplanned changes and special cause events. Fictiv also has a requirement for its MPs to control their externally provided processes, including flowing down the requirements from Fictiv as necessary.

Fictiv provides manufacturing partners with a clear, standardized data package that includes customer-provided 3D models and 2D drawings and Fictiv inspection sheets.

Fictiv has four main methods to verify that parts meet customer requirements:

• 1. Remote inspection of part photographs and analysis of inspection measurements
• 2. Parts are shipped by the manufacturing partner to Fictiv’s QC lab for inspection, which includes dimensional measurement, XRF material analysis, and cosmetic inspection
• 3. Fictiv supplier quality engineers complete a source inspection at the manufacturing partner’s facility
• 4. 3rd party measurement service providers can be used to provide independent dimensional measurements or other non-destructive testing

Fictiv takes full responsibility for the quality of parts manufactured in our ecosystem. When a nonconformance is reported by Fictiv’s Quality Control team, or by a Fictiv customer, email alerts are sent to manufacturing partners in order to resolve the issue and also identify the root cause of the issue to inform the required improvement action reports.

When errors occur and the manufacturing partner submits root causes and improvement actions, we specifically look for the role the control plan plays in both the root cause of the issue and also in the solution to prevent this from recurring.

All parts manufactured with Fictiv undergo inspections by our manufacturing partners, which are then verified by Fictiv either in-person or remotely. Our standard inspections verify critical dimensions using hand tools and cosmetic requirements and we can also perform advanced inspections using CMM or laser scanner technologies as well as first article inspections or other customer inspection plans such as PPAP upon request.

After inspections are completed, all quality documentation is uploaded to the Fictiv platform for customers to easily access at any time through the “Orders” tab of their account. Customers can also view photos of their parts taken at inspection in real-time.