Hydraulic tubing for a regional jet programme

The programme changed its build rate twice inside a year. Both times the schedule moved before the purchase order did, which is the situation that usually turns into either an expedite fee or a line stoppage.

What we changed

We held two lots of finished tube against a rolling forecast rather than against firm orders, and agreed that unclaimed material would return to general stock after ninety days. The customer carried no inventory risk and we carried very little, because Grade 9 tube in those sizes sells to other buyers.

Why the certificates mattered

Every lot shipped with its 3.1 certificate emailed for approval two days before despatch. Over six deliveries the customer's incoming inspection raised no queries at all — unusual on a new supply, and mostly a function of sending the paperwork early rather than with the truck.