Subcontracting workflows in manufacturing
Subcontracting adds a handover between production planning, materials, suppliers and finance. A clear workflow makes it easier to see what left your site, what was completed externally, what returned, and where exceptions need attention.
Build the workflow around the handovers
Plan the job
Define the item, operation, quantity, expected dates and the materials or information the subcontractor needs before work leaves your control.
Track movement and completion
Record dispatch, receipt, completed quantities, rejected work and supplier documents in a way operations and finance can reconcile.
Manage exceptions
Agree how delays, substitutions, scrap and partial returns are captured so planning decisions are based on current information.
A practical starting point
- Map the current route from production order to supplier and back.
- Identify the records that prove quantity, status and cost at each handover.
- Test the process with a real exception, not only the ideal path.