In an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape, global companies are turning to strategic sourcing partners to meet their complex procurement needs. Dragon Sourcing recently executed a highly tailored sourcing project for custom magnetic frames—demonstrating its expertise in global supplier scouting, qualification, and performance analysis.
This case study outlines how Dragon Sourcing effectively navigated challenges, deployed its proprietary tools, and provided the client with actionable insights and vetted suppliers across multiple geographies.
Project Objectives and Scope
The client’s primary goal was to source custom magnetic display frames that incorporated a combination of brass, wood, and mechanical components. These frames had to meet stringent aesthetic, functional, and durability requirements.
Key Project Objectives:
Identify qualified suppliers capable of producing highly customized magnetic frames.
Ensure precision machining, finishing, and mechanical integrity.
Deliver a list of vetted suppliers from China, Mexico, Vietnam, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Provide full RFI/RFQ analysis, supplier rankings, audit planning, and sampling recommendations.
Strategic Sourcing Approach
Dragon Sourcing implemented a three-stage approach to manage the sourcing lifecycle from supplier identification to final recommendation:
Stage 1: Supplier Pre-Qualification
Demand & Supply Analysis:
Defined product requirements, key dimensions, materials, and finishing details such as:Solid brass components with clear coating for anti-tarnish
Swivel ball tension springs
Custom laser-cut plaques using ultra-formable 260 brass sheets
Building the Supplier Database:
Leveraged the Dragon Sourcing Global Sourcing Platform (GSP) and external sources to create a longlist of potential suppliers.Telephone Pre-Screening:
Screened suppliers based on:Relevant production capabilities
Experience with similar materials
Willingness to support custom projects
RFI/RFQ Development and Analysis:
Created detailed templates for RFIs and RFQs.
Collected responses from 14 suppliers for RFI and 12 for RFQ.
Scored suppliers on criteria like technical capability, quality control, experience, and response completeness.
Insights from RFI/RFQ Analysis
RFI Findings:
Top RFI Score: 80 points
Average Score: 61 points
Lowest Score: 37 points
Disqualified suppliers failed to meet documentation or capability requirements.
RFQ Highlights:
Suppliers quoted based on EXW pricing due to incomplete FOB data.
Price comparison covered both square and rectangular frame designs.
Some suppliers had flat sample fees regardless of SKU volume, which impacted cost-effectiveness.
Vietnam supplier quoted only for wood components, omitting the metal elements.
Sampling & Supplier Selection
Based on the RFI/RFQ scoring, Dragon Sourcing shortlisted and recommended the most capable suppliers for physical sampling and audits.
Supplier Origins:
China (10 suppliers)
Vietnam (1 supplier)
Mexico (1 supplier)
After further evaluation, the client selected suppliers for sample development, paving the way for contract negotiation and final onboarding.
Key Deliverables Provided by Dragon Sourcing
Custom RFI & RFQ templates
Supplier database with rankings
RFI/RFQ scorecard analysis
Rejection reports with documented reasons
Sampling and audit recommendations
Price comparisons by SKU and shape
Project management through the GSP platform
Lessons Learned
Clear Communication is Critical: Many supplier disqualifications stemmed from unclear RFQ documentation or missing capabilities.
Platform-Driven Sourcing Enhances Transparency: The use of Dragon Sourcing’s GSP tool made it easier to track supplier responses, rankings, and compliance.
Customization Requires Strategic Planning: Precision parts such as laser-cut plaques and mechanical springs necessitate early collaboration with suppliers to ensure feasibility.
Project Timeline & Next Steps
Stage 1 was completed within 8 weeks.
Stage 2 includes:
On-site audits
Final supplier selection
Sample testing
Contract negotiation
Procurement operations (QC, logistics, payment)
Conclusion
This custom magnetic frame sourcing project highlights how Dragon Sourcing’s structured, data-driven, and globally connected process delivers exceptional results. By pre-qualifying suppliers, standardizing communications, and applying rigorous evaluation methods, the company ensures that clients not only reduce costs but also maintain high product quality and supply chain reliability.
Whether you’re sourcing a high-end custom component or looking to diversify your supplier base globally, Dragon Sourcing proves to be a dependable partner in strategic procurement.
FAQ
What made this project unique?
The sourcing involved a multi-material, precision-engineered product requiring advanced manufacturing, custom plating, and tight tolerances—all handled across diverse geographies.
How does Dragon Sourcing choose supplier locations?
Dragon selects sourcing countries based on a mix of cost-efficiency, supplier capabilities, client preference, and geopolitical stability.
What is the GSP platform?
GSP (Global Sourcing Platform) is Dragon Sourcing’s proprietary tool that facilitates supplier data collection, pre-screening, RFQ management, scoring, and project tracking.
Download the Case Study: Custom Magnetic Frame Sourcing Project
Author’s Bio:
Pankaj Tuteja
Head of Operations – India
https://www.dragonsourcing.com
