Introduction
In today’s globalized procurement environment, identifying reliable, cost-effective suppliers is crucial—especially in specialized manufacturing sectors like copper alloy casting. Dragon Sourcing recently executed a strategic sourcing project to identify qualified suppliers for copper alloy billets and cakes. Here’s how a data-driven and structured approach helped achieve successful outcomes.
Project Objectives
The client sought to identify new, competitive suppliers for a broad range of copper alloy castings (billets/cakes) across multiple countries, including:
Large countries: China, India, Brazil
Medium-sized markets: Turkey, Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Kazakhstan
Smaller countries: Uzbekistan, Malaysia
Key Deliverables:
A comprehensive supplier database
RFI/RFQ reports
Detailed supplier profiles
A list of recommended suppliers ready for qualification
Dragon Sourcing’s 5-Step Approach
Dragon Sourcing followed a methodical 5-phase approach, ensuring every stage of the sourcing process was aligned with the client’s requirements.
1. Demand Analysis
Dragon Sourcing collaborated closely with the client to define technical requirements, casting grades (e.g., Cu-HCP, Cu-DHP, Cu-Ni-Fe), dimensions, supplier capabilities, and geographic preferences.
2. Supply Market Analysis
The team gathered data using public resources and Dragon Sourcing’s proprietary e-sourcing platform, identifying 168 potential suppliers.
3. Supplier Pre-Qualification
To filter the long list:
A set of 10 disqualifying criteria was developed (e.g., manufacturing capabilities, ISO certification, export readiness, etc.)
Phone screenings helped narrow down suppliers
9 suppliers passed this phase and were shortlisted for the RFI/RFQ round
4. RFI/RFQ Administration
RFI/RFQ templates tailored to specific alloy categories were developed and sent to the shortlisted suppliers.
Only 4 of the 9 suppliers completed the process, while 5 declined due to:
Domestic order commitments
Inability to meet export requirements
Misclassification during pre-screening
5. Qualification & Audit Recommendation
Based on detailed technical and commercial evaluation, 3 suppliers were recommended for audit. These suppliers met critical requirements like billet diameter, ISO standards, FOB pricing, traceability, and financial capacity.
Copper Alloy Grades Sourced
Dragon Sourcing covered a wide range of copper alloy types, including:
Basic copper alloys: ETP, HCP, DHP, DXP, OFE
Nickel alloys: CuNi10Fe1Mn, Monel 400, CuNi2Si
High-performance alloys: CuCr1Zr, CuCo2Be, CuNi2Be, CuAg, CuTeP, CuFe2P, and more
Suppliers responded with customized specifications, such as:
Billet diameters: 180mm to 900mm
Cake dimensions: Up to 1280 x 320 mm
Competitive FOB pricing for full 20GP container shipments
Key Project Outcomes
168 suppliers initially identified
9 shortlisted through phone screening
4 RFIs/RFQs successfully submitted
3 top suppliers recommended for audit based on performance, technical fit, and commercial terms
This multi-stage strategy enabled the client to build a robust supplier base and prepare for qualified audits and negotiations.
Conclusion
This case study is a prime example of how structured global sourcing—supported by digital tools, detailed criteria, and expert analysis—can unlock significant procurement value. Whether you’re sourcing for complex alloys or other niche categories, Dragon Sourcing’s customized approach ensures quality, compliance, and competitiveness at every step.
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Visit Dragon Sourcing to learn how our sourcing solutions can transform your supply chain strategy.
Download the case study: Alloy Casting Case Study
