Magnetic Assembly Prototype-to-Pilot Gate Review Template

The most expensive phase in magnetic assembly programs is not always mass production. It is the handoff between approved prototype and pilot ramp.

Teams often approve prototypes on performance, then discover pilot failure modes in process control, documentation, or logistics.

Related OEM execution page: Scale-up Supply Governance.

Gate 1: Engineering freeze

Before pilot launch, freeze:

• drawing revision and datum strategy;
• magnet orientation map and assembly sequence;
• critical-to-function tolerances and test methods.

No pilot lot should start while these are still moving.

Gate 2: Process readiness

Validate whether the process can repeat:

• fixture stability and capability for target quantity;
• inspection route and measurement system readiness;
• adhesive, curing, and balancing work instructions.

Prototype success without process readiness is not pilot readiness.

Gate 3: Quality evidence package

Require a minimum evidence set:

• CMM and runout reports with revision trace;
• balancing records under agreed test condition;
• nonconformance and corrective-action log from prototype stage.

This converts knowledge from individuals into transferable production control.

Gate 4: Compliance and shipment readiness

Pilot release must include:

• destination-specific shipping document pack;
• owner assignment for submission and updates;
• escalation path for hold/reject cases.

When this gate is skipped, finished hardware waits in inventory instead of shipping.

A practical rule for launch teams

If one gate is red, the program is not ready to scale. Moving forward anyway creates hidden schedule debt that appears later as emergency rework.

A clear four-gate review keeps the team aligned and makes pilot output predictable for sourcing and integration teams.