1.1 Material Group Architecture

Supply chain resilience relies on rigorous segmentation. Treating a microcontroller and a standard resistor with the same procurement logic introduces catastrophic inefficiency and unmanaged risk. A monolithic sourcing strategy fails because component physics, market volatility, and counterfeit exposure rates vary fundamentally across technologies. Architecture-level classification of the Bill of Materials (BOM) dictates the valid supply path, forcing alignment between component criticality and channel security.

Material Categorization Logic

Assign every BOM line item to a specific Material Group (MG). This classification determines the authorized supply channel and required quality controls.

MG-01: Active Semiconductors (ICs, MCUs, FPGAs)

• Characteristics: High logic density, proprietary IP, high value density.
• Risk Profile: Extreme. Primary targets for counterfeiting (remarking, cloning). Lead times often >26 weeks.
• Strategy: Strict adherence to authorized channels prevents system-level logic failure.

MG-02: Passives (R/L/C, Discrete Diodes/Transistors)

• Characteristics: Standardized footprints (0402, 0603), high interchangeability, low individual unit cost.
• Risk Profile: Low to Moderate. Risk lies in volume shortages rather than individual component failure.
• Strategy: Aggregate volume across Authorized Distributors to leverage pricing and buffer stock.

MG-03: Interconnect & Electromechanical (Connectors, Relays, Switches)

• Characteristics: Physical mating interfaces. reliability depends on contact physics and plating.
• Risk Profile: Moderate. High risk of tolerance mismatch or material substitution in gray market parts.
• Strategy: Source via Authorized Distributors or Direct to ensure plating and cycle-life specifications.

MG-04: Custom Fabrication (PCBs, Cable Assemblies, Enclosures)

• Characteristics: Build-to-print. Non-fungible. Zero resale value.
• Risk Profile: High. Failure stems from manufacturing process deviation, not market availability.
• Strategy: Direct Manufacturer Only. Requires audit qualification and First Article Inspection (FAI).

Sourcing Decision Logic

Routing RFQs requires evaluating the MG against the supply market. Use the following logic to determine the valid sourcing path.

If Component is MG-01 (Active) OR MG-04 (Custom):

• Then Route to Tier 1 Authorized (Franchised Distributor or Direct OEM).
• Constraint: Gray market/Broker access is Forbidden without CTO-level waiver.

If Component is MG-02 (Passive):

• Then Route to Broadline Authorized or Catalog Distributors.
• Optimization: Prioritize distributors with API integration for real-time stock checks.

If Supply Channel = Independent Broker (Non-Franchised):

• Then Trigger Risk Mitigation Protocol.
  • Mandatory 3rd-party testing (Decapsulation, X-Ray, XRF).
  • Payment terms: Escrow or Net terms pending QA pass.

Pro-Tip: When sourcing obsolete MG-01 parts from brokers, demand "traceability to the original factory." If the paper trail is broken, treat the part as suspect regardless of visual condition.

Material Strategy Matrix

Implement these controls within the ERP system to enforce routing rules automatically.

No-Go Protocols

Adherence to these constraints prevents quality escapes and liability exposure.

1. Broker Restrictions: Do not purchase MG-01 (Active) components from open-market brokers during standard production. Exception requires documented line-down risk and mandatory testing plan.
2. Traceability: Do not accept shipments for MG-01 or MG-03 without Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from the franchise chain.
3. Substitution: Do not allow "functional equivalents" for MG-04 (Custom) or Safety-Critical components without Engineering Change Order (ECO) approval.
4. Aging: Do not accept solderable components with Date Codes > 24 months without solderability testing.

Final Checklist