1. Define the component set.
List every current and planned variant, supplier and meaningful manufacturing source. Record dimensions, tolerances, weight, material, finish, flexibility and any conditions such as oil, dust, static, burrs or temperature.
2. Describe bulk behaviour.
Explain whether parts nest, tangle, hook, overlap, stick or become damaged during recirculation. Photographs of a bulk sample and a short video of the current process can be useful.
3. Draw the required orientation.
Use annotated images or a drawing to show top/bottom, leading end, rotational position, datum surfaces and allowable tolerance. State whether incorrect parts may be returned, recirculated or must be positively rejected.
4. Define sustainable accepted output.
State the accepted parts per minute required at the final hand-off—not an internal feeder peak. Include shifts, changeovers, normal replenishment and likely product mix.
5. Describe the receiving process.
Provide the machine layout, interface height, available envelope, approach direction, cycle sequence and controls standard. Define part request, ready, part-present, part-taken, fault and safety signals.
6. Specify inspection criteria.
Provide known good, known reject and boundary samples. Define feature size, acceptable variation, required decision, reject handling and any image or data retention.
7. Agree trials and acceptance.
Record the component quantity, test duration, product mix, normal interventions, accepted orientation, output measure, changeover test and fault recovery. This turns a demonstration into a measurable factory acceptance test.
A precise requirement allows the supplier to choose the technology. A guessed technology can hide the real requirement.